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Canon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM vs Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II

Last updated · How Mars Score works
RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USMCANONRENDER
Probe A
Canon
RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM
55.3/ 100D
Optics55· 55%
Build· 35%
Mount· 10%
FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM IISONYRENDER
Probe B
Sony
FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
45.9/ 100D
Optics46· 55%
Build· 35%
Mount· 10%
Quick verdict

Between the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM comes out ahead in optical stabilization and min focal, while the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II wins on weight. Overall, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM scores 55.3 and the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II scores 45.9 on our Mars Score.

Buying advice

Which should you buy?

The RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 9.4 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.

Pick the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM if you care most about optical stabilization and min focal. The biggest gaps in its favor are optical stabilization, min focal, max focal.

Pick the FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight.

Both ship with comparable weather sealed, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.

Bottom line: the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.

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

  • Has Optical stabilization.
  • Min focal: 24 (vs 16).
  • Max focal: 70 (vs 35).

Why Sony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II wins

  • Weight — 353.00 g less. 547 vs 900.
Full readout

Spec comparison

Optics

SpecCanon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USMSony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
Min focal24 mmlead16 mm
Max focal70 mmlead35 mm
Max aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Min aperturef/22f/22

Build

SpecCanon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USMSony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
Weight900 g547 glead
Weather sealedtruetrue
Optical stabilizationtrueleadfalse

Mount

SpecCanon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USMSony - FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II
Lens mountCanon RFleadSony E
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