Nikon NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR
Score: 74/100
Canon RF 50mm f/1.8
Score: 73/100Rankings
The Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a lightweight, retractable telephoto zoom aimed at APS-C users. It offers solid optical performance, VR, and a silent AF motor, though its plastic construction and lack of weather sealing limit rugged use.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 55 mm | 50 mmbest |
200 mmbest | 50 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 f | 1.8 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 335 g | 159 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 100 mm | 40.5 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 110 cm | 30 cmbest |
0.23 x | 0.25 xbest | |
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 | Nikon F | Canon RF |
Autofocus Motor Type | Silent Wave Motor | STM |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 55 mm | 50 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 200 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4 f | 1.8 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 110 cm | 30 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.23 x | 0.25 x |
Coating Type | Super Spectra | Super Spectra Coating |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 335 g | 159 g |
Length (mm) | 100 mm | 40.5 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 52 mm | 43 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the lens for its portability, solid optical performance and the addition of VR, while noting the plastic mount and lack of a built-in hood as drawbacks.
Everyday users love the lightweight travel companion and effective VR, but complain about the missing hood, cheap plastic feel, and reduced sharpness at 200 mm wide open.
“Perfect travel companion”
“Great for beginners”
“Super sharp and fast lens”
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.
