Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
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 AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
The Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED is widely praised as one of the best portrait lenses available, delivering stunning sharpness, creamy bokeh, and beautiful color rendition even wide open. Many users consider it a significant upgrade over the 85mm f/1.4 and 70-200mm f/2.8, though they note it is large, heavy, and expensive. A few reviewers report autofocus speed issues, front-focus problems, or softness at minimum focus distance, but the overwhelming majority find the optical performance magical and worth the investment.
Pros
- Stunning sharpness wide open
- Creamy bokeh and background separation
- Beautiful color rendition and contrast
- Excellent low-light performance
- Solid build quality with weather sealing
Cons
- Very expensive
- Heavy and bulky
- Autofocus can be slow in some situations
- Front-focus issues reported on some copies
- Softness at minimum focus distance wide open
Scores
Specifications
| Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM | Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | prime |
| Focal Length Min | 70 mm | 105 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 200 mm | 105 mm |
| Elements | 17 | 14 |
| Groups | 13 | 9 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2★ | 0 |
| ED Elements | 5★ | 3 |
| Coating | Air Sphere Coating | Nano Crystal Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon EF | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 1.07 kg | 0.98 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | USM★ | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 700 mm★ | 1.00 m |
| Max Magnification | 0.3x | 1:7.7★ |
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 AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED 105mm
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong optical (76th percentile)
- Strong user sentiment (66th percentile)
- Below average build (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Canon L RF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM offers 1.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 64 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 7 of 22 specs.
