Canon
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM — 135mm f/1.8 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$2,099
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
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 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is 3.8 years newer.
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Wins
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.29 × vs 0.23 ×)
- ARF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has lower Weight (935 g vs 1070 g)
- ARF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM has lower Length (130.4 mm vs 146 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
⌀89 × 130 mm
935 g (2.06 lb / 32.98 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 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is 16mm shorter and 1mm narrower than RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM.
RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM is 135 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 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
935 g vs 1070 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
130.4 mm vs 146 mm — lower 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 Super UD, 2 Aspherical
Shared specifications
Min focus distance
Both 70 cm
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 135mm F1.8 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
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 135mm F1.8 L IS USM and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L 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 June 2026.