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Canon RF 20-50mm F4L IS USM PZ vs Canon RF 28–70mm F2.8 IS STM

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 F2.8 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedJune 2026September 2024
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length20–50 mm28–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction13 elements in 11 groups15 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsTwo glass-moulded aspherical and three UD elementsTwo UD elements and two GMo aspherical elements
CoatingsASC and Super Spectra; fluorine coating on the front elementSuper Spectra; no fluorine coating, per UK maker specification
Aperture detailConstant maximum f/4, minimum f/22 throughout the range–
DiaphragmNine aperture bladesNine blades
Angle of viewHorizontal 84°–40°, vertical 62°–27° and diagonal 94°–46° on full frame–
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 firmwareFull-frame image circle, Canon RF mount; incompatible with EF DSLRs and EOS M bodies. Canon RF extenders not compatible
Teleconverter supportCanon RF extenders not compatible–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.24 m0.24 m (manual focus)
Maximum magnification0.33×0.24×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailNano USM autofocus; full-time manual focus; maker rear-focus design retains length during focusingLead-screw STM with magnetic motor-speed sensor and feedback control, electronic manual focus
Focus distance detail–Minimum focus at 28 mm is 0.27 m in AF or 0.24 m in MF; main figure retains the closer MF mode
Magnification detailMaker maximum magnification 0.14× at 20 mm or 0.33× at 50 mm; no AF/MF mode specified in the tableMaximum 0.24× at 70 mm in either AF or MF
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 setupLens optical IS rated 5.5 central stops at 70 mm with EOS R8, yaw/pitch under CIPA2024. Japan current feature page rates coordinated EOS R6 Mark II body/lens IS 7.5 central and 7.0 peripheral stops, yaw/pitch/roll; original press release gives the same coordinated rating with EOS R1
Video featuresInternal multi-speed power zoom and optically suppressed focus breathing; zoom ring switches between powered and conventional manual operationSmooth STM movie focusing; compatible camera breathing correction is digital. Cameralabs observes uncorrected focus breathing, more visible at 28 mm
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter79.9 mm76.5 mm
Length98.4 mm92.2 mm
Weight420 g490 g
ControlsCustomisable control ring, focus ring and zoom ring; PZ/MZ selector, custom button, AF/MF and stabiliser switches (Digital Camera World; ePHOTOzine)Shared focus/control ring with AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and stabilisation switch
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 descriptionsRetractable barrel must be extended to 28 mm before shooting; length 92.2 mm stored, 112.4 mm at 28 mm and 138.9 mm at 70 mm, per Japan maker table
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 inferredUK maker states dust/moisture resistance, including rubber mount seal; no waterproof rating published
Dimensions detailApproximately 79.9 mm maximum diameter × 98.4 mm lengthMaximum diameter 76.5 mm; 92.2 mm length when retracted
Weight detailApproximately 420 g lensUK current specification and store state 490 g; Japan current table, Camera Museum and original press release state 495 g. Main value follows UK specification; no undocumented regional variant inferred
Lens hoodES-73B; maker lists E-67 II cap, Lens Dust Cap RF and LP1219 pouch as accessoriesEW-73D, sold separately
In the box–UK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, rear dust cap and user manual
Release detailCanon Japan's 11 June 2026 notice confirms first sale from 26 June 2026, resolving the earlier late-June launch wordingSeptember 2024 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum; original maker release specifies 27 September in Japan. No exact worldwide first-sale day inferred; no successor link inferred across co-sold standard zooms

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