Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
What Buyers Say
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and lightweight design. Users appreciate it as a versatile upgrade from kit lenses, especially for mirrorless cameras like the R7 and R5 Mark II. A single negative review is due to a delivery issue, not product quality.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Lightweight and compact design
- Great value for the price
- Versatile for various settings
Cons
- Possible delivery mismanagement
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 RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM | Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | super-telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 28 mm | 500 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 70 mm | 500 mm |
| Elements | 14 | 19 |
| Groups | 11 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2★ | 1 |
| ED Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Spectra Coating (SSC) | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, Fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 | f/32 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/5.6 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | — | 9★ |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Canon RF | Nikon F |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.49 kg★ | 1.46 kg |
| Filter Thread | 67 mm | 95 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | STM★ | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 5.5 stops★ | 4 stops |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 270 mm★ | 3.00 m |
| Max Magnification | 0.24x | 1:5.55★ |
Pros & Cons
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM
- Strong stabilization (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong aperture (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong bokeh (87th percentile)87th %ile
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 RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM offers 5.3x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.