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Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs Canon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USM

Last updated · How Mars Score works
RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS…CANONRENDER
Probe A
Canon
RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
80.6/ 100A
Optics81· 55%
Build—· 35%
Mount—· 10%
RF 50mm f/1.2L USMCANONRENDER
Probe B
Canon
RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
57.6/ 100D
Optics58· 55%
Build—· 35%
Mount—· 10%
Quick verdict

Between the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM and RF 50mm f/1.2L USM, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM comes out ahead in optical stabilization and min focal, while the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM wins on weight. Overall, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM scores 80.6 and the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM scores 57.6 on our Mars Score.

Buying advice

Which should you buy?

The RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 23.0 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.

Pick the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM if you care most about optical stabilization and min focal. The biggest gaps in its favor are optical stabilization, min focal, max focal.

Pick the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight.

Both ship with comparable weather sealed, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.

Bottom line: the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.

Why Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM wins

  • ▲Has Optical stabilization.
  • ▲Min focal: 100 (vs 50).
  • ▲Max focal: 500 (vs 50).

Why Canon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USM wins

  • ▲Weight — 580.00 g less. 950 vs 1530.
Full readout

Spec comparison

Optics

SpecCanon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMCanon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Min focal100 mmlead50 mm
Max focal500 mmlead50 mm
Max aperturef/4.5f/1.2
Min aperturef/51f/16

Build

SpecCanon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMCanon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Weight1530 g950 glead
Weather sealedⓘtruetrue
Optical stabilizationⓘtrueleadfalse

Mount

SpecCanon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMCanon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
Lens mountCanon RFCanon RF
Reader questions

Frequently asked

Drill down

Spec-level deep dives

Min focal→Max focal→Max aperture→Min aperture→Weight→Weather sealed→Optical stabilization→Lens mount→
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