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Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Prime/Zoom

96
/ 100
From $2,999
VS
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM wins by 8
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 RF 28-70mm f/2L USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM lands at 96 and Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G at 88. That puts Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM ahead by 8 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM if…

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

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

Sharpness

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM leads on sharpness (96 vs 88).

Build

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM leads on build (94 vs 90).

Autofocus

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM leads on af (95 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 $2,999).

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM 96
vs
88 Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Score breakdown

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM
96
sharpness 96
af 95
build 94
value 84
Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
88
sharpness 88
af 84
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM versus Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

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

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 RF 28-70mm f/2L USM vs Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Which is better, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM or Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G? +

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 8. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM worth the price? +

At $2,999, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM delivers a Specdex score of 96 — 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 RF 28-70mm f/2L 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 RF 28-70mm f/2L USM or Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G? +

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM — leads on sharpness (96 vs 88). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for build, Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM or Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G? +

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.