Canon
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Canon RF Mount
The world's first f/2 standard zoom — unmatched low-light performance and shallow depth of field across the range.
$2,999
Launch priceReleased Oct 2018
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
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is 4 months newer.
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Wins
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has lower Weight (805 g vs 1430 g)
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
- ARF 28-70mm F2L USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2 vs f/2.8)
- BNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has lower Diameter (89 mm vs 104 mm)
- BNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has lower Length (126 mm vs 140 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 28-70mm F2L USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 2 UD, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2 vs f/2.8 — 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 1430 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
89 mm vs 104 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
126 mm vs 140 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 39 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.22 × vs 0.21 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
RF 28-70mm F2L USM
Pros
- ✓Constant f/2 aperture — unique among standard zooms
- ✓Exceptional low-light and indoor event performance
- ✓Outstanding build quality and weather sealing
- ✓Fast Ring USM autofocus
Cons
- –Extremely heavy (1430g) — not for casual carry
- –Highest price in the standard zoom category
- –No optical image stabilization
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 28-70mm F2L USM and NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 28-70mm F2L 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.