Canon
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
800mm super-telephoto with built-in 1.4× extender (1120mm F8) and Dual Nano USM autofocus.
$16,999
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
Sony
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 260 cm)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (695 g vs 3140 g)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Length (120 mm vs 432 mm)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to share
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
⌀163 × 432 mm
3140 g (6.92 lb / 110.76 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
⌀88 × 120 mm
695 g (1.53 lb / 24.52 oz)
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 312mm longer and 75mm wider than FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II.
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 2445 g heavier than FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Fluorite, 2 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.34 × vs 0.32 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 260 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
695 g vs 3140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
120 mm vs 432 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
88 mm vs 163 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
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
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
- ✓Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
- ✓Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
- ✓Excellent close-up magnification
- ✓De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons
Cons
- –No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
- –High launch price
- –Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.