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Canon RF 28–70mm F2 L USM 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 28–70mm F2 L USMCanonRF 28–70mm F2.8 IS STM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2018September 2024
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length28–70 mm28–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionNineteen elements in thirteen groups15 elements in 12 groups
Special elementsTwo ground and polished aspherical elements, two glass-moulded aspherical elements, one Super UD and two UD elementsTwo UD elements and two GMo aspherical elements
CoatingsSWC and ASC coatings; front and rearmost surface fluorine coatingsSuper Spectra; no fluorine coating, per UK maker specification
DiaphragmNine aperture bladesNine blades
Angle of view75°–34° diagonal–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon RFCanon RF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon RF mount for full-frame and APS-C EOS R camerasFull-frame image circle, Canon RF mount; incompatible with EF DSLRs and EOS M bodies. Canon RF extenders not compatible
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.39 m0.24 m (manual focus)
Maximum magnification0.18×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailUSM autofocus with full-time manual override; ring-type USM drive (OpticalLimits)Lead-screw STM with magnetic motor-speed sensor and feedback control, electronic manual focus
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.39 mMinimum focus at 28 mm is 0.27 m in AF or 0.24 m in MF; main figure retains the closer MF mode
Magnification detailMaximum 0.18×Maximum 0.24× at 70 mm in either AF or MF
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabiliser (OpticalLimits and Digital Camera World)Lens 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 features–Smooth 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 diameter95 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter103.8 mm76.5 mm
Length139.8 mm92.2 mm
Weight1,430 g490 g
ControlsSeparate zoom, electronic manual-focus and customisable lens control ringsShared focus/control ring with AF/control/MF selector; separate zoom ring and stabilisation switch
Zoom designBarrel extends towards the long end of the zoom range (OpticalLimits)Retractable 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
Weather resistanceDust and moisture resistant construction with front and rear fluorine coatingsUK maker states dust/moisture resistance, including rubber mount seal; no waterproof rating published
Dimensions detail103.8 mm maximum diameter × 139.8 mm length with barrel retractedMaximum diameter 76.5 mm; 92.2 mm length when retracted
Weight detailApproximately 1430 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 hoodEW-103 hood includedEW-73D, sold separately
In the boxLens, E-95 front cap, RF dust cap, EW-103 hood, LP1424 lens case and user manualUK maker store lists lens, E-67 II front cap, rear dust cap and user manual
Release detailDecember 2018 marketed month in Canon Camera MuseumSeptember 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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