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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Sony E Mount
The standard telephoto zoom, completely redesigned to be 29% lighter and significantly sharper.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is 1.9 years newer.
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Wins
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (128 mm vs 200 mm)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (28 cm vs 40 cm)
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.21 ×)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (840 g vs 1045 g)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 4.5 stops)
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 3 Aspherical, 2 UD
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Length
128 mm vs 200 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
28 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
840 g vs 1045 g — lower is better
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 4.5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Aspherical, 1 Super ED…
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.21 × — higher 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
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
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Pros
- ✓Extremely lightweight for an f/2.8 telephoto zoom (only 1045g)
- ✓Virtually instantaneous and silent autofocus with 4 XD Linear motors
- ✓Stunning optical performance and contrast across entire range
- ✓Outstanding built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization
- ✓Dedicated physical aperture ring with click and lock switches
Cons
- –Very high price tag
- –Lens hood is bulky and can block storage space easily
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.