Nikon 55-300mm Zoom Lens
Score: 78/100
Canon RF50mm F1.8 STM
Score: 76/100Rankings
The Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR provides a broad 5.5× zoom and solid VR II for DX-format cameras. Zoom creep and slower AF can hinder fast-action shooting, and edge softness remains at the long end. Best suited for entry-level DX users seeking affordable telephoto versatility.
The Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM is a compact prime lens offering a fast f/1.8 aperture and quiet STM autofocus, making it ideal for everyday shooting and video. Its trade-offs include lack of weather sealing, no image stabilization, and a plastic build that may feel less premium. Best suited for beginners, travel photographers, and vloggers seeking a lightweight "nifty fifty."
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 50 mmbest | |
— | 1.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.4 m | 0.3 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | 160 gbest |
5.5best | — | |
9best | 7 | |
0.3best | 0.3 | |
17best | 6 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F-Bayonet | Canon RF |
Mount Compatibility | DX | EOS R Series Mirrorless Cameras |
Features(3) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Autofocus Type | AF-S | STM |
Focus Type | Auto | autofocus |
Optics(8) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-300 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.5-5.6 | 1.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.4 m | 0.3 m |
Macro Ratio | 0.28 | 0.25 |
Number of Optical Elements | 17 | 6 |
Number of Optical Groups | 11 | 5 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 7 |
Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra Coating |
Build & Design(5) | ||
Filter Thread Size (mm) | 58 mm | 43 mm |
Weight (g) | 580 g | 160 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 40.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 77 mm | 69.2 mm |
Construction Material | Polycarbonate | plastic |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the Nikon 55-300mm for its generous reach, quiet Silent Wave Motor, and effective VR II stabilization, noting that the ED and HRI elements keep chromatic aberration low. However, they criticize the soft corner performance at 300mm, slower autofocus compared to higher-end telephotos, and diffraction limits when stopping down beyond f/16.
Everyday users love the lens for its lightweight, travel-friendly design, solid VR performance, and ability to get close-up shots of insects, but they repeatedly mention zoom creep, slower AF for action, and noticeable softness in the telephoto corners as recurring pain points.
“Users praise sharp distant shots for sports/wildlife, effective VR for handheld telephoto, compact size/weight for travel, and close focus for insects (e.g., 3-inch field at 300mm).”
“Common complaints include zoom creep/wiggle, slow AF for action, soft 300mm corners, filter rotation, and VR less effective on tripod without sensing.”
“easy carry-along companion”
Professional reviewers commend the RF 50mm f/1.8 STM for its ultra-compact design, fast f/1.8 aperture, quiet STM AF and the added control ring, positioning it as a versatile walk-around lens. However, they criticize the lack of weather sealing and optical stabilization, and note the plastic construction feels less premium than higher-end Canon optics.
Everyday users consistently praise the lens's lightweight, pocketable form factor, impressive bokeh, low-light performance and silent autofocus, calling it a great value for casual shooting and video. Recurring complaints focus on the absence of weather sealing, no built-in IS, a plastic feel that some deem 'toy-like', and occasional edge softness or flare when shooting wide open.
