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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon RF 70–200mm F4 L IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS USMCanonRF 70–200mm F4 L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2006March 2021
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction20 elements in 15 groupsSixteen elements in eleven groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsFour UD elements; Air Sphere and fluorine coatings
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatings–
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureNine blades
Angle of viewDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°–
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 supportEF1.4X II gives 98–280 mm f/5.6 and 0.31× maximum magnification with autofocus; EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/8 and 0.45×, with autofocus limited to compatible bodies and slower operation–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.6 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.28×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfwayDual Nano USM drives focus and floating lens groups independently; electronic floating focus system
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmMinimum focus 0.6 m throughout the zoom range
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.28× at 200 mm
Stabilisation detailFour-stop launch claim based on a shutter speed of 1/focal length; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; manual recommends switching off on a tripod to save battery powerOptical IS rated five stops with EOS R at 200 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch; coordinated IS rated 7.5 stops with EOS R5 at 200 mm under CIPA, yaw/pitch
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm83.5 mm
Length172 mm119 mm
Weight760 g695 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 3 m–infinityZoom, 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 physical lengthExtending barrel; 119 mm length at 70 mm; 176 mm extended at 200 mm (Cameralabs)
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mountDust and water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets entering
Dimensions detail76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front without capsApproximately 83.5 mm maximum diameter × 119 mm length, retracted
Weight detail760 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manualApproximately 695 g lens
Tripod mountOptional A II (W) tripod mount ring; collar can be removed while the lens remains attached to the cameraNo tripod collar mount (Cameralabs)
Lens hoodET-74, reversible for storageET-83G (WIII) hood included
In the boxLens hood and pouch according to Canon's launch announcement; ET-74 and LP1224 models identified in the instruction manualLens, E-77 II front cap, RF dust cap, ET-83G (WIII) hood, LP1319 case and user manual kit
Release detailMarketed in November 2006 according to Canon Camera Museum; the stabilised model was sold alongside the non-stabilised f/4 versionMarch 2021 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum and Canon's global annual lens-release list

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