What To Know
- The Canon RF-S 55-210mm lens has a focal length range of 55mm to 210mm, while the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens has a focal length range of 18mm to 150mm.
- This means that the 55-210mm lens offers a longer reach for distant subjects, while the 18-150mm lens provides a wider field of view for capturing landscapes or group shots.
- The Canon RF-S 55-210mm lens is constructed with a combination of metal and plastic, while the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens is constructed entirely of plastic.
Photographers looking to extend their reach with a telephoto zoom lens for their Canon APS-C mirrorless camera have two excellent options to consider: the Canon RF-S 55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM and the Canon RF-S 18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM. Both lenses offer a versatile focal length range, but they differ in several key aspects. In this blog post, we will compare the Canon RF-S 55-210mm vs 18-150mm lenses in terms of their features, performance, and price to help you decide which one is the best choice for your photography needs.
Focal Length Range
The most significant difference between the two lenses is their focal length range. The Canon RF-S 55-210mm lens has a focal length range of 55mm to 210mm, while the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens has a focal length range of 18mm to 150mm. This means that the 55-210mm lens offers a longer reach for distant subjects, while the 18-150mm lens provides a wider field of view for capturing landscapes or group shots.
Aperture Range
The aperture range of a lens determines how much light it can gather and how shallow the depth of field can be. The Canon RF-S 55-210mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/5-7.1, while the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-6.3. This means that the 18-150mm lens can let in more light and create a shallower depth of field, making it a better choice for low-light photography or portraits.
Image Stabilization
Both the Canon RF-S 55-210mm and 18-150mm lenses feature optical image stabilization (IS), which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. The 55-210mm lens has a 4-stop IS system, while the 18-150mm lens has a 4.5-stop IS system. This means that the 18-150mm lens provides slightly better image stabilization, making it a better choice for handheld shooting in low-light conditions.
Autofocus
Both lenses use a stepping motor (STM) autofocus system, which is fast and quiet. However, the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens has a slight edge in autofocus performance due to its Nano USM motor, which is known for its speed and accuracy.
Build Quality
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm lens is constructed with a combination of metal and plastic, while the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens is constructed entirely of plastic. Both lenses feel solid and well-built, but the 55-210mm lens has a slightly more premium feel.
Price
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm lens is priced at around $300, while the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens is priced at around $500. The 18-150mm lens is more expensive, but it offers a wider focal length range, a faster maximum aperture, and better image stabilization.
Which Lens is Right for You?
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm and 18-150mm lenses are both excellent choices for APS-C mirrorless cameras. The 55-210mm lens is a good option for photographers who need a longer reach for wildlife or sports photography. The 18-150mm lens is a better choice for photographers who need a more versatile lens for everyday shooting. Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Alternatives to Consider
In addition to the Canon RF-S 55-210mm and 18-150mm lenses, there are a few other telephoto zoom lenses available for APS-C mirrorless cameras. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary: A fast and compact prime lens that is ideal for portraits and low-light photography.
- Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD: A versatile zoom lens with a fast maximum aperture that is suitable for a wide range of shooting situations.
- Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS: A weather-resistant zoom lens with a long reach that is ideal for wildlife and sports photography.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
A: The Canon RF-S 55-210mm lens has a longer reach, making it a better choice for wildlife photography.
Q: Which lens is better for portraits?
A: The Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens has a faster maximum aperture, making it a better choice for portraits.
Q: Which lens is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens has a faster maximum aperture, making it a better choice for low-light photography.
Q: Which lens is better for video recording?
A: Both lenses are suitable for video recording, but the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens has a slightly smoother autofocus system.
Q: Which lens is better for beginners?
A: Both lenses are easy to use, but the Canon RF-S 18-150mm lens is more versatile and offers a wider focal length range.
