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Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro — Prime/zoom
Laowa

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Prime/zoom

84
/ 100
From $479
VS
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8

Prime/Zoom

84
/ 100
From $649
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro lands at 84 and Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 at 84. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 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

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Compared on the build sub-score

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro leads on build (90 vs 88).

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

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

Autofocus

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 leads on af (82 vs 80).

Value for money

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro more score per dollar ($479 vs $649).

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro 84
vs
84 Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8

Score breakdown

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
84
sharpness 84
af 80
build 90
value 86
Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8
84
sharpness 84
af 82
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro versus Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 — full spec comparison
Spec Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8

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

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

FAQ: Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro vs Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8

Which is better, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8? +

Both score 84 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

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.

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.

Does Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 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 better for build, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8? +

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8? +

Canon RF 100-400mm f/5.6-8 — leads on af (82 vs 80). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.