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Canon EF 24–70mm f/4L IS 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/4L IS USMCanonRF 24–70mm F2.8L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2012September 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–70 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction15 elements in 12 groups21 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsTwo aspherical and two UD elementsThree glass-moulded aspherical elements and three UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings; Canon also specifies easy-clean lens-element coatingsASC anti-reflection coating and fluorine coating
DiaphragmNine blades with a circular apertureNine blades with circular aperture
Angle of viewHorizontal 74°–29°; vertical 53°–19°30′; diagonal 84°–34°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
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.21 m
Maximum magnification0.7×0.3×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with full-time manual overrideNano USM autofocus; electronic full-time manual focus. Maker rear-focusing design does not change lens length while focusing
Focus distance detailNormal minimum focus 0.38 m; dedicated macro mode reaches 0.2 m according to Canon Camera Museum; approximately 3 cm working distance at maximum magnification (Bob Atkins)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 AF/MF mode distinction unpublished and omitted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 detailMaximum 0.21× in normal operation and 0.7× in the separate macro position beyond the telephoto endMaker maximum magnification 0.30× at 32 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
Stabilisation detailFour-stop optical IS claim; automatic panning detection; Hybrid IS compensates angular and shift movements in macro modeLens 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 diameter83.4 mm88.5 mm
Length93 mm125.7 mm
Weight600 g900 g
ControlsMacro/zoom-lock switch; AF/MF and IS switches; focus ring, zoom ring and distance scaleZoom and focus rings, customisable lens control ring, AF/MF and IS switches; Japan maker offers a paid control-ring de-click service
Zoom designBarrel extends towards 70 mm; zoom lock operates at 24 mm (Bob Atkins)Extending zoom barrel; dimensions measured retracted
Filter detail–82 mm front filter thread
Weather resistanceSealed against dust and moistureDust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproof
Dimensions detail83.4 mm maximum diameter × 93 mm length in the retracted stateApproximately 88.5 mm maximum diameter × 125.7 mm length, retracted
Weight detail–Approximately 900 g lens
Lens hoodEW-83L hood; Canon lists LP1219 pouch as an accessoryEW-88E
In the box–UK maker store lists lens, EW-88E hood, LP1222 case, Lens Dust Cap RF and E-82 II front cap
Release detailMarketed in December 2012 according to Canon Camera MuseumSeptember 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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