Canon
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Canon RF Mount
The world's first f/2 standard zoom — unmatched low-light performance and shallow depth of field across the range.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Oct 2018
Canon
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's flagship 50mm f/1.2 prime — extraordinary resolution and creamy bokeh for portraits and low light.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Dec 2018
RF 50mm F1.2L USM is 2 months newer.
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Wins
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Wins
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
- BRF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2)
- BRF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Weight (950 g vs 1430 g)
- BRF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Length (108 mm vs 140 mm)
- BRF 50mm F1.2L USM has lower Diameter (89 mm vs 104 mm)
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 28-70mm F2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 UD
- ✓
Min focus distance
39 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.21 × vs 0.19 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 50mm F1.2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
950 g vs 1430 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
89 mm vs 104 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 28-70mm F2L USM
Pros
- ✓Constant f/2 aperture — unique among standard zooms
- ✓Exceptional low-light and indoor event performance
- ✓Outstanding build quality and weather sealing
- ✓Fast Ring USM autofocus
Cons
- –Extremely heavy (1430g) — not for casual carry
- –Highest price in the standard zoom category
- –No optical image stabilization
RF 50mm F1.2L USM
Pros
- ✓Stunning sharpness even wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Beautiful, smooth bokeh with 9 rounded aperture blades
- ✓Fast and accurate Dual Pixel AF with Ring USM
- ✓Weather-sealed L-series construction
Cons
- –Heavy for a 50mm prime (950g)
- –Premium price for a single focal length
- –No optical image stabilization
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 28-70mm F2L USM and RF 50mm F1.2L USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Canon RF 50mm F1.2L USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.