RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMvs NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

GearFrame · Updated March 2026

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM (2020) Starting from £2799 new Best for Wildlife, birding & sports photography View RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
VS
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (2022) Starting from £2699 new Best for Wildlife, birding & sports photography View NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?

Wildlife, Birding & Sports Photography — RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM (2020): Canon RF's definitive wildlife and birding lens — 500mm reach with L-series quality and IS that makes handheld shooting at extreme focal lengths genuinely viable.

Wildlife, Birding & Sports Photography — NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (2022): S-line quality at 400mm with class-leading VR — the natural pairing for the Z8 or Z9 for anyone serious about wildlife or sports.

↓ Full specifications below

Who should buy what

Quick take: The nikkor z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 vr s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.

Full specifications

Specification RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM (2020)NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (2022)
Price £2,799 £2,699
Sensor f/4.5-7.1 (variable max aperture) f/4.5-5.6 (variable max aperture)
Video 90cm minimum focus distance 75cm minimum focus distance
Autofocus Dual Nano USM — fast subject tracking with Dual Pixel CMOS AF Multi-Focus System — two STM motors for fast, accurate tracking
Stabilisation 5-stop IS (up to 6 stops combined with IBIS on compatible bodies) 5.5-stop VR with ARNEO coating (dual stabilisation system)
Burst Rate N/A N/A
Battery Life N/A N/A
Weight 1530g 1355g
Dimensions 93.8mm diameter × 207.6mm length 98mm diameter × 222mm length
Weather Sealed Yes Yes
Viewfinder N/A N/A
Screen N/A N/A
Mount Canon RF Nikon Z-mount
Memory Cards N/A N/A
Connectivity N/A N/A

Suitability by genre

Genre RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USMNIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Wildlife
9.0
9.0
Sports & Action
9.0
9.0
Landscape
7.0
7.0
⚡ Compare specs side by side RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM prices → NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S prices →

More comparisons with RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Compare RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs A1 → Compare RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs A1 II → Compare RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs A6100 → Compare RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs A6400 → Compare RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs A6600 → Compare RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs A6700 → Compare RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs A7C → Compare RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs A7C II →