Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
Score: 72/100
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM is a pocket-sized, affordable standard prime delivering sharp central performance and a bright aperture for low-light work. While it lacks weather sealing and shows some corner softness and vignetting, its quiet STM motor and control ring make it ideal for beginners and vloggers.
The Nikon AF-S DX 55-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a budget-friendly telephoto zoom that delivers solid image quality and useful vibration reduction for DX-format shooters. Its plastic construction and slower AF make it less suitable for demanding professional use.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 55 mm | 50 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 50 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.5 f | 1.8 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 580 g | 159 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 123 mm | 40.5 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 140 cm | 30 cmbest |
0.28 xbest | 0.25 x | |
12 monthsbest | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | F-mount | Canon RF |
Autofocus Motor Type | SWM | STM |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 50 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4.5 f | 1.8 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 140 cm | 30 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.28 x | 0.25 x |
Coating Type | Super Integrated Coating | Super Spectra Coating |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 580 g | 159 g |
Length (mm) | 123 mm | 40.5 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 43 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the lens for delivering sharp, high-contrast images across most of its range and for its effective VR II system, while noting the slower AF motor and lack of full-time manual focus.
Everyday users appreciate the lightweight build, long reach, and VR performance, but complain about sluggish low-light autofocus and the extending barrel that invites dust.
“Super sharp and fast lens”
“Excellent performance in low light (e.g., gym basketball photography)”
“must-have for RF shooters”
Professional reviewers agree the RF 50mm F1.8 STM fills a critical gap in Canon's mirrorless lineup, offering a bargain-priced, sharp, and compact standard prime, though it suffers from corner softness, vignetting, and modest bokeh.
Everyday users rate the lens highly, praising its sharpness, low-light capability, tiny size and quiet AF, while noting AF noise, soft corners at wide apertures, and a plasticky feel.
