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.
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 USM | NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Landscape |
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