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
Sony
FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
Sony E Mount
World's lightest 400mm F2.8 — 2895g with 3 fluorite elements, XD Linear AF, and OSS.
$12,000
Launch priceReleased Jun 2018
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 1.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (70 cm vs 270 cm)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (1070 g vs 2895 g)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (146 mm vs 359 mm)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Diameter (90 mm vs 158.1 mm)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.23 × vs 0.16 ×)
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
FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
⌀158 × 359 mm
2895 g (6.38 lb / 102.12 oz)
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 213mm shorter and 68mm narrower than FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS.
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 1825 g lighter than FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS.
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
- ✓
Min focus distance
70 cm vs 270 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1070 g vs 2895 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
146 mm vs 359 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
90 mm vs 158.1 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.23 × vs 0.16 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Fluorite, 1 ED
- ✓
Internal focus
Only FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS supports it
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
FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
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
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.