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Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Prime/Zoom

82
/ 100
From $899
VS
Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Prime/zoom

82
/ 100
From $479
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lands at 82 and Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G at 82. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM if…

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

Pick Nikon AF-S 50mm 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

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Compared on the build sub-score

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G leads on build (90 vs 88).

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

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

Autofocus

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM leads on af (80 vs 78).

Value for money

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G more score per dollar ($479 vs $899).

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM 82
vs
82 Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Score breakdown

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
82
sharpness 82
af 80
build 88
value 85
Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
82
sharpness 82
af 78
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM versus Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

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

Nikon AF-S 50mm 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 800mm f/11 IS STM vs Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G

Which is better, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G? +

Both score 82 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM worth the price? +

At $899, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in build.

Is Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G worth the price? +

At $479, Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in build.

Does Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or Nikon AF-S 50mm 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 build, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G? +

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G? +

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM — leads on af (80 vs 78). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.