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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
VS
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — Prime/zoom
Canon

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Prime/zoom

91
/ 100
From $1,899
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lands at 91 and Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM at 91. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

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

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

Pick Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM 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

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

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

Build

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM leads on build (90 vs 88).

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 87).

Value for money

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM more score per dollar ($1,899 vs $2,699).

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 91
vs
91 Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
91
sharpness 91
af 87
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S versus Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

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

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

FAQ: Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

Which is better, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM? +

Both score 91 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

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.

Is Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM worth the price? +

At $1,899, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II 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.

Which is better for build, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM? +

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on af (89 vs 87). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.