Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM vs Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is 100mm, the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is 20-50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM for zoom, the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ for standard.
Choose the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1.4x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 100mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 20-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 730g (1.61 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is 100mm, Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is 20-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Weight: the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is 420g (14.8 oz) vs 730g (1.61 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM or the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM is 100mm, the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ is 20-50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM for zoom, the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ for standard.
Who should choose the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 100mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1.4x 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.
Who should choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ?
Choose the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ if you shoot wide — it starts at 20mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 20-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 100mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 420g (14.8 oz) it's lighter than the 730g (1.61 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM and the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ?
Aperture: the Canon RF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM opens to f/2.8 vs the Canon RF20-50mm F4 L IS USM PZ's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100mm | 20-50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 24° | 94° – 46° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Nano USM | Nano USM |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 26 cm | − |
| Max Magnification | 1.4x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | Yes |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,399 | $1,399 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 81.5mm | − |
| Length | 148mm | − |
| Weight | 730g (1.61 lb) | 420g (14.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
