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Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L USM vs Canon RF 70–200mm F2.8 L IS USM

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

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CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L USMCanonRF 70–200mm F2.8 L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 1995November 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction18 elements in 15 groupsSeventeen elements in thirteen groups
Special elementsFour UD elementsThree UD, one Super UD, one aspherical UD and one glass-moulded aspherical element; fluorine coatings on front and rear elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings–
DiaphragmEight bladesNine circular-aperture blades
Angle of viewHorizontal 29°–10°; vertical 19°30′–7°; diagonal 34°–12°–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R bodies; RF extenders not compatible
Teleconverter supportCanon Extender EF1.4X gives 98–280 mm f/4; EF2X gives 140–400 mm f/5.6, with autofocus supported according to Canon–
Adaptor supportCanon Extension Tube EF12 II gives 0.22–0.06× magnification; EF25 II gives 0.41–0.14×–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.5 m0.7 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.23×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focusingDual Nano USM drives focus and floating lens groups independently; electronic floating focus system
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; non-rotating front filter thread; minimum 1.5 m focus and maximum 0.16× magnification at 200 mmMinimum focus 0.7 m
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.23× at 200 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Optical IS rated five stops under CIPA; three modes for general use, panning and exposure-only stabilisation
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter84.6 mm89.9 mm
Length193.6 mm146 mm
Weight1,310 g1,070 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus-range limiter, focus and zoom rings (The Digital Picture)Zoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; focus limiter with full or 2.5 m–infinity range; AF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; zoom lock at 70 mm
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains the physical length throughout the zoom range (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Extending barrel with 146 mm retracted length at 70 mm
Weather resistanceCanon states water and dust resistance; The Digital Picture describes partial sealing around switches and rings, with no lens-mount gasket and a front filter needed for sealingDust and water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets entering
Dimensions detail84.6 mm maximum diameter × 193.6 mm lengthApproximately 89.9 mm maximum diameter × 146 mm length, retracted
Weight detail–Approximately 1,070 g lens
Tripod mountIncluded tripod collar (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Removable Tripod Mount Ring E (WIII), included
Lens hood–ET-83F (WIII) hood included, with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLens hood and case (Canon); lens caps and tripod collar (ePHOTOzine)Lens, E-77 II front cap, RF dust cap, ET-83F hood, LP1424 drawstring case, Tripod Mount Ring E (WIII) and user manual
Release detailMarketed in March 1995 according to Canon Camera MuseumNovember 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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