Canon
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Canon RF Mount
A versatile wide-angle prime with 0.5x macro — perfect for street, travel, and close-up photography on a budget.
$499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2018
Sony
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 3.5 years newer.
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Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 695 g)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 120 mm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.32 ×)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
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 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Weight
305 g vs 695 g — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 120 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 21 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Pros
- ✓Versatile 35mm focal length for street and travel
- ✓0.5x macro capability in a compact prime
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Affordable entry into RF primes
Cons
- –f/1.8 not as impressive as f/1.4 alternatives
- –Some distortion and vignetting wide open
- –Plastic build, no weather sealing
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
- ✓Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
- ✓Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
- ✓Excellent close-up magnification
- ✓De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons
Cons
- –No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
- –High launch price
- –Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
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.