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Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8

Prime/Zoom

82
/ 100
From $199
VS
Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Prime/Zoom

82
/ 100
From $899
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 lands at 82 and Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)

Pick Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 more score per dollar ($199 vs $899).

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 82
vs
82 Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Score breakdown

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8
82
sharpness 82
af 80
build 88
value 85
Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
82
sharpness 82
af 80
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 versus Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

FAQ: Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 vs Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Which is better, Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 or Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM? +

Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 worth the price? +

At $199, Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in build.

Is Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM worth the price? +

At $899, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in build.

Does Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 or Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM 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.

Which is the better value, Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 or Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM? +

Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 — more score per dollar ($199 vs $899). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.