Canon
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
World's smallest RF lens — 120g pancake with STM AF and 0.23m close focus.
$299
Launch priceReleased May 2023
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 28mm F2.8 STM is 3.6 years newer.
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Wins
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Weight (120 g vs 1070 g)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Length (24.7 mm vs 146 mm)
- ARF 28mm F2.8 STM has lower Min focus distance (23 cm vs 70 cm)
- BRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.23 × vs 0.17 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 28mm F2.8 STM
⌀69 × 25 mm
120 g (0.26 lb / 4.23 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
⌀90 × 146 mm
1070 g (2.36 lb / 37.74 oz)
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 121mm shorter and 21mm narrower than RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM is 950 g lighter than RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM.
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 28mm F2.8 STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 PMo
- ✓
Weight
120 g vs 1070 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
24.7 mm vs 146 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
23 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 28mm F2.8 STM supports it
- ✓
Diameter
69.2 mm vs 90 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 1 UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.23 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 28mm F2.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Canon RF mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
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 28mm F2.8 STM and RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM
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 June 2026.