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 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 1.6 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 40 cm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.17 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
The verdict
The $400 price gap separates a 24-70mm zoom with 5-stop image stabilization from a faster f/1.2 prime lens.
Choose Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM if you require focal length flexibility and handheld stability, as it offers a 24-70mm range and 5 stops of optical stabilization. It also features a higher 0.3x maximum magnification for closer detail work.
Choose Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM if you prioritize low-light performance and maximum background separation, utilizing its wide f/1.2 aperture and 11-blade diaphragm. At 778g, it provides a lighter, more compact solution for Sony E-mount users.
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 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 125 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
778 g vs 900 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
87 mm vs 88 mm — lower 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 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.