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 priceReleased Aug 2019
Canon
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Canon RF Mount
The world's first f/2 standard zoom — unmatched low-light performance and shallow depth of field across the range.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Oct 2018
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
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 39 cm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (900 g vs 1430 g)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.21 ×)
- BRF 28-70mm F2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
The verdict
The $600 price gap between these lenses represents a choice between a 5-stop optical image stabilizer and the light-gathering capability of a constant f/2 aperture.
Choose the Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM if you require a wider 24mm focal length and handheld stability, as it includes 5 stops of stabilization and weighs 530 grams less than the f/2 alternative.
Choose the Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM if you need the shallowest depth of field and maximum light intake, as it provides a faster f/2 aperture and utilizes a larger 95mm filter size.
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 3 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 39 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
900 g vs 1430 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
88 mm vs 104 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
125 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.21 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 28-70mm F2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — 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 24-70mm 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
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Pros
- ✓Constant f/2 aperture — unique among standard zooms
- ✓Exceptional low-light and indoor event performance
- ✓Outstanding build quality and weather sealing
- ✓Fast Ring USM autofocus
Cons
- –Extremely heavy (1430g) — not for casual carry
- –Highest price in the standard zoom category
- –No optical image stabilization
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 28-70mm F2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF 28-70mm F2L 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
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.