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
Leica
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Leica L Mount
1470g weather-sealed f/2.8 telephoto zoom with dual stepper AF and 0.25x close focus.
$4,195
Launch priceReleased Nov 2022
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 3.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 60 cm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (900 g vs 1470 g)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (125 mm vs 170 mm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.25 ×)
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
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
⌀88 × 170 mm
1470 g (3.24 lb / 51.85 oz)
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 45mm shorter than Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH..
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 570 g lighter than Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH..
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 60 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
900 g vs 1470 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
125 mm vs 170 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 4 Aspherical, 2 ED
- ✓
Custom function button
Only Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. supports it
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Diameter
Both 88 mm
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
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.