Cameraegg Compare logoCameraegg

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

vs

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 price

Released Aug 2019

RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 10 months 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 24-105mm F4L IS USM

Video & HybridLandscape

Wins

4categories

RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM

Video & HybridSports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM wins 1 categories·RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM wins 4 categories
  • BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 45 cm)
  • BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
  • BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
  • ARF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has lower Weight (700 g vs 900 g)
  • BRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.24 ×)

Key specs at a glance

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USMRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Focal Length24-105 mm24-70 mm
Max Aperturef/4f/2.8
MountCanon RFCanon RF
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
Stabilization5 stops5 stops
Weight700 g900 g
Min Focus45 cm21 cm
Filter Size77 mm82 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseRF 24-105mm F4L IS USMRF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Portrait
5.5Fair
4.5Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
7.5Good
Video & Hybrid
9.0Excellent
9.0Excellent
Landscape
7.0Good
7.0Good
Travel
6.5Good
4.0Fair
Wildlife
5.5Fair
5.5Fair
Macro & Close-up
1.5Limited
5.0Fair

The verdict

The $1300 price gap between these lenses centers on the choice between a constant f/2.8 aperture for low light and the extended 105mm focal range.

Choose Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM if you prioritize reach and value for travel or outdoor shooting. Its 105mm maximum focal length provides more coverage in a single lens for $1099.

Choose Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM if you require increased light gathering and close-up capability for professional work. This lens offers a constant f/2.8 aperture and a 21cm minimum focus distance for $2399.

Why pick one over the other

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

  • Special elements

    Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical

  • Weight

    700 g vs 900 g — lower is better

  • Length

    107 mm vs 125 mm — lower is better

  • Diameter

    84 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM

  • Special elements

    Adds 3 Aspherical, 3 UD

  • Min focus distance

    21 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

  • Max magnification

    0.3 × vs 0.24 × — 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 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

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 24-105mm F4L IS USM and RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.

Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L 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 24-105mm F4L IS USM
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Focal length (Min)
24 mm
24 mm
Focal length (Max)
105 mm
70 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/4
f/2.8+1 stop wider
Max aperture (Tele)
f/4
f/2.8+1 stop wider
Elements
18
21
Groups
14
15
Special elements
1 UD, 1 Aspherical
3 Aspherical, 3 UD
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Min focus distance
45 cm
21 cm−24 cm less
Max magnification
0.24 ×
0.3 ×+25%
Autofocus motor
Nano USM
Nano USM
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Optical stabilization
Yes
Yes
OIS effectiveness
5 stops
5 stops
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Weight
700 g−200 g less
900 g
Length
107 mm−18 mm less
125 mm
Diameter
84 mm−4 mm less
88 mm
Filter thread size
77 mm
82 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
9
9
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
RF 24-70mm F2.8L 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.