Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S vs Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S vs Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
When comparing Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM and Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S, which one is better?
1. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S features a Canon EF while the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM features a Canon RF — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
2. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 2.95 - 3.7 compared to the 4.5 - 7.1 aperture of Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
3. Lens Type Comparison
Both lenses are Zoom lenses, which means that you can choose both Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S or Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM if you're looking for that type of lens.
Winner: Tied
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
4. Stabilization Comparison
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM features built-in image stabilization and Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S does not. Depending on your shooting style, this may be a heavy factor to choose Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM instead of Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S.
Winner: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Regarding image stabilization: When a lens features built-in stabilization, it will actively help you hold the image steady by adjusting the optical elements inside the lens to compensate for movements. Do remember that lens stabilization is not required, but it may be suitable depending on your specific needs.
5. Autofocus Comparison
In regards to autofocus, the winner is Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM since the other lens in this comparison, the Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S does not have autofocus at all — it is a manual focus lens.
Winner: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Regarding autofocus: Lenses with autofocus help you focus when shooting pictures or video. If a lens only has manual focus it means that you have to focus manually by adjusting the focus wheel on the lens. Most cinema lenses do not use autofocus and are manual focus only.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S and Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM:
| Canon CN-E 30-300mm T2.95-3.7 L S | Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Weight | Missing | 1530 g |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF | Canon RF |
| Focal Length | 30 - 300 mm | 100 - 500 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2.95 - 3.7 | 4.5 - 7.1 |
| Anamorphic | Missing | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | Missing | 90 cm |
| Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Aperture Range | Missing | 4.5 - 54 |
| Filter Thread Diameter | Missing | 77 |
| Aperture Blades | Missing | 9 |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 14 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 20 |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Parfocal | Yes | Missing |
| Autofocus | Hayır | Evet |
| Macro | No | Missing |
| Weather Seal | Missing | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |
| Stabilization Type | Missing | Canon Image Stabilizer (IS) |