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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
An incredibly compact, extending telephoto zoom with L-series optics and 5 stops of stabilization.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2019
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 1 year newer.
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Wins
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has lower Min focus distance (39 cm vs 70 cm)
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (1070 g vs 1430 g)
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 2 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 28-70mm F2L USM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
39 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
140 mm vs 146 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
1070 g vs 1430 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
90 mm vs 104 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.23 × vs 0.21 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Unbelievably compact storage size thanks to extending barrel
- ✓Very lightweight design (only 1070g)
- ✓Excellent center sharpness at all focal lengths
- ✓Dual Nano USM focus motors offer fast, silent AF
- ✓Exceptional 5-stop optical image stabilization
Cons
- –Extending barrel can draw in dust/moisture over time
- –Not compatible with RF teleconverters (due to rear element position)
- –Vignetting is quite heavy wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 28-70mm F2L USM and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.