topic Re: Which lens and why? (RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z VS RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM) in Gear Guide

Which lens and why? (RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z VS RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM)

BK5524 — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 23:33:13 GMT

I’m looking at the RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and the RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM. As you’re aware, one zooms internally and the other has external extension of the lens on zoom. I’m not sure of the real differences in the two other than the physical length. I do want to use it at college football games which makes the shorter one more appealing since it’s easier to get through the gate. If you have input other than the physical length, I’d love to hear it. Thank you.

Re: Which lens and why? (RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z VS RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM)

shadowsports — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 01:13:35 GMT

Greetings,

A lot of this is a matter of personal preference, price and intended use.

There's a $400 difference in price between the 2 lenses.

You can use a TC with the Z model. It also has two programmable buttons and is compatible with PZ power zoom adapters.

You cannot remove the tripod collar fully on the Z model, just the foot. The collar comes off completely on the external zoom model. I have this lens and like it because it's very compact. I also don't see myself needing the power Zoom function.

One last item. The Z model has an 11 blade aperture. The external Zoom model has a 9 blade aperture. If you peep real hard, you may notice the edges of the bokeh balls on the Z model are slight softer. I wouldn't base my purchase on this however. Chances are you would not notice a difference.

Side by side comparison

Both versions are super sharp.

Re: Which lens and why? (RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z VS RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM)

kvbarkley — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 02:33:02 GMT

Ken Rockwell has a side by side comparison:

https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/70-200mm-f28-z.htm

Re: Which lens and why? (RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z VS RF70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM)

BK5524 — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 10:58:29 GMT

I so appreciate you taking the time to answer. The difference in price doesn’t really factor in for me. I tried comparing these using Canon’s website, but frankly, it lacks a bit and doesn’t seem anywhere near as helpful as your information. One thing in particular is the use of a TC. Their website doesn’t list these lenses as compatible at all unless I missed it. The TC info pages list a bunch of larger lenses as being the only ones compatible with a TC. I like the idea of having the option to effectively have a longer lens if I want to. But I don’t understand why Canon doesn’t have this info? It’s weird. I will take a closer look tonight when I get home and add more questions if I have them. Thank you again!