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 35mm F1.2 L USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM — 35mm f/1.2 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Dec 2018
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 11 months newer.
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Wins
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BRF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BRF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (28 cm vs 50 cm)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.21 × vs 0.17 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
⌀89 × 128 mm
840 g (1.85 lb / 29.63 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
⌀89 × 112 mm
950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 17mm longer than RF 35mm F1.2 L USM.
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 110 g lighter than RF 35mm F1.2 L 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 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 UD
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
28 cm vs 50 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
840 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.21 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 35mm F1.2 L USM supports it
- ✓
Length
111.5 mm vs 128 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Diameter
Both 89 mm
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 35mm F1.2 L USM
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 35mm F1.2 L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.