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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Sony E Mount
The standard telephoto zoom, completely redesigned to be 29% lighter and significantly sharper.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II is 2.9 years newer.
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Wins
RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Wins
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Weight (305 g vs 1045 g)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Length (63 mm vs 200 mm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has lower Min focus distance (17 cm vs 40 cm)
- ARF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM has higher Max magnification (0.5 × vs 0.3 ×)
- 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
- ✓
Weight
305 g vs 1045 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
63 mm vs 200 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
17 cm vs 40 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM supports it
- ✓
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
- ✓
Max magnification
0.5 × vs 0.3 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
74 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Super ED, 2 ED
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II supports it
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Pros
- ✓Extremely lightweight for an f/2.8 telephoto zoom (only 1045g)
- ✓Virtually instantaneous and silent autofocus with 4 XD Linear motors
- ✓Stunning optical performance and contrast across entire range
- ✓Outstanding built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization
- ✓Dedicated physical aperture ring with click and lock switches
Cons
- –Very high price tag
- –Lens hood is bulky and can block storage space easily
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 35mm F1.8 Macro IS STM
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.