Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM vs Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is 24-105mm, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is 800mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM for standard zoom, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM for super-telephoto.
Choose the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/4 is faster than f/11, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 800mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-105mm zoom covers what the fixed 800mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 700g (1.54 lb) it's lighter than the 1260g (2.78 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 800mm vs 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 800mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM opens to f/4 vs the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM's f/11 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is 24-105mm, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is 800mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is $999, $100 under the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is 700g (1.54 lb) vs 1260g (2.78 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM or the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM is 24-105mm, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is 800mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM for standard zoom, the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM if you want more light and background blur — f/4 is faster than f/11, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 800mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-105mm zoom covers what the fixed 800mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 700g (1.54 lb) it's lighter than the 1260g (2.78 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM if you need more reach — it goes to 800mm vs 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 800mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM and the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM opens to f/4 vs the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM's f/11 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-105mm | 800mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/11 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/11 |
| 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 | 84° – 23.5° | 3° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Nano USM | STM |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 45 cm | 600 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 0.14x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,099 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 83.5mm | 102mm |
| Length | 107.3mm | 281.8mm |
| Weight | 700g (1.54 lb) | 1260g (2.78 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
