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 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 6 months newer.
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Wins
RF 800mm F5.6 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 260 cm)
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has lower Weight (1045 g vs 3140 g)
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has lower Length (200 mm vs 432 mm)
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
- BFE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II has lower Max aperture (Tele) (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 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
⌀88 × 200 mm
1045 g (2.30 lb / 36.86 oz)
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 232mm longer and 75mm wider than FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II.
RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM is 2095 g heavier 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Fluorite, 2 UD
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM supports it
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 4.5 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.34 × vs 0.3 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 cm vs 260 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 XA, 1 Super ED, 2 ED
- ✓
Weight
1045 g vs 3140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
200 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
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 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 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 800mm F5.6 L IS USM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 800mm F5.6 L IS USM
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.