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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
A versatile wide-angle prime with 0.5x macro — perfect for street, travel, and close-up photography on a budget.
$499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2018
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 10 months newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 900 g)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 125 mm)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.3 ×)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- BRF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 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
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 3 UD
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
Reasons to choose the RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
305 g vs 900 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 125 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.3 × — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 21 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Versatile 35mm focal length for street and travel
- ✓0.5x macro capability in a compact prime
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Affordable entry into RF primes
Cons
- –f/1.8 not as impressive as f/1.4 alternatives
- –Some distortion and vignetting wide open
- –Plastic build, no weather sealing
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.