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
Leica
APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH.
Leica L Mount
APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. — 90mm f/2 for Leica L, a popular choice in the leica lineup.
$4,195
Launch priceReleased Apr 2023
APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. is 3.4 years newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH.
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BAPO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. has lower Weight (640 g vs 1070 g)
- BAPO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
- BAPO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.23 × vs 0.17 ×)
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
APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH.
⌀73 × 109 mm
640 g (1.41 lb / 22.58 oz)
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 37mm longer and 17mm wider than APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH..
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 430 g heavier than APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH..
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
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 1 UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.23 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH.
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical
- ✓
Internal focus
Only APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. supports it
- ✓
Weight
640 g vs 1070 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
109 mm vs 146 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
73 mm vs 90 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
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
APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH.
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Leica L mount compatibility
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –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 APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.