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Canon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USM vs Nikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Last updated · How Mars Score works
RF 50mm f/1.2L USMCANONRENDER
Probe A
Canon
RF 50mm f/1.2L USM
57.6/ 100D
Optics58· 55%
Build—· 35%
Mount—· 10%
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR SNIKONRENDER
Probe B
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
71.3/ 100B
Optics71· 55%
Build—· 35%
Mount—· 10%
Quick verdict

Between the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM and NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM comes out ahead in weight, while the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S wins on optical stabilization / min focal. Overall, the RF 50mm f/1.2L USM scores 57.6 and the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S scores 71.3 on our Mars Score.

Buying advice

Which should you buy?

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 13.7 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 50mm f/1.2L USM if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight.

Pick the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S if you care most about optical stabilization / min focal. Its strongest claims are optical stabilization, min focal, max focal.

Both ship with comparable weather sealed, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.

Bottom line: the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.

Why Canon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USM wins

  • ▲Weight — 490.00 g less. 950 vs 1440.

Why Nikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S wins

  • ▲Has Optical stabilization.
  • ▲Min focal: 70 (vs 50).
  • ▲Max focal: 200 (vs 50).
Full readout

Spec comparison

Optics

SpecCanon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USMNikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Min focal50 mm70 mmlead
Max focal50 mm200 mmlead
Max aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Min aperturef/16f/22

Build

SpecCanon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USMNikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Weight950 glead1440 g
Weather sealedⓘtruetrue
Optical stabilizationⓘfalsetruelead

Mount

SpecCanon - RF 50mm f/1.2L USMNikon - NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Lens mountCanon RFNikon Zlead
Drill down

Spec-level deep dives

Min focal→Max focal→Max aperture→Min aperture→Weight→Weather sealed→Optical stabilization→Lens mount→
By manufacturer

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Nikon →4

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