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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM — 800mm f/5.6 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$16,999
Launch priceReleased Feb 2022
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (70 cm vs 400 cm)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (146 mm vs 432 mm)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (1070 g vs 3140 g)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
RF 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
⌀140 × 432 mm
3140 g (6.92 lb / 110.76 oz)
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 286mm shorter and 50mm narrower than RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM.
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 2070 g lighter than RF 800mm F5.6 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
- ✓
Min focus distance
70 cm vs 400 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
Length
146 mm vs 432 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1070 g vs 3140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
90 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 4.5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose the RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Fluorite, 2 Super UD
- ✓
Internal focus
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
Shared specifications
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF 800mm F5.6 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.