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Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs Sony - FE 50mm f/1.4 GM

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%
FE 50mm f/1.4 GMSONYRENDER
Probe B
Sony
FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
57.6/ 100D
Optics58· 55%
Build· 35%
Mount· 10%
Quick verdict

Between the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM and FE 50mm f/1.4 GM, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM comes out ahead in optical stabilization and min focal, while the FE 50mm f/1.4 GM wins on weight. Overall, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM scores 80.6 and the FE 50mm f/1.4 GM 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 FE 50mm f/1.4 GM 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 Sony - FE 50mm f/1.4 GM wins

  • Weight — 1014.00 g less. 516 vs 1530.
Full readout

Spec comparison

Optics

SpecCanon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMSony - FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
Min focal100 mmlead50 mm
Max focal500 mmlead50 mm
Max aperturef/4.5f/1.4
Min aperturef/51f/16

Build

SpecCanon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMSony - FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
Weight1530 g516 glead
Weather sealedtruetrue
Optical stabilizationtrueleadfalse

Mount

SpecCanon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMSony - FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
Lens mountCanon RFleadSony E
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