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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Sony E Mount
The standard telephoto zoom, completely redesigned to be 29% lighter and significantly sharper.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 2 months newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Wins
FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 80 cm)
- ARF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has lower Weight (700 g vs 1045 g)
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4)
- ARF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM has lower Length (146 mm vs 200 mm)
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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
⌀88 × 200 mm
1045 g (2.30 lb / 36.86 oz)
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 54mm shorter and 5mm narrower than FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II.
RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is 345 g lighter than FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II.
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
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weight
700 g vs 1045 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
146 mm vs 200 mm — lower is better
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 4.5 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Diameter
83.5 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Aspherical, 1 Super ED…
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 80 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Pros
- ✓Extremely lightweight for an f/2.8 telephoto zoom (only 1045g)
- ✓Virtually instantaneous and silent autofocus with 4 XD Linear motors
- ✓Stunning optical performance and contrast across entire range
- ✓Outstanding built-in Optical SteadyShot stabilization
- ✓Dedicated physical aperture ring with click and lock switches
Cons
- –Very high price tag
- –Lens hood is bulky and can block storage space easily
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.