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 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 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 1.5 years newer.
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Wins
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM
Wins
RF 70-200mm 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 0.23 ×)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Min focus distance (26 cm vs 70 cm)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Weight (730 g vs 1070 g)
- ARF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM has lower Diameter (82 mm vs 89.9 mm)
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (146 mm vs 148 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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
⌀90 × 146 mm
1070 g (2.36 lb / 37.74 oz)
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 2mm longer and 8mm narrower than RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM.
RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM is 340 g lighter than RF 70-200mm 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
- ✓
Max magnification
1.4 × vs 0.23 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
26 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
730 g vs 1070 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
82 mm vs 89.9 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
Length
146 mm vs 148 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
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 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 100mm F2.8L Macro IS USM and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 100mm F2.8L Macro 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 July 2026.