Canon
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
Canon's professional ultra-wide zoom with constant f/2.8 and 5-stop IS for landscapes, architecture, and events.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Nov 2019
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
Nikon Z Mount
Nikon's flagship S-Line standard zoom offering incredible resolution and custom OLED info panel.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Feb 2019
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM is 9 months newer.
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Wins
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ARF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (28 cm vs 38 cm)
- BNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has higher Max magnification (0.22 × vs 0.21 ×)
- BNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has lower Weight (805 g vs 840 g)
- BNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has lower Length (126 mm vs 128 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 2 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
28 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 ED, 4 Aspherical
- ✓
Custom function button
Only NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S supports it
- ✓
Weight
805 g vs 840 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
126 mm vs 128 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.22 × vs 0.21 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Diameter
Both 89 mm
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Ultra-wide 16mm perspective for dramatic landscapes
- ✓Constant f/2.8 aperture across entire range
- ✓5-stop optical image stabilization
- ✓Excellent weather sealing for outdoor work
Cons
- –Bulky and heavy (840g)
- –Some barrel distortion at 16mm
- –Premium L-series pricing
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
Pros
- ✓Stunning resolution and contrast across zoom range
- ✓OLED information panel displays focal length, focus, or aperture
- ✓Multi-focusing stepping motor system for silent, rapid AF
- ✓Almost zero focus breathing
Cons
- –No optical stabilization (relies on Nikon body IBIS)
- –No mechanical aperture ring (uses control ring instead)
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM and NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 16-35mm F2.8L IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.