Canon
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Canon RF Mount
The affordable nifty fifty for RF — compact, sharp, and perfect for beginners exploring prime lenses.
$199
Launch priceReleased Nov 2020
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 1.4 years newer.
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Wins
RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Weight (160 g vs 695 g)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Length (41 mm vs 120 mm)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 50mm F1.8 STM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 30 cm)
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 50mm F1.8 STM
- ✓
Weight
160 g vs 695 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
41 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
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 88 mm — 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
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 30 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
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 50mm F1.8 STM
Pros
- ✓Incredible value at under $200
- ✓Very compact and lightweight (only 160g)
- ✓Sharp enough for most everyday photography
- ✓Silent STM motor ideal for video
Cons
- –Plastic build feels basic
- –No weather sealing
- –Narrow maximum aperture vs L-series primes
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 50mm F1.8 STM and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 50mm F1.8 STM
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.