Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
What Buyers Say
Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, and robust build quality. Many users consider it a workhorse for sports, portraits, and low-light photography, though the lack of image stabilization is a notable drawback for some. A significant number of reviews highlight the lens's weight and the potential for focus inconsistencies, particularly with moving subjects. Concerns about Canon's support for older models and the tripod collar design also appear in negative feedback.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality
- Fast and silent autofocus (USM)
- Excellent for low-light photography
- Versatile for sports and portraits
- Robust build quality
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Heavy and bulky
- Tripod collar design issues
- Inconsistent autofocus with moving subjects
- Canon no longer supports repairs
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its lightweight design, sharp image quality, and fast autofocus, making it a favorite for bird and wildlife photography. A few users report autofocus issues in low light or with small subjects, but most find it a significant upgrade over heavier alternatives like the 200-500mm. The lens is praised for being handholdable and well-balanced on cameras like the D500 and D850, though some note minor wear on button lettering over time.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Sharp image quality
- Fast autofocus
- Excellent VR for handheld shooting
- Well-balanced on D500 and D850
Cons
- Autofocus issues in low light
- Autofocus hunts with small subjects
- Button lettering wears off over time
- Swirly backgrounds when pointed at sun
- Expensive for non-professionals
Scores
Specifications
| Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM | Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | super-telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 70 mm | 500 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 200 mm | 500 mm |
| Elements | 17 | 19 |
| Groups | 13 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 5★ | 3 |
| Coating | Air Sphere Coating | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, Fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/5.6 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.07 kg★ | 1.46 kg |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 95 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | USM★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 700 mm★ | 3.00 m |
| Max Magnification | 0.3x | 1:5.55★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
- Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong optical (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)
- Below average macro (33rd percentile)
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average build (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (23rd percentile)
Pricing
Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM offers 3.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 64 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 6 of 22 specs.
