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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Prime/zoom

92
/ 100
From $2,099
VS
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM wins by 1
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Prime/Zoom

93
/ 100
From $2,699
Specdex verdict

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lands at 92 and Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM at 93. That puts Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Build

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM leads on build (94 vs 90).

Autofocus

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM leads on af (92 vs 88).

Value for money

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM more score per dollar ($2,099 vs $2,699).

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM 92
vs
93 Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Score breakdown

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
92
sharpness 92
af 88
build 90
value 86
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
93
sharpness 93
af 92
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM versus Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM vs Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Which is better, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM? +

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM worth the price? +

At $2,099, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM worth the price? +

At $2,699, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in build.

Does Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM? +

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM or Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM? +

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — leads on af (92 vs 88). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.