Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM vs Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is 100-500mm, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM is 28-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM for standard zoom.
Choose the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.18x.
Choose the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM opens to f/2 vs the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is 100-500mm, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM is 28-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is $2,899, $200 under the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM is 1430g (3.15 lb) vs 1530g (3.37 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM or the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM is 100-500mm, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM is 28-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM for super-telephoto, the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM for standard zoom.
Who should choose the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM if you need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.18x.
Who should choose the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM?
Choose the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM opens to f/2 vs the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-500mm | 28-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 20 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/51 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Canon RF | Canon RF |
| Angle of View | 24° – 5° | 75° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Dual Nano USM | Ring USM |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 90 cm | 39 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.33x | 0.18x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,899 | $3,099 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 93.8mm | 103.8mm |
| Length | 207.6mm | 139.8mm |
| Weight | 1530g (3.37 lb) | 1430g (3.15 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
