Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM vs Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z
The bottom line
There's a clear price gap: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z at $3,499 versus the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM at $9,499. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Choose the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $3,499 vs $9,499 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 880g (1.94 lb) it's lighter than the 2590g (5.71 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.16x.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 100-300mm, Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z is $3,499, $6,000 under the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z is 880g (1.94 lb) vs 2590g (5.71 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM or the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z better?
There's a clear price gap: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z at $3,499 versus the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM at $9,499. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Who should choose the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z?
Choose the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z if you shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $3,499 vs $9,499 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 880g (1.94 lb) it's lighter than the 2590g (5.71 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.23x magnification vs 0.16x.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM and the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z?
Focal range: Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 100-300mm, Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM Z is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-300mm | 70-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 23 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 18 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 8° | 34° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Nano USM | Dual Nano USM |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 180 cm | 70 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.16x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $9,499 | $3,499 |
| Filter Size | 112mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 128mm | 90mm |
| Length | 329.9mm | 146mm |
| Weight | 2590g (5.71 lb) | 880g (1.94 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
