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Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Prime/zoom

91
/ 100
From $1,899
VS
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM wins by 3
Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Prime/zoom

88
/ 100
From $1,599
Specdex verdict

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM lands at 91 and Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G at 88. That puts Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Sharpness

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM leads on sharpness (91 vs 88).

Autofocus

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM leads on af (87 vs 84).

Value for money

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G more score per dollar ($1,599 vs $1,899).

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM 91
vs
88 Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Score breakdown

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
91
sharpness 91
af 87
build 90
value 86
Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
88
sharpness 88
af 84
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM versus Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

FAQ: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM vs Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Which is better, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G? +

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM worth the price? +

At $1,899, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G worth the price? +

At $1,599, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.

Does Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G 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.

Which is better for sharpness, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G? +

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — leads on sharpness (91 vs 88). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G? +

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — leads on af (87 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.