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
Viltrox
AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE
Sony E Mount
AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE — 135mm f/1.8 for Sony E, a popular choice in the viltrox lineup.
$999
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE is 4.9 years newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BAF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- BAF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (1070 g vs 1235 g)
- BAF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.23 ×)
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
AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE
⌀93 × 146 mm
1235 g (2.72 lb / 43.56 oz)
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 3mm narrower than AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE.
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is 165 g lighter than AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE.
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
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 1 UD
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
1070 g vs 1235 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
90 mm vs 93 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
70 cm vs 72 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 ED, 2 HR
- ✓
Internal focus
Only AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE supports it
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.23 × — higher is better
- ✓
Length
145.7 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
AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Sony E mount compatibility
Cons
- –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 AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Viltrox AF 135mm F1.8 LAB FE
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.