Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II vs RF28-70mm f/2.8: keep it or go lighter?

The 28mm starting point is the main RF28-70 trade-off

The RF28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM keeps a constant f/2.8 aperture while cutting the lens weight to 495g. Canon rates its optical stabilization at up to 5.5 stops at 70mm under the stated CIPA conditions, and it takes 67mm filters. This is a practical option if lighter carry matters more than a 24mm wide end.

At 28mm, you give up the wider framing that a 24-70mm provides. In a room, landscape or group shot where you cannot step back, that four-millimeter difference may matter. The RF28-70 is not a replacement for a 24mm view in every scene; think through the widest focal length you actually use before choosing by weight alone.

The RF24-70 L retains 24mm and adds lens IS, but it is not a lighter carry

Canon lists the RF24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM at 900g, with a 24-70mm range, five-stop optical IS, Nano USM focusing and an 82mm filter thread. Those features give you the familiar wide end and stabilization in a native RF lens. The lens alone is roughly the same weight as the EF 24-70 II plus the standard adapter.

On 8 October 2026, Canon’s U.S. product page showed conflicting availability labels, including “In Stock” and “no longer available”. Confirm availability directly before treating either label as current stock information. An Amazon detail page can still show third-party, used or refurbished offers, and its availability can change. Check the seller, exact condition, warranty region, included accessories and return terms; do not assume a listing is new just because the product title is unchanged.

If you already own the EF 24-70 II, the adapter may be the sensible answer

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II weighs 805g, and Canon lists the standard EF-EOS R adapter at 110g. Together they weigh about 915g before caps or a hood. If the lens is already paid for and its size, autofocus and image quality work for you, adapting it avoids a large replacement bill and preserves the 24mm start. I use this combination on my R6 Mark II; that is my experience with the EF lens, not a test of either RF option.

The RF28-70 can remove about 420g from that combination, which is a meaningful change for walking or travel. The RF24-70 L saves only about 15g against the adapted EF setup, so its case is native-mount convenience, lens IS and maintaining 24mm—not weight. If you rarely need f/2.8, compare the smaller and less expensive standard zooms too, rather than treating a like-for-like f/2.8 replacement as mandatory.

Check filters, hoods and offer condition before checkout

The EF II and RF24-70 L both use 82mm filters, while the RF28-70 uses 67mm. If you already own filters, factor in step-up rings or a second filter set. Canon sells the RF28-70’s hood separately; Amazon bundles may vary, so confirm what is in the box. The older EF listing may be used or refurbished, and stock or warranty coverage depends on the seller and region.

The Amazon buttons below open model-specific listings checked on 6 October 2026. They may change or show a different condition later. Compare the exact product code, seller, total delivered price, accessories and return policy before buying. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sources and further reading

This guide uses the following manufacturer references and primary sources.

• Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM specifications
• Canon RF24-70mm F2.8L IS USM specifications and current U.S. store status
• Canon EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM specifications
• Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R compatibility and weight
• Canon RF28-70mm F2.8 IS STM detailed specification sheet
• Canon Camera Museum: EF24-70mm f/2.8L II weight and optical specifications