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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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S wins by 9
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — Prime/Zoom
Nikon

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Prime/Zoom

91
/ 100
From $2,699
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM lands at 82 and Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S at 91. That puts Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S ahead by 9 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM if…

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

Pick Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR 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

Build

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

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

Sharpness

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S leads on sharpness (91 vs 82).

Autofocus

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S leads on af (89 vs 80).

Value for money

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM more score per dollar ($899 vs $2,699).

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM 82
vs
91 Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Score breakdown

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM
82
sharpness 82
af 80
build 88
value 85
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM versus Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

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

FAQ: Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM vs Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Which is better, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 9. 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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S worth the price? +

At $2,699, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR 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 RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on sharpness (91 vs 82). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Canon RF 800mm f/11 IS STM or Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on af (89 vs 80). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.