Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM vs Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM
Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM has more in its favour on paper. The RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM gathers more light for low light and background blur; the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM is lighter and cheaper.
Choose the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM for
- less weight (390g vs 540g)
- a lower price (about £390 vs £1,080)
Choose the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/4, about 0.3 stops more light)
- more reach (35mm vs 30mm)
- a wider starting focal length (14mm vs 15mm)
- weather sealing
- a constant aperture through the zoom range
| RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM | RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Focal length | 15-30mm | 14-35mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4.5-6.3 | f/4 |
| Weight | 390 g | 540 g |
| Stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes |
| Filter size | 67mm | 77mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £499 | £1,699 |
| Used at MPB (Canon RF / RF-S) | £349–£429 | £1,029–£1,139 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM better than the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM?
The RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM offers less weight (390g vs 540g), a lower price (about £390 vs £1,080); the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/4, about 0.3 stops more light), more reach (35mm vs 30mm), a wider starting focal length (14mm vs 15mm).
Which is better value, the RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM or the RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM?
On Canon RF / RF-S, the Canon RF 15-30mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM costs about £390 against about £1,080 for the Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/4 worth it over f/4.5?
f/4 gathers about 0.3 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Canon RF / RF-S.