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 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
FE 50mm F1.2 GM is 1.4 years newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/2.8)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 70 cm)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Weight (778 g vs 1070 g)
Key specs at a glance
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 FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Internal focus
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only FE 50mm F1.2 GM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
778 g vs 1070 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 146 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
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.