Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM vs Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)
The bottom line
The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a zoom (100-400mm) and the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is a 100mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/5.6) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is 100-400mm, Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is 100mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) reaches 2x magnification vs 0.41x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM or the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) better?
The Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a zoom (100-400mm) and the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) is a 100mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/5.6) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 100mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 2x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra Macro APO (Canon RF) opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM's f/5.6 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 100mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 6° | 24° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Nano USM | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 88 cm | 23 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.41x | 2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $649 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 79mm | 77mm |
| Length | 147mm | 130mm |
| Weight | 635g (1.40 lb) | 600g (1.32 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
