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
Sigma
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Fujifilm X Mount
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary — 18–50mm f/2.8 for Fujifilm X, a popular choice in the sigma lineup.
$549
Launch priceReleased Apr 2023
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is 3.7 years newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- B18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Weight (285 g vs 900 g)
- B18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Min focus distance (12.1 cm vs 21 cm)
- B18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Length (76.8 mm vs 125 mm)
- B18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary has lower Diameter (61.6 mm vs 88 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
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
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
⌀62 × 77 mm
285 g (0.63 lb / 10.05 oz)
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 48mm longer and 26mm wider than 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary.
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 615 g heavier than 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary.
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
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 UD
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
Reasons to choose the 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
- ✓
Weight
285 g vs 900 g — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 SLD
- ✓
Min focus distance
12.1 cm vs 21 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
76.8 mm vs 125 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
61.6 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.36 × vs 0.3 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
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
18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Fujifilm X mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.