Canon
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM — 35mm f/1.2 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Dec 2018
Canon
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM — 70–200mm f/4 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$1,899
Launch priceReleased Dec 2021
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 3 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 35mm F1.2 L USM
Wins
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
- ARF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
- ARF 35mm F1.2 L USM has lower Min focus distance (50 cm vs 80 cm)
- BRF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.17 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 35mm F1.2 L USM
⌀89 × 112 mm
950 g (2.09 lb / 33.51 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
⌀84 × 146 mm
700 g (1.54 lb / 24.69 oz)
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM is 35mm shorter and 6mm wider than RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM.
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM is 250 g heavier than RF 70-200mm F4 L 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 35mm F1.2 L USM
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical
- ✓
Min focus distance
50 cm vs 80 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
111.5 mm vs 146 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Aspherical, 1 Super UD
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
700 g vs 950 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
83.5 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 35mm F1.2 L USM and RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.2 L USM
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
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 June 2026.