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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 RF 85mm f/1.2L USM wins by 5
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — Prime/Zoom
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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lands at 91 and Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM at 96. That puts Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

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

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

Pick Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sharpness

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM leads on sharpness (96 vs 91).

Autofocus

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM leads on af (95 vs 89).

Build

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM leads on build (94 vs 88).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 91
vs
96 Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85
Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM
96
sharpness 96
af 95
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S versus Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L 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 RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

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

FAQ: Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

Which is better, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. 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 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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 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.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — leads on sharpness (96 vs 91). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM? +

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM — leads on af (95 vs 89). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.