Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM vs Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is 100-400mm, the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) is 75mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM for super-telephoto, the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 75mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 75mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.41x magnification vs 0.1x.
Choose the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 75mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 280g (9.9 oz) it's lighter than the 635g (1.40 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) opens to f/1.8 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, Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) is 75mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (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 Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM reaches 0.41x magnification vs 0.1x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) is 280g (9.9 oz) vs 635g (1.40 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM or the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM is 100-400mm, the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) is 75mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM for super-telephoto, the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 75mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 75mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.41x magnification vs 0.1x.
Who should choose the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF)?
Choose the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/5.6, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 75mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 280g (9.9 oz) it's lighter than the 635g (1.40 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 IS USM and the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Voigtlander PORTRAIT HELIAR 75mm f/1.8 (Canon RF) opens to f/1.8 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 | 75mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 6° | 32° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Nano USM | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 88 cm | 75 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.41x | 0.1x |
| 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 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 58mm |
| Diameter | 79mm | 64mm |
| Length | 147mm | 80mm |
| Weight | 635g (1.40 lb) | 280g (9.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
