Lens comparison · Canon RF / RF-S · updated 5 November 2026

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM vs Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Verdict

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM has more in its favour on paper. The RF 28-70mm f/2L USM gathers more light for low light and background blur; the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is lighter and cheaper.

Choose the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM for

  • less weight (900g vs 1430g)
  • a lower price (about £1,760 vs £2,060)
  • a wider starting focal length (24mm vs 28mm)
  • optical stabilisation

Choose the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM for

  • a brighter maximum aperture (f/2, about 1.0 stops more light)
RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USMRF 28-70mm f/2L USM
BrandCanonCanon
Focal length24-70mm28-70mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2
Weight900 g1430 g
StabilisationYesNo
Weather sealingYesYes
Filter size82mm95mm
Made forFull frameFull frame
New price£2,399£3,099
Used at MPB (Canon RF / RF-S)£1,569–£1,959£1,649–£2,479

More lens comparisons

See all Canon RF / RF-S cameras and lenses.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM better than the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM?

The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM offers less weight (900g vs 1430g), a lower price (about £1,760 vs £2,060), a wider starting focal length (24mm vs 28mm); the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/2, about 1.0 stops more light).

Which is better value, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM or the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM?

On Canon RF / RF-S, the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM costs about £1,760 against about £2,060 for the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).

Is f/2 worth it over f/2.8?

f/2 gathers about 1.0 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.

Do both lenses fit the same cameras?

Both are available for Canon RF / RF-S.