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Canon RF 20mm F1.4 L VCM vs Canon RF 24–70mm F2.8L IS USM

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonRF 20mm F1.4 L VCMCanonRF 24–70mm F2.8L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025September 2019
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length20 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionFifteen elements in eleven groups21 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsOne Super UD, two UD, one BR and two glass-moulded aspherical elements; ASC, SWC and Super Spectra coatings; front fluorine coatingThree glass-moulded aspherical elements and three UD elements
Coatings–ASC anti-reflection coating and fluorine coating
DiaphragmEleven blades with circular apertureNine blades with circular aperture
Angle of view–Full-frame horizontal 74°–29°, vertical 53°–19°30′ and diagonal 84°–34°
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 compatible. Iris ring provides movie aperture control; Canon lists EOS R, RP, Ra, R3, R5, R6, R6 Mark II, R7, R8, R10, R50, R100 and R5 C as unable to set still-photo aperture with this ring even with their latest firmwareCanon EOS R cameras; full-frame image circle. RF optical model distinct from EF24–70mm F2.8L generations and RF28–70mm F2.8 IS STM
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.21 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing system driven by a VCM motorNano USM autofocus; electronic full-time manual focus. Maker rear-focusing design does not change lens length while focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.2 mMaker minimum focus distance 0.21 m at 24 mm; Photography Blog reports 0.38 m at 70 mm. AF/MF mode distinction unpublished and omitted
Magnification detailMaximum 0.19×Maker maximum magnification 0.30× at 32 mm; no unpublished AF/MF distinction inferred
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabiliser; Canon rates EOS R1 in-body stabilisation at 8 stops centrally and 5 stops in the corners under CIPA-2024 testingLens optical IS rated five stops under CIPA guidelines at 70 mm with EOS R; body stabilisation is separate
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter76.5 mm88.5 mm
Length99.3 mm125.7 mm
Weight519 g900 g
ControlsElectronic manual-focus, customisable control and smooth-action iris rings; iris Auto-position lock; customisable lens function button; AF/MF switchZoom and focus rings, customisable lens control ring, AF/MF and IS switches; Japan maker offers a paid control-ring de-click service
Zoom design–Extending zoom barrel; dimensions measured retracted
Filter detail67 mm front thread and rear filter holder; Canon specifies a single rear filter no thicker than 0.2 mm and recommends removing the holder when unused to avoid possible ghosting82 mm front filter thread
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction with mount rubber sealDust and moisture resistant construction requires attachment to a camera; cannot completely prevent dust or water ingress and is not waterproof
Dimensions detailApproximately 76.5 mm maximum diameter × 99.3 mm lengthApproximately 88.5 mm maximum diameter × 125.7 mm length, retracted
Weight detailApproximately 519 g lensApproximately 900 g lens
Lens hoodEW-73H hood includedEW-88E
In the boxLens, E-67 II front cap, RF dust cap, EW-73H hood, LP1219 case, rear filter holder and user manualUK maker store lists lens, EW-88E hood, LP1222 case, Lens Dust Cap RF and E-82 II front cap
Release detailApril 2025 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumSeptember 2019 marketed month in Canon Camera Museum; original Japan maker announcement gives late September. Exact worldwide first retail day is not inferred. Co-sold standard zooms are alternatives, with no inferred successor link

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