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 20-70mm F4 G
Sony E Mount
FE 20-70mm F4 G — 20–70mm f/4 for Sony E, a popular choice in the sony lineup.
$1,099
Launch priceReleased Jan 2023
FE 20-70mm F4 G is 3.4 years newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
FE 20-70mm F4 G
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 20-70mm F4 G has lower Weight (488 g vs 900 g)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 30 cm)
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
FE 20-70mm F4 G
⌀76 × 99 mm
488 g (1.08 lb / 17.21 oz)
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 26mm longer and 12mm wider than FE 20-70mm F4 G.
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM is 412 g heavier than FE 20-70mm F4 G.
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
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 30 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 20-70mm F4 G
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 ED, 1 Super ED
- ✓
Weight
488 g vs 900 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
99 mm vs 125 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
76 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.39 × vs 0.3 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
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 20-70mm F4 G
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –No optical stabilization — relies on body IBIS
- –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 FE 20-70mm F4 G at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Sony FE 20-70mm F4 G
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.