Canon
RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's versatile super-telephoto zoom reaching 500mm — ideal for wildlife, sports, and safari without changing lenses.
$2,699
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
Canon
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
An incredibly compact, extending telephoto zoom with L-series optics and 5 stops of stabilization.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2019
RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM is 9 months newer.
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Wins
RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/7.1)
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
- ARF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.33 × vs 0.23 ×)
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (146 mm vs 208 mm)
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (70 cm vs 90 cm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
The verdict
Deciding between these two professional lenses involves a $100 price difference and a fundamental trade-off between extreme focal reach and a fast, constant maximum aperture.
Choose the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM if you prioritize distant subjects like wildlife, as it provides a 500mm maximum focal length and a high 0.33x magnification for capturing detailed close-up images.
Choose the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM if you require consistent low-light performance or a shallow depth of field, facilitated by its constant f/2.8 aperture and its significantly lighter 1070g weather-sealed body design.
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 UD, 3 Aspherical
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.33 × vs 0.23 × — higher is better
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/7.1 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
146 mm vs 208 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
70 cm vs 90 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1070 g vs 1370 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
90 mm vs 93 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Incredible 100-500mm reach in a single lens
- ✓5.5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Compatible with RF 1.4x and 2x extenders
- ✓Relatively compact for a 500mm-capable zoom
Cons
- –Variable f/4.5-7.1 aperture gets slow at tele end
- –Heavy at full extension (1370g)
- –Expensive for a variable-aperture zoom
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Unbelievably compact storage size thanks to extending barrel
- ✓Very lightweight design (only 1070g)
- ✓Excellent center sharpness at all focal lengths
- ✓Dual Nano USM focus motors offer fast, silent AF
- ✓Exceptional 5-stop optical image stabilization
Cons
- –Extending barrel can draw in dust/moisture over time
- –Not compatible with RF teleconverters (due to rear element position)
- –Vignetting is quite heavy wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1L IS USM
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.