Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM vs Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is 18-150mm, the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) is 11mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM for standard zoom, the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Choose the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 11mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 11mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 18mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 11mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 158g (5.6 oz) it's lighter than the 310g (10.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM opens to f/3.5 vs the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is 18-150mm, Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) is 11mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is a zoom (flexible framing), the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.07x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) is 158g (5.6 oz) vs 310g (10.9 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM or the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM is 18-150mm, the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) is 11mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM for standard zoom, the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) for wide-angle.
Who should choose the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM?
Choose the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM if you want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 11mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 11mm 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 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF)?
Choose the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF) if you shoot wide — it starts at 11mm vs 18mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 11mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 158g (5.6 oz) it's lighter than the 310g (10.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM and the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF)?
Aperture: the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM opens to f/3.5 vs the Laowa 11mm f/4.5 FF RL (Canon RF)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 18-150mm | 11mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 8 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 6 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 76° – 11° | 126° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 29-240mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Nano USM | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 25 cm | 20 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 0.07x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $449 | $499 |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 73.6mm | 60.3mm |
| Length | 99.9mm | 45mm |
| Weight | 310g (10.9 oz) | 158g (5.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
