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 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S — 70–200mm f/2.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,599
Launch priceReleased Oct 2020
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is 1.2 years newer.
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Wins
RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (125 mm vs 240 mm)
- 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 Weight (900 g vs 1360 g)
- ARF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM has higher Max magnification (0.3 × vs 0.25 ×)
- BNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has lower Diameter (81 mm vs 88 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
- ✓
Length
125 mm vs 240 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
900 g vs 1360 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.3 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Custom function button
Only NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S supports it
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
Both f/2.8
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
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 70-200mm f/2.8 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
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM and NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.