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Canon RF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ vs Canon RF 28–70mm F2 L USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZCanonRF 28–70mm F2 L USM
Overview
ReleasedJune 2026December 2018
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length20–50 mm28–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction13 elements in 11 groupsNineteen elements in thirteen groups
Special elementsTwo glass-moulded aspherical and three UD elementsTwo ground and polished aspherical elements, two glass-moulded aspherical elements, one Super UD and two UD elements
CoatingsASC and Super Spectra; fluorine coating on the front elementSWC and ASC coatings; front and rearmost surface fluorine coatings
Aperture detailConstant maximum f/4, minimum f/22 throughout the range–
DiaphragmNine aperture bladesNine aperture blades
Angle of viewHorizontal 84°–40°, vertical 62°–27° and diagonal 94°–46° on full frame75°–34° diagonal
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle; power-zoom control from camera body or remote devices depends on compatible model and firmwareCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R cameras
Teleconverter supportCanon RF extenders not compatible–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.24 m0.39 m
Maximum magnification0.33×0.18×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailNano USM autofocus; full-time manual focus; maker rear-focus design retains length during focusingUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; ring-type USM drive (OpticalLimits)
Focus distance detail–Minimum focus 0.39 m
Magnification detailMaker maximum magnification 0.14× at 20 mm or 0.33× at 50 mm; no AF/MF mode specified in the tableMaximum 0.18×
Stabilisation detailMaker 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 setupNo optical stabiliser (OpticalLimits and Digital Camera World)
Video featuresInternal multi-speed power zoom and optically suppressed focus breathing; zoom ring switches between powered and conventional manual operation–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm95 mm
Maximum diameter79.9 mm103.8 mm
Length98.4 mm139.8 mm
Weight420 g1,430 g
ControlsCustomisable control ring, focus ring and zoom ring; PZ/MZ selector, custom button, AF/MF and stabiliser switches (Digital Camera World; ePHOTOzine)Separate zoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable lens control rings
Zoom designInternal 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 descriptionsBarrel extends towards the long end of the zoom range (OpticalLimits)
Filter detail67 mm front screw-in filter thread–
Weather resistanceDust 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 inferredDust and moisture resistant construction with front and rear fluorine coatings
Dimensions detailApproximately 79.9 mm maximum diameter × 98.4 mm length103.8 mm maximum diameter × 139.8 mm length with barrel retracted
Weight detailApproximately 420 g lensApproximately 1430 g lens
Lens hoodES-73B; maker lists E-67 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and LP1219 pouch as accessoriesEW-103 hood included
In the box–Lens, E-95 front cap, RF dust cap, EW-103 hood, LP1424 lens case and user manual
Release detailCanon Japan's 11 June 2026 notice confirms first sale from 26 June 2026, resolving the earlier late-June launch wordingDecember 2018 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum

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