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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 Z 24-120mm f/4 S — Prime/Zoom
Nikon

Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S

Prime/Zoom

88
/ 100
From $1,099
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 Z 24-120mm f/4 S 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 Z 24-120mm f/4 S if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
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Winner by scenario

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

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).

Build

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

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM leads on build (90 vs 88).

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

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

Value for money

Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $1,899).

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM 91
vs
88 Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S

Score breakdown

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
91
sharpness 91
af 87
build 90
value 86
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S
88
sharpness 88
af 86
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM versus Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S — full spec comparison
Spec Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S

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 Z 24-120mm f/4 S

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

FAQ: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM vs Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S

Which is better, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S? +

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 Z 24-120mm f/4 S worth the price? +

At $1,099, Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 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.

Which is better for sharpness, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S? +

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 build, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM or Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S? +

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.