Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM vs Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM opens to f/2.8 versus the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 500mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.23x.
Choose the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 1070g (2.36 lb) it's lighter than the 1530g (3.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM opens to f/2.8 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 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM is $2,799, $100 under the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM.
- ›Weight: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM is 1070g (2.36 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 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM opens to f/2.8 versus the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.23x.
Who should choose the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
Choose the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 70mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 1070g (2.36 lb) it's lighter than the 1530g (3.37 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM and the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
Aperture: the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM opens to f/2.8 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 | 70-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 20 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 14 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/51 | f/32 |
| 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° | 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 | 90 cm | 70 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.33x | 0.23x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,899 | $2,799 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 93.8mm | 90mm |
| Length | 207.6mm | 146mm |
| Weight | 1530g (3.37 lb) | 1070g (2.36 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
