Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
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
VS
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM wins by 2
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM — L-series zoom · 5-stop IS · Weather-sealed
Canon

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM

L-series zoom · 5-stop IS · Weather-sealed

95
/ 100
From $2,299
Specdex verdict

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lands at 93 and Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM at 95. That puts Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

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

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics

Pick Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM if…

  • ✓Sharp corner-to-corner
  • ✓5-stop in-lens stabilization
  • ✓Weather-sealed L-series build
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

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

Build

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM leads on build (96 vs 94).

Sharpness

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM leads on sharpness (96 vs 93).

Autofocus

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM leads on af (96 vs 92).

Value for money

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM more score per dollar ($2,299 vs $2,699).

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM 93
vs
95 Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Score breakdown

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
93
sharpness 93
af 92
build 94
value 84
stabilization 0
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
95
sharpness 96
af 96
build 96
value 80
stabilization 95

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM versus Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Mount
—
Canon RF
Focal length
—
24-70 mm
Aperture
—
f/2.8 to f/22
Construction
—
21 elements / 15 groups
Stabilization
—
5 stops
Min focus
—
0.21 m
Filter
—
82 mm
Weight
—
900 g

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

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

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Pros
  • +Sharp corner-to-corner
  • +5-stop in-lens stabilization
  • +Weather-sealed L-series build
Cons
  • −Premium pricing
  • −Heavier than DSLR predecessor
  • −Variable rear element

FAQ: Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM

Which is better, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM? +

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

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.

Is Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM worth the price? +

At $2,299, Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L 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 RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM? +

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM — leads on build (96 vs 94). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM? +

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM — leads on sharpness (96 vs 93). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.