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Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L USM vs Canon RF 24–70mm F2.8L IS USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 24–70mm f/2.8L USMCanonRF 24–70mm F2.8L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2002September 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–70 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups21 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsTwo aspherical elements and one UD elementThree glass-moulded aspherical elements and three UD elements
Coatings–ASC anti-reflection coating and fluorine coating
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureNine blades with circular aperture
Angle of viewDiagonal 84°–34°; vertical 53°–19°30′; horizontal 74°–29°Full-frame horizontal 74°–29°, vertical 53°–19°30′ and diagonal 84°–34°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle. RF optical model distinct from EF24–70mm F2.8L generations and RF28–70mm F2.8 IS STM
Teleconverter supportCanon EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders are incompatible–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.38 m0.21 m
Maximum magnification0.29×0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM (OpticalLimits); manual override after autofocus in One-Shot AF with the shutter button held halfwayNano USM autofocus; electronic full-time manual focus. Maker rear-focusing design does not change lens length while focusing
Focus distance detail0.38 m minimum focus throughout the zoom range; maximum 0.29× magnification at 70 mm; non-rotating front filter thread (ePHOTOzine and OpticalLimits)Maker minimum focus distance 0.21 m at 24 mm; Photography Blog reports 0.38 m at 70 mm. AF/MF mode distinction unpublished and omitted
Magnification detail–Maker maximum magnification 0.30× at 32 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (ePHOTOzine)Lens optical IS rated five stops under CIPA guidelines at 70 mm with EOS R; body stabilisation is separate
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter83.2 mm88.5 mm
Length123.5 mm125.7 mm
Weight950 g900 g
ControlsFocus mode switch, focus ring, zoom ring, distance scale and infrared indexZoom and focus rings, customisable lens control ring, AF/MF and IS switches; Japan maker offers a paid control-ring de-click service
Zoom designReverse zoom mechanism; longest at 24 mm and shortest at 70 mm, with the hood enclosing the moving front section (OpticalLimits)Extending zoom barrel; dimensions measured retracted
Filter detail–82 mm front filter thread
Weather resistanceDust- and drip-resistant seal structure; rubber ring around the lens mountDust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproof
Dimensions detail83.2 mm maximum diameter × 123.5 mm length; maker dimensions and weight are for the lens alone, excluding capsApproximately 88.5 mm maximum diameter × 125.7 mm length, retracted
Weight detail–Approximately 900 g lens
Lens hoodEW-83F; can be reversed for storageEW-88E
In the boxE-77U front cap, rear cap, EW-83F hood and LP1219 lens case (manual accessory names; ePHOTOzine box contents)UK maker store lists lens, EW-88E hood, LP1222 case, Lens Dust Cap RF and E-82 II front cap
Release detailCanon Camera Museum's original-model table records November 2002; its later Mark II retrospective instead refers to September 2002September 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum; original Japan maker announcement gives late September. Exact worldwide first retail day is not inferred. Co-sold standard zooms are alternatives, with no inferred successor link

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