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
Sony
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 2.5 years newer.
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Wins
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.21 ×)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 28 cm)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (695 g vs 840 g)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Length (120 mm vs 128 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 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
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
⌀88 × 120 mm
695 g (1.53 lb / 24.52 oz)
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 8mm longer and 1mm wider than FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 145 g heavier than FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.
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
Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 2 ED, 2 Super ED
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 28 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
695 g vs 840 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.21 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
120 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
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
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
- ✓Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
- ✓Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
- ✓Excellent close-up magnification
- ✓De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons
Cons
- –No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
- –High launch price
- –Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed October 2026.