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 priceReleased Nov 2019
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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 2 months newer.
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Wins
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.21 ×)
- BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 28 cm)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (840 g vs 900 g)
- BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (125 mm vs 128 mm)
- BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Diameter (88 mm vs 89 mm)
Key specs at a glance
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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 UD
- ✓
Weight
840 g vs 900 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 UD
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 28 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.21 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
125 mm vs 128 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
88 mm vs 89 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 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 24-70mm 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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 16-35mm F2.8L 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 May 2026.