Canon
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's first RF macro with 1.4x magnification and spherical aberration control for stunning close-up detail.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Apr 2021
Canon
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
The cornerstone zoom for Canon mirrorless, featuring 5 stops of optical image stabilization.
$2,399
Launch priceReleased Aug 2019
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 1.7 years newer.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has higher Max magnification (1.4 × vs 0.3 ×)
- BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 26 cm)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Weight (730 g vs 900 g)
- BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (125 mm vs 148 mm)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Diameter (82 mm vs 88 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
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RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
⌀82 × 148 mm
730 g (1.61 lb / 25.75 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
⌀88 × 125 mm
900 g (1.98 lb / 31.75 oz)
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 23mm longer and 6mm narrower than RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 170 g lighter than RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 0.3 × — higher is better
- ✓
Weight
730 g vs 900 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
82 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 3 UD
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 26 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
125 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Pros
- ✓1.4x maximum magnification (industry-leading for macro)
- ✓Spherical Aberration Control for adjustable bokeh
- ✓5-stop Hybrid IS for handheld macro
- ✓Doubles as a sharp 100mm portrait lens
Cons
- –Complex SA control ring adds learning curve
- –Heavy for macro work (730g)
- –Premium macro pricing
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization (up to 5 stops)
- ✓Excellent L-series sharpness and build quality
- ✓Fast and silent Nano USM focus motor
- ✓Very low chromatic aberration
Cons
- –Heavier than competitive options (900g)
- –Pricey entry threshold
- –Minor barrel distortion at 24mm
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.