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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

Sony

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Sony E Mount

Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.

$1,999

Launch price

Released Mar 2021

FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 2.4 years newer.

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Wins

5categories

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM

Video & HybridLandscape

Wins

3categories

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

PortraitSports & Action

TL;DR — Key differences

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM wins 2 categories·FE 50mm F1.2 GM wins 3 categories
  • ARF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
  • BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
  • BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
  • ARF 24-105mm F4L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.24 × vs 0.17 ×)
  • BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 45 cm)

Key specs at a glance

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USMFE 50mm F1.2 GM
Focal Length24-105 mm50 mm
Max Aperturef/4f/1.2
MountCanon RFSony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
Stabilization5 stopsNo
Weight700 g778 g
Min Focus45 cm40 cm
Filter Size77 mm72 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseRF 24-105mm F4L IS USMFE 50mm F1.2 GM
Portrait
5.5Fair
9.0Excellent
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
9.0Excellent
4.5Fair
Landscape
7.0Good
3.0Limited
Travel
6.5Good
2.0Limited
Wildlife
5.5Fair
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
1.5Limited
0.0Limited

Why pick one over the other

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

  • Special elements

    Adds 1 UD, 1 Aspherical

  • OIS effectiveness

    5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better

  • Optical stabilization

    Only RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM supports it

  • Weight

    700 g vs 778 g — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.24 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better

  • Diameter

    84 mm vs 87 mm — lower is better

  • Length

    107 mm vs 108 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM

  • Special elements

    Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)

  • Max aperture (Wide)

    f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better

  • Max aperture (Tele)

    f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better

  • Custom function button

    Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it

  • Min focus distance

    40 cm vs 45 cm — lower is better

Shared specifications

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 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

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Pros

  • Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
  • Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
  • Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
  • Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens

Cons

  • Expensive investment for a single focal length
  • Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
  • Some visible vignetting wide open

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.

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Full specifications

= category winner

RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Focal length (Min)
24 mm
50 mm
Focal length (Max)
105 mm
50 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/4
f/1.2+3.5 stops wider
Max aperture (Tele)
f/4
f/1.2+3.5 stops wider
Elements
18
14
Groups
14
10
Special elements
1 UD, 1 Aspherical
3 XA (extreme aspherical)
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Min focus distance
45 cm
40 cm−5 cm less
Max magnification
0.24 ×+41%
0.17 ×
Autofocus motor
Nano USM
XD Linear Motors
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Optical stabilization
Yes
No
OIS effectiveness
5 stops
0 stops
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Weight
700 g−78 g less
778 g
Length
107 mm−1 mm less
108 mm
Diameter
84 mm−3 mm less
87 mm
Filter thread size
77 mm
72 mm
Weather sealing
Yes
Yes
Diaphragm blades
9
11
RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Lens mount
Canon RF
Sony E
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.