Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon
88 Overall Score
vs
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

Nikon
74 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

78 out of 100 high confidence 459 reviews

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
👍 Image quality 35
🤔 Autofocus performance 28
👍 Build quality 22
👎 Weight and size 18
👎 Image stabilization 15
👍 Value for money 12

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

82 out of 100 high confidence 54 reviews

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VRII is widely praised as a versatile, sharp, and well-built walk-around lens for full-frame Nikon cameras. Users love the constant f/4 aperture, effective VR, and the useful 24-120mm range, which makes it ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. While some note it is a bit heavy and pricey, and a few report softness or quality control issues, the overwhelming majority consider it an excellent value and a worthy upgrade from kit lenses.

Pros
  • Versatile 24-120mm zoom range
  • Constant f/4 aperture throughout zoom
  • Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
  • Sharp image quality across focal lengths
  • Solid build and durable construction
Cons
  • Heavier than some comparable lenses
  • Relatively expensive (new)
  • Some copies have softness issues
  • Maximum aperture f/4 is slow for low light
  • Zoom ring position can be awkward
👍 Image quality 28
👍 Zoom range versatility 25
👍 Build quality 18
👍 Vibration reduction 12
🤔 Weight 14
👍 Value for money 15

Scores

Portrait
Canon
95
Nikon
50
Video Cinema
Canon
95
Nikon
67
Budget
Canon
94
Nikon
74
Professional
Canon
93
Nikon
71
Landscape
Canon
84
Nikon
92
Travel
Canon
77
Nikon
85
Street
Canon
84
Nikon
57
Wildlife Sports
Canon
83
Nikon
71
Macro
Canon
69
Nikon
74

Specifications

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USMNikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm
Optics
Typetelephotozoom
Focal Length Min70 mm24 mm
Focal Length Max200 mm120 mm
Elements1716
Groups1313
Aspherical Elements23★
ED Elements22
CoatingFluorine CoatingNano Crystal Coat, Super Integrated Coating
Aperture
Max Aperturef/2.8f/22
Min Aperturef/2.8f/4
Constant✓✓
Diaphragm Blades99
Build
MountCanon RFNikon F
Formatfull-framefull-frame
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight1.07 kg0.63 kg★
Filter Thread77 mm77 mm
AF & Stabilization
AF TypeDual Nano USM★Silent Wave Motor
Stabilization✓✓
Stabilization Stops5 stops★4 stops
Focus
Min Focus Distance700 mm350 mm★
Max Magnification0.23x1:2.56★

Pros & Cons

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

  • Strong stabilization (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong social proof (94th percentile)94th %ile
  • Strong af (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong bokeh (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Below average macro (31st percentile)
  • Below average user sentiment (32nd percentile)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

  • Strong versatility (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
  • Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong optical (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
  • Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
  • Below average bokeh (25th percentile)

Pricing

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm is ¥393,506 cheaper (3.3x less).

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

Verdict

★ Winner: Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Scores 88 overall, wins 6 of 9 usage categories and 2 of 22 specs.

Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Better at:

BudgetStreetPortraitProfessionalVideo CinemaWildlife Sports

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm Better at:

MacroTravelLandscape

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