What To Know
- The Nikon lens is slightly sharper than the Canon lens at the widest aperture, but the Canon lens has better control over chromatic aberration.
- The Nikon lens is slightly sharper and has faster autofocus, while the Canon lens has better control over chromatic aberration and has optical image stabilization.
- Apart from the core aspects of image quality, build quality, and autofocus, there are a few unique features that set the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM are two of the most popular standard zoom lenses for mirrorless cameras. Both lenses offer a versatile focal length range, a wide maximum aperture, and excellent image quality. But which one is the best choice for you? In this article, we’ll compare the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM in terms of their key features, performance, and price.
Build Quality and Design
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM are both very well-built lenses. They’re both made of high-quality materials and feel solid in the hand. The Nikon lens is slightly lighter and more compact than the Canon lens, but both lenses are easy to carry around.
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has a weather-sealed design, which means that it can be used in inclement weather conditions. The Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is not weather-sealed, so it’s not as well-suited for use in harsh conditions.
Image Quality
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM both produce excellent image quality. Both lenses are sharp from corner to corner, even at the widest aperture. They also have very good color reproduction and contrast.
However, there are some minor differences in the image quality of the two lenses. The Nikon lens is slightly sharper than the Canon lens at the widest aperture, but the Canon lens has better control over chromatic aberration.
Autofocus
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM both have fast and accurate autofocus systems. Both lenses can focus quickly and accurately, even in low-light conditions.
However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of autofocus speed. It can focus slightly faster than the Canon lens, especially in low-light conditions.
Image Stabilization
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S does not have image stabilization, while the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM has optical image stabilization (OIS). OIS can help to reduce camera shake, which can lead to sharper images.
However, the Canon lens‘s OIS system is not as effective as some other lenses with OIS. It can only compensate for up to 5 stops of camera shake, which is less than some other lenses with OIS.
Price
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM are both priced similarly. The Nikon lens is slightly less expensive than the Canon lens, but the difference in price is negligible.
Which Lens is Right for You?
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM are both excellent lenses. They both offer a versatile focal length range, a wide maximum aperture, and excellent image quality.
The Nikon lens is slightly sharper and has faster autofocus, while the Canon lens has better control over chromatic aberration and has optical image stabilization.
Ultimately, the best lens for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you need a lens that is sharp and has fast autofocus, then the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a good choice. If you need a lens that has better control over chromatic aberration and has optical image stabilization, then the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM is a good choice.
Beyond the Comparison: Exploring the Unique Features of Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Apart from the core aspects of image quality, build quality, and autofocus, there are a few unique features that set the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM apart.
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S:
- Control Ring: The Nikon lens features a customizable control ring that can be assigned to various functions such as aperture, shutter speed, or ISO. This allows for quick and easy adjustments without having to take your eye off the viewfinder.
- Silent Autofocus: The Nikon lens utilizes a stepping motor for silent autofocus, making it ideal for situations where silence is crucial, such as video recording or wildlife photography.
- Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM:
- Nano USM Autofocus: The Canon lens employs a Nano USM autofocus system that combines the speed of a ring-type USM motor with the smoothness and quietness of a stepper motor. This results in fast and precise autofocus, even in low-light conditions.
- Lens Control Ring: Similar to the Nikon lens, the Canon lens also features a customizable lens control ring that can be assigned to various functions for added convenience.
The Verdict: Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S vs Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM
Both the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM are exceptional lenses that cater to the needs of professional and enthusiast photographers alike. While they share similarities in focal length, aperture, and image quality, each lens offers unique features that may appeal to different users.
Ultimately, the choice between these two lenses depends on your specific requirements and preferences. Consider factors such as weather sealing, autofocus speed, image stabilization, and additional features like the control ring or silent autofocus. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision and select the lens that best suits your photography style and needs.
What You Need to Know
Q1. Which lens is sharper, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S or the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
A1. The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is slightly sharper than the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM, especially at the widest aperture. However, the difference in sharpness is very minor and may not be noticeable in most situations.
Q2. Which lens has better autofocus, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S or the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
A2. The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has slightly faster autofocus than the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM, especially in low-light conditions. However, the difference in autofocus speed is very minor and may not be noticeable in most situations.
Q3. Which lens is better for video recording, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S or the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM?
A3. The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is better for video recording because it has silent autofocus. This means that the lens will not make any noise while focusing, which can be distracting when recording video.
