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

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

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EF 70–200mm f/4L USM compared with RF 70–200mm F4 L IS USM
CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L USMCanonRF 70–200mm F4 L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1999March 2021
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groupsSixteen elements in eleven groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elementsFour UD elements; Air Sphere and fluorine coatings
DiaphragmEight bladesNine 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 supportCompatible with Canon EF1.4X and EF2X extenders; The Digital Picture notes EF1.4X II gives 98–280 mm f/5.6 and EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/8, with camera-dependent autofocus at f/8–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m0.6 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.28×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focus overrideDual Nano USM drives focus and floating lens groups independently; electronic floating focus system
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; front does not rotate (The Digital Picture); maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmMinimum focus 0.6 m throughout the zoom range
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.28× at 200 mm
Stabilisation detail–Optical 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 resistantNoYes
Filter diameter67 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm83.5 mm
Length172 mm119 mm
Weight705 g695 g (better)
ControlsAF/MF switch and focus limiter, with full 1.2 m–infinity range or 3 m–infinity (ePHOTOzine)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 physical length (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Extending barrel; 119 mm length at 70 mm; 176 mm extended at 200 mm (Cameralabs)
Weather resistanceNot weather sealed according to The Digital PictureDust and water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets entering
Dimensions detail76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm lengthApproximately 83.5 mm maximum diameter × 119 mm length, retracted
Weight detail705 g according to Canon's UK specifications and Camera MuseumApproximately 695 g lens
Tripod mountOptional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) at launch; The Digital Picture also identifies compatible A II (W)No tripod collar mount (Cameralabs)
Lens hoodET-74ET-83G (WIII) hood included
In the boxLens hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum; tripod collar sold separatelyLens, E-77 II front cap, RF dust cap, ET-83G (WIII) hood, LP1319 case and user manual kit
Release detailMarketed in September 1999 according to Canon Camera MuseumMarch 2021 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum and Canon's global annual lens-release list

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