Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
Prime/zoom
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
S-Line · f/1.2 · Premium glass
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM lands at 90 and Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S at 95. That puts Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM if…
- ✓Proven optical formula
- ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- ✓Strong resale
Pick Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S if…
- ✓Best 50mm f/1.2 AF lens we've tested
- ✓Internal focus + silent STM
- ✓Edge-to-edge sharpness wide open
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S |
|---|---|---|
| Mount | — | Nikon Z |
| Focal length | — | 50 mm |
| Aperture | — | f/1.2 to f/16 |
| Construction | — | 17 elements / 15 groups |
| Min focus | — | 0.45 m |
| Filter | — | 82 mm |
| Weight | — | 1090 g |
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM
- +Proven optical formula
- +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- +Strong resale
- −Mount-specific
- −Older AF motor on some
- −Heavier than modern counterparts
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- +Best 50mm f/1.2 AF lens we've tested
- +Internal focus + silent STM
- +Edge-to-edge sharpness wide open
- −Heavy at 1090g
- −Pricey
- −Massive front element (filter 82mm)
FAQ: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Which is better, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S? +
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM worth the price? +
At $2,199, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sharpness.
Is Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S worth the price? +
At $2,099, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sharpness.
Does Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM or Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.