Nikon
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Prime/zoom
92
/ 100
From $2,799
VS
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM wins by 4
Canon
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Prime/Zoom
96
/ 100
From $2,699
Specdex verdict
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lands at 92 and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM at 96. That puts Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR if…
- ✓Proven optical formula
- ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- ✓Strong resale
Pick Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM if…
- ✓Fast autofocus
- ✓Weather-sealed
- ✓Premium optics
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR 92
vs 96 Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Score breakdown
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
92 sharpness 92
af 88
build 90
value 86
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
96 sharpness 96
af 95
build 94
value 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM |
|---|
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Pros
- +Proven optical formula
- +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- +Strong resale
Cons
- −Mount-specific
- −Older AF motor on some
- −Heavier than modern counterparts
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Pros
- +Fast autofocus
- +Weather-sealed
- +Premium optics
Cons
- −Heavy
- −Expensive
- −Focus breathing varies
FAQ: Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
Which is better, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM? +
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR worth the price? +
At $2,799, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.
Is Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM worth the price? +
At $2,699, Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in sharpness.
Does Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM 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.