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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM — 800mm f/5.6 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$16,999
Launch priceReleased Feb 2022
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 2.5 years newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 400 cm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (900 g vs 3140 g)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (125 mm vs 432 mm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.14 ×)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
⌀88 × 125 mm
900 g (1.98 lb / 31.75 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
⌀140 × 432 mm
3140 g (6.92 lb / 110.76 oz)
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 307mm shorter and 52mm narrower than RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM.
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 2240 g lighter than RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
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
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 400 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
900 g vs 3140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
125 mm vs 432 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
88 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.14 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Fluorite, 2 Super UD, 1 UD
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.