Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM | Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1530 g | 805 g |
| Optical stabilization | true | false |
| Min focal | 100 mm | 24 mm |
| Max focal | 500 mm | 70 mm |
Between the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM and NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM comes out ahead in optical stabilization / min focal, while the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S wins on weight. Overall, the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM scores 74.1 and the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S scores 65.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 8.5 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
Pick the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM if you care most about optical stabilization / min focal. The biggest gaps in its favor are optical stabilization, min focal, max focal. The single most decisive one: Has Optical stabilization.
Pick the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight. The single most decisive one: Weight — 725.00 g less. 805 vs 1530.
Both ship with comparable weather sealed, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S?
Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM leads the current Mars Score by 8.5 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare min focal, max focal, weight against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM if…
Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM has the measurable edge on has stabilization, focal min mm, focal max mm.
Choose Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S if…
Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has the measurable edge on weight g.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM wins
- ▲Has Optical stabilization.
- ▲Min focal: 100 (vs 24).
- ▲Max focal: 500 (vs 70).
Why Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S wins
- ▲Weight — 725.00 g less. 805 vs 1530.
Spec comparison
Optics
| Spec | Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM | Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Min focal | 100 mmlead | 24 mm |
| Max focal | 500 mmlead | 70 mm |
| Max aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Min aperture | f/51 | f/22 |
Build
| Spec | Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM | Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1530 g | 805 glead |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Optical stabilizationⓘ | truelead | false |
Mount
| Spec | Canon - RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM | Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | Canon RF | Nikon Zlead |