Canon
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
The cornerstone zoom for Canon mirrorless, featuring 5 stops of optical image stabilization.
$2,399
Launch priceReleased Aug 2019
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — 100–400mm f/4.5-5.6 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,699
Launch priceReleased Dec 2021
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 2.3 years newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (125 mm vs 251 mm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 38 cm)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (900 g vs 1435 g)
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 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 3 UD
- ✓
Length
125 mm vs 251 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
900 g vs 1435 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Custom function button
Only NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S supports it
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization (up to 5 stops)
- ✓Excellent L-series sharpness and build quality
- ✓Fast and silent Nano USM focus motor
- ✓Very low chromatic aberration
Cons
- –Heavier than competitive options (900g)
- –Pricey entry threshold
- –Minor barrel distortion at 24mm
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.