Canon
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM — 70–200mm f/4 for Canon RF, a popular choice in the canon lineup.
$1,899
Launch priceReleased Dec 2021
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
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 9 months newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F4 L 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/4)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/4)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 80 cm)
- ARF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.17 ×)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareRF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
⌀84 × 146 mm
700 g (1.54 lb / 24.69 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 38mm longer and 4mm narrower than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 78 g lighter than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
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 F4 L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 UD, 2 Aspherical, 1 Super UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
700 g vs 778 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.17 × — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
83.5 mm vs 87 mm — lower 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/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 80 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 146 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
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 F4 L IS USM and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L 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 June 2026.