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Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Prime/Zoom

93
/ 100
From $2,699
VS
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S wins by 1
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S — Prime/Zoom
Nikon

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Prime/Zoom

94
/ 100
From $2,399
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lands at 93 and Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S at 94. That puts Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics

Pick Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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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

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

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

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

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

Value for money

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S more score per dollar ($2,399 vs $2,699).

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM 93
vs
94 Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Score breakdown

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
93
sharpness 93
af 92
build 94
value 84
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
94
sharpness 94
af 93
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM versus Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Which is better, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S? +

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM worth the price? +

At $2,699, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in build.

Is Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S worth the price? +

At $2,399, Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 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 the better value, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S? +

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S — more score per dollar ($2,399 vs $2,699). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.