Canon rf 600mm f 11 is stm vs canon rf 600mm f 4l is usm?

Both lenses give you 600mm on full frame, both are stabilised, both autofocus, and both fit the same Canon RF bodies, from the EOS R to the R1. The big difference is the maximum aperture: f/4 on the 600mm f/4L and f/11 on the 600mm f/11.

That gap matters. The f/4 lets in far more light, which helps with birds in shade or fast action. My wildlife guide calls big fast primes like this wonderful, but very heavy and very expensive. The site doesn't list weight or price for either lens, so check those yourself.

If you mostly shoot in bright light and don't need the speed, the f/11 still gives you the same reach. For serious bird work, I'd go for the f/4. Either way, buying used can save a lot on a lens this size.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.