Cameraegg Compare logoCameraegg

Canon

RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM

Canon RF Mount

Canon's professional ultra-wide zoom with constant f/2.8 and 5-stop IS for landscapes, architecture, and events.

$2,299

Launch price

Released Nov 2019

vs

Canon

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

Canon RF Mount

The ultimate walk-around RF zoom — covers wide to portrait with 5-stop IS in a single versatile package.

$1,099

Launch price

Released Oct 2018

RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 1 year newer.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Wins

3categories

RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM

Video & HybridLandscape

Wins

4categories

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

Video & HybridLandscape

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM wins 3 categories·RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM wins 2 categories
  • ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (28 cm vs 45 cm)
  • ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
  • ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
  • BRF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has lower Weight (700 g vs 840 g)
  • BRF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has lower Length (107 mm vs 128 mm)

Key specs at a glance

RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USMRF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Focal Length16-35 mm24-105 mm
Max Aperturef/2.8f/4
MountCanon RFCanon RF
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
Stabilization5 stops5 stops
Weight840 g700 g
Min Focus28 cm45 cm
Filter Size82 mm77 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseRF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USMRF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Portrait
4.5Fair
5.5Fair
Sports & Action
7.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
9.0Excellent
9.0Excellent
Landscape
8.0Excellent
7.0Good
Travel
2.0Limited
6.5Good
Wildlife
5.5Fair
5.5Fair
Macro & Close-up
3.0Limited
1.5Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM

  • Special elements

    Adds 3 Aspherical, 2 UD

  • Min focus distance

    28 cm vs 45 cm — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better

Reasons to choose the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

  • Special elements

    Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical

  • Weight

    700 g vs 840 g — lower is better

  • Length

    107 mm vs 128 mm — lower is better

  • Diameter

    84 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.24 × vs 0.21 × — higher is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM

Pros

  • Ultra-wide 16mm perspective for dramatic landscapes
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture across entire range
  • 5-stop optical image stabilization
  • Excellent weather sealing for outdoor work

Cons

  • Bulky and heavy (840g)
  • Some barrel distortion at 16mm
  • Premium L-series pricing

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

Pros

  • Extremely versatile 24-105mm range for travel and events
  • 5-stop optical image stabilization
  • Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
  • Nano USM delivers fast, quiet autofocus

Cons

  • f/4 maximum aperture limits low-light capability
  • Heavier than f/2.8 alternatives (700g)
  • Corner sharpness softens at 105mm wide open

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM at major authorized retailers.

Canon RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM

Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.

Full specifications

= category winner

RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Focal length (Min)
16 mm
24 mm
Focal length (Max)
35 mm
105 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8+1 stop wider
f/4
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8+1 stop wider
f/4
Elements
16
18
Groups
13
14
Special elements
3 Aspherical, 2 UD
1 UD, 1 Aspherical
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Min focus distance
28 cm−17 cm less
45 cm
Max magnification
0.21 ×
0.24 ×+14%
Autofocus motor
Nano USM
Nano USM
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Optical stabilization
Yes
Yes
OIS effectiveness
5 stops
5 stops
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Weight
840 g
700 g−140 g less
Length
128 mm
107 mm−21 mm less
Diameter
89 mm
84 mm−5 mm less
Filter thread size
82 mm
77 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
9
9
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Lens mount
Canon RF
Canon RF
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.