Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Macro
Score: 66/100
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 Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro offers an affordable telephoto zoom with a 1:2 macro capability, suitable for full-frame and APS-C DSLRs. While it provides decent sharpness at shorter focal lengths, it suffers from softness at the long end, vignetting, and lacks image stabilization.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 70 mm | 50 mmbest |
300 mmbest | 50 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 f | 1.8 fbest |
| ↓ lower better | 540 g | 159 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 119 mm | 40.5 mmbest |
| ↓ lower better | 95 cm | 30 cmbest |
0.5 xbest | 0.25 x | |
— | 12 monthsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Mount & Compatibility(2) | ||
Mount Type | Nikon F | Canon RF |
Autofocus Motor Type | Motorized | STM |
Optical(6) | ||
Focal Length (Min) (mm) | 70 mm | 50 mm |
Focal Length (Max) (mm) | 300 mm | 50 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f-number) (f) | 4 f | 1.8 f |
Minimum Focus Distance (cm) | 95 cm | 30 cm |
Maximum Magnification Ratio (x) | 0.5 x | 0.25 x |
Coating Type | Super Multi-Layer | Super Spectra Coating |
Physical(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 540 g | 159 g |
Length (mm) | 119 mm | 40.5 mm |
Filter Thread Diameter (mm) | 58 mm | 43 mm |
Professional reviewers praise the lens for its sharpness at the wide end and mid-range, the inclusion of SLD glass, and the rare 1:2 macro capability at an entry-level price. However, they consistently note corner softness at full telephoto, noticeable vignetting on full-frame, slow autofocus and the absence of stabilization, making it more of a walk-around lens than a professional workhorse.
Everyday users love the macro function, the reach for wildlife and travel, and the reliable performance of the built-in motor on Nikon entry-level DSLRs. Common complaints revolve around softness at the long end, autofocus hunting, occasional internal haze, and the lack of image stabilization, but most owners consider the lens a durable, good-value tool for hobbyist photography.
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.
“macro feature ... calling it a "hidden gem" for close-up nature and product shots.”
“softness at 300 mm is the most common critique”
“Super sharp and fast lens”
