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
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 2.1 years newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BRF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has lower Weight (700 g vs 1070 g)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (70 cm vs 80 cm)
- BRF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.23 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
⌀90 × 146 mm
1070 g (2.36 lb / 37.74 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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 7mm wider than RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM.
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 370 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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
70 cm vs 80 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
700 g vs 1070 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
83.5 mm vs 90 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.23 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Length
Both 146 mm
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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
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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.