Canon
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8
Prime/Zoom
84
/ 100
From $649
VS
Laowa
Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
Prime/zoom
84
/ 100
From $479
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 lands at 84 and Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 if…
- ✓Fast aperture
- ✓Quiet autofocus
- ✓Weather-sealed (most)
Pick Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro if…
- ✓Proven optical formula
- ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- ✓Strong resale
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 84
vs 84 Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
Score breakdown
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8
84 sharpness 84
af 82
build 88
value 85
Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
84 sharpness 84
af 80
build 90
value 86
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 | Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro |
|---|
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8
Pros
- +Fast aperture
- +Quiet autofocus
- +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
- −Mount-specific
- −Weight varies
- −Price scales with quality
Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
Pros
- +Proven optical formula
- +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- +Strong resale
Cons
- −Mount-specific
- −Older AF motor on some
- −Heavier than modern counterparts
FAQ: Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 vs Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
Which is better, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 or Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro? +
Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 worth the price? +
At $649, Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in build.
Is Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro worth the price? +
At $479, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in build.
Does Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 or Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.