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
Sony
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II — 16–35mm f/2.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is 4 years newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
2 categories tied
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 38 cm)
- BFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (547 g vs 900 g)
- BFE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has lower Diameter (65 mm vs 88 mm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.25 ×)
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
- ✓
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 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
125 mm vs 127 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Weight
547 g vs 900 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
65 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
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
FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –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 FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.