Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM vs Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM 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 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM is lighter and cheaper.
Choose the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM for
- less weight (495g vs 1430g)
- a lower price (about £1,030 vs £2,060)
- optical stabilisation
Choose the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/2, about 1.0 stops more light)
- weather sealing
| RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM | RF 28-70mm f/2L USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Focal length | 28-70mm | 28-70mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Weight | 495 g | 1430 g |
| Stabilisation | Yes | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes |
| Filter size | 67mm | 95mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £1,099 | £3,099 |
| Used at MPB (Canon RF / RF-S) | £1,009–£1,049 | £1,649–£2,479 |
More lens comparisons
See all Canon RF / RF-S cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM better than the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM?
The RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM offers less weight (495g vs 1430g), a lower price (about £1,030 vs £2,060), optical stabilisation; the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/2, about 1.0 stops more light), weather sealing.
Which is better value, the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM or the RF 28-70mm f/2L USM?
On Canon RF / RF-S, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM costs about £1,030 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.