The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM and the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 143mm. The Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM with a length of 94mm, is 49mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM's 69mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM weighs 270g, which means it is 360g (57%) lighter than the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM which has a weight of 630g.
Filter Threads
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM has a 58mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM has the Canon RF lens mount whereas the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon R50 V, Canon R100 and Canon R50 for the Canon RF Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Canon RF-S 55-210mm F5.0-7.1 IS STM has a focal range of 55-210mm and
3.8X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
88-336mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM has a focal range of 70-300mm and 4.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 112 - 480mm.
