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 priceReleased Oct 2018
Canon
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
An incredibly compact, extending telephoto zoom with L-series optics and 5 stops of stabilization.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2019
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 1 year newer.
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Wins
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (45 cm vs 70 cm)
- ARF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has lower Weight (700 g vs 1070 g)
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- ARF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has lower Length (107 mm vs 146 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
The verdict
The $1,700 price gap between these lenses centers on the trade-off between the versatile 24-105mm focal range and the larger f/2.8 constant aperture found on the telephoto zoom.
Choose Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM if you require a lightweight, all-purpose solution for travel or hiking, as it weighs only 700g and provides essential wide-angle coverage starting at 24mm.
Choose Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM if your work demands maximum light gathering and reach, utilizing its f/2.8 maximum aperture and 200mm focal length supported by a Dual Nano USM focus motor.
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
45 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
700 g vs 1070 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
107 mm vs 146 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
84 mm vs 90 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.24 × vs 0.23 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
Shared specifications
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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Unbelievably compact storage size thanks to extending barrel
- ✓Very lightweight design (only 1070g)
- ✓Excellent center sharpness at all focal lengths
- ✓Dual Nano USM focus motors offer fast, silent AF
- ✓Exceptional 5-stop optical image stabilization
Cons
- –Extending barrel can draw in dust/moisture over time
- –Not compatible with RF teleconverters (due to rear element position)
- –Vignetting is quite heavy wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
Canon RF 70-200mm 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.