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Canon RF 15–35mm F2.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ

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

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CanonRF 15–35mm F2.8 L IS USMCanonRF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2019June 2026
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length15–35 mm20–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groups13 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsThree glass-moulded aspherical elements and UD elements; SWC and ASC coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elementsTwo glass-moulded aspherical and three UD elements
Coatings–ASC and Super Spectra; fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detail–Constant maximum f/4, minimum f/22 throughout the range
DiaphragmNine blades with circular apertureNine aperture blades
Angle of view–Horizontal 84°–40°, vertical 62°–27° and diagonal 94°–46° on full frame
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras; RF extenders not compatibleCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle; power-zoom control from camera body or remote devices depends on compatible model and firmware
Teleconverter support–Canon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.33×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailNano USM motor; electronic manual focusingNano USM autofocus; full-time manual focus; maker rear-focus design retains length during focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.28 m–
Magnification detailMaximum 0.21× at 35 mmMaker maximum magnification 0.14× at 20 mm or 0.33× at 50 mm; no AF/MF mode specified in the table
Stabilisation detailOptical IS rated five stops with EOS R at 35 mm under CIPA standardsMaker six-stop optical IS or combined camera/lens eight stops at centre and corners under CIPA-2024, at maximum focal length with its specified camera; not guaranteed in every shooting setup
Video features–Internal multi-speed power zoom and optically suppressed focus breathing; zoom ring switches between powered and conventional manual operation
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm79.9 mm
Length126.8 mm98.4 mm
Weight840 g420 g
ControlsZoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable control rings; AF/MF and stabiliser on/off switchesCustomisable control ring, focus ring and zoom ring; PZ/MZ selector, custom button, AF/MF and stabiliser switches (Digital Camera World; ePHOTOzine)
Zoom designBarrel extends as the lens zooms from 35 mm towards 15 mm (Cameralabs)Internal zoom/focus keeps barrel length fixed; ePHOTOzine describes conventional mechanical manual zoom, while Digital Camera World's prose calls it fly-by-wire; no silent choice between those reviewer descriptions
Filter detail–67 mm front screw-in filter thread
Weather resistanceDust and water resistant construction; Canon states this cannot completely prevent dust or droplets enteringDust and moisture resistant with mount gasket; maker warns camera attachment is required and protection cannot prevent all dust or water ingress; no waterproof/IP rating inferred
Dimensions detailApproximately 88.5 mm maximum diameter × 126.8 mm length, retractedApproximately 79.9 mm maximum diameter × 98.4 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 840 g lensApproximately 420 g lens
Lens hoodEW-88F petal hood includedES-73B; maker lists E-67 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and LP1219 pouch as accessories
In the boxLens, E-82 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-88F hood and LP1222 case–
Release detailSeptember 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumCanon Japan's 11 June 2026 notice confirms first sale from 26 June 2026, resolving the earlier late-June launch wording

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