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 24-50mm f/4-6.3
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 — 24–50mm f/4-6.3 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$299
Launch priceReleased Jul 2020
NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is 11 months newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BNIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 has lower Weight (195 g vs 900 g)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/6.3)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 38 cm)
- BNIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 has lower Length (77 mm vs 125 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 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 Aspherical, 3 UD
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4 — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Weight
195 g vs 900 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
77 mm vs 125 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
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 24-50mm f/4-6.3
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Nikon Z mount compatibility
Cons
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.