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
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Leica L Mount
1470g weather-sealed f/2.8 telephoto zoom with dual stepper AF and 0.25x close focus.
$4,195
Launch priceReleased Nov 2022
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. is 3.1 years newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (1070 g vs 1470 g)
- BVario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. has lower Min focus distance (60 cm vs 70 cm)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (146 mm vs 170 mm)
- BVario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.23 ×)
- BVario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. has lower Diameter (88 mm vs 90 mm)
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
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
⌀88 × 170 mm
1470 g (3.24 lb / 51.85 oz)
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 24mm shorter and 2mm wider than Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH..
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 400 g lighter than Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 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
- ✓
Weight
1070 g vs 1470 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
146 mm vs 170 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 4 Aspherical, 2 ED
- ✓
Internal focus
Only Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
60 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
88 mm vs 90 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.23 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
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
Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH. at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 70-200mm f/2.8 ASPH.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.