Canon
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Canon RF Mount
An incredibly compact, extending telephoto zoom with L-series optics and 5 stops of stabilization.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Oct 2019
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — 180–600mm f/5.6-6.3 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is 3.8 years newer.
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Wins
RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Wins
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
1 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/6.3)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Weight (1070 g vs 2140 g)
- ARF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM has lower Length (146 mm vs 280 mm)
- BNIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 70 cm)
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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 1 Super UD, 1 UD, 2 Aspherical
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1070 g vs 2140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
146 mm vs 280 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
Internal focus
Only NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR supports it
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 70 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 90 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.23 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Pros
- ✓Unbelievably compact storage size thanks to extending barrel
- ✓Very lightweight design (only 1070g)
- ✓Excellent center sharpness at all focal lengths
- ✓Dual Nano USM focus motors offer fast, silent AF
- ✓Exceptional 5-stop optical image stabilization
Cons
- –Extending barrel can draw in dust/moisture over time
- –Not compatible with RF teleconverters (due to rear element position)
- –Vignetting is quite heavy wide open
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –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 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM and NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR at major authorized retailers.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8L IS USM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.