Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM vs Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is 800mm, the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) is 17mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM for super-telephoto, the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Choose the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 800mm vs 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) 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 17mm vs 800mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 770g (1.70 lb) it's lighter than the 1260g (2.78 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) 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 800mm f/11 IS STM is 800mm, Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) is 17mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) is 770g (1.70 lb) vs 1260g (2.78 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM is 800mm, the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) is 17mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM for super-telephoto, the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
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 17mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) 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 17mm vs 800mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 770g (1.70 lb) it's lighter than the 1260g (2.78 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM and the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Laowa 17mm f/4 Zero-D Shift (Canon RF) 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 | 800mm | 17mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/11 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/11 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 14 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 3° | 104° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | STM | Manual |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 600 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.14x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | Yes |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 86mm |
| Diameter | 102mm | 93mm |
| Length | 281.8mm | 110mm |
| Weight | 1260g (2.78 lb) | 770g (1.70 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
