Canon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L 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 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 900 g | 805 g |
| Optical stabilization | true | false |
Between the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM and NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM comes out ahead in optical stabilization, while the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S wins on weight. Overall, the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM scores 64.6 and the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S scores 65.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
These two are nearly even on the Mars Score (64.6 vs 65.6). The decision is not about overall quality — both clear the bar — it is about which specific trade-offs fit your use.
Pick the RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM if you care most about optical stabilization. The biggest gaps in its favor are optical stabilization. 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 — 95.00 g less. 805 vs 900.
Both ship with comparable min focal, max focal, weather sealed, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.
Which should you buy: Canon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM or Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S?
Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S leads the current Mars Score by 1.0 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare weight against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Canon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM if…
Canon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM has the measurable edge on has stabilization.
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 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM wins
- ▲Has Optical stabilization.
Why Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S wins
- ▲Weight — 95.00 g less. 805 vs 900.
Spec comparison
Optics
| Spec | Canon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Min focal | 24 mm | 24 mm |
| Max focal | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Min aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
Build
| Spec | Canon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 900 g | 805 glead |
| Weather sealedⓘ | true | true |
| Optical stabilizationⓘ | truelead | false |
Mount
| Spec | Canon - RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM | Nikon - NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S |
|---|---|---|
| Lens mount | Canon RF | Nikon Zlead |