The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM and the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 146mm. The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM with a length of 85mm, is 61mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 90mm compared to the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM's 72mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM weighs 305g, which means it is 765g (71%) lighter than the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM which has a weight of 1070g.
Filter Threads
The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has the Canon RF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58 for the Sony Alpha Mount and Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount.
Focal Range
Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has a focal range of 55-200mm and
3.6X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
82.5-300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 112 - 320mm.
