I originally wrote Canon versus Nikon lenses last summer (2008) and today, there are many changes, especially in price and new releases. Instead of revising the old one, I decided to write a new one.
You may notice not all the lenses are on the table, especially old/legacy lenses. I do it on purpose because many legacy lenses are not available to buy new, and the old one might be pretty hard to find.
I will start with the most popular category, the consumer zoom lenses. These lenses are compatible with most (95%) of digital slr cameras in the market.
Note: Canon EF-S lenses compatible with crop sensor DSLR camera such as Canon EOS rebel series (1000d-500D), and X0D (20D-50D) series plus the new Canon EOS 7D. Nikon DX zoom lenses compatible with crop sensor DSLR camera such as Nikon D40-D60, D3000, D5000 and D200-D300s. Those lenses are built and optimized for non-full frame DSLR camera and selling at cheaper price.
BQ = Built Quality | IQ = Image Quality| Price: Approximate street price Fall 2009
| Canon EF-S zoom lens | BQ | IQ | Price | Nikon DX zoom lens | BQ | IQ | Price |
| Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM | 7 | 8 | $750 | Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 | 7 | 8 | $800 |
| Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | 5 | 5 | kit | Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR | 5 | 5 | kit |
| Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | 6 | 6 | $500 | Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 | 7 | 7 | disc. |
| Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | 7 | 6 | $430 | Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR | 6 | 7 | $335 |
| Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | 7 | 7 | $800 | Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR | 7 | 8 | $675 |
| Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | 7 | 6 | $415 | Nikon 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6 VR | 7 | 4 | $550 |
| Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM | 7 | 8 | $1025 | Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 | 9 | 8 | $1300 |
| Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS | 6 | 7 | $250 | Nikon 50-200mm f/4-5.6 VR | 6 | 7 | $225 |
| Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM | 7 | 7 | $540 | Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR | 7 | 7 | $500 |
| Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS | 7 | 7 | $575 | Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR | 8 | 7 | $750 |
As you can see in the table, both manufacturers are competing pretty tight. A while ago, Nikon is leading with standard consumer zoom lenses especially with 18-105mm VR and 16-85mm VR, but last month, Canon announces two multipurpose lenses, 18-135mm IS and 15-85mm IS USM, these lenses will try to break Nikon domination.
The best zoom lenses for this category are Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM and Nikon AF-S 17-55mm f/2.8. This is a very intense battle. Both lenses have equally good image quality, but Canon has IS (image stabilization), Nikon does not. Canon price is about $275 cheaper. However, Nikon 17-55mm lens’ built quality is much more impressive than Canon.
Pro grade zoom lenses. These lenses are compatible for all Canon/Nikon dSLR cameras.
| Canon L Zoom lens | BQ | IQ | Price | Nikon FX zoom lens | BQ | IQ | Price |
| Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 | 10 | 10 | $1815 | ||||
| Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 | 9 | 9 | $1500 | Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 | 9 | 9 | $1750 |
| Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 | 9 | 8 | $750 | Nikon 16-35mm f/4 VR | 9 | - | $1259 |
| Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 | 9 | 9 | $1300 | Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 | 10 | 9 | $1900 |
| Canon 24-105mm f/4 L USM | 9 | 8 | $1100 | ||||
| Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 | 9 | 9 | $650 | ||||
| Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 IS | 9 | 10 | $1250 | ||||
| Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM | 9 | 9 | $1250 | ||||
| Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM IS | 9 | 9 | $1950 | Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR | 9 | 10 | $2000 |
| Canon EF 100-400mm f/4-5.6 IS USM | 8 | 7 | $1650 | Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR | 8 | 7 | $1650 |
| Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II | 9 | 10 | $2300 | ||||
| Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR | 9 | 9 | $6300 |
Canon has more selection than Nikon in pro grade lenses. For example, Canon has 17-40mm F/4 and variation of 70-200mm lenses. While, Nikon only focused in some lenses such as 14-24mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 These formidable trios have stellar built-quality, auto focus speed and image quality. However, they are not cheap. Consumers that looking for a step to upgrade from consumer lens might be disappointed at Nikon lens selection.
Canon have many excellent lenses as well. Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 IS for example, is one of the best lens Canon ever made with reasonable price.
Canon and Nikon prime lenses comparison (consumer)
| Canon prime lens | BQ | IQ | Price | Nikon prime lens | BQ | IQ | Price |
| Canon 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye | 7 | 7 | $700 | Nikon 10.5 f/2.8 Fisheye | 8 | 9 | $700 |
| Canon 20mm f/2.8 USM | 6 | 6 | $430 | Nikon 20mm f/2.8 | 7 | 7 | $560 |
| Canon 24mm f/2.8 | 6 | 6 | $325 | Nikon 24mm f/2.8 | 7 | 7 | $350 |
| Canon 28mm f/2.8 | 6 | 7 | $275 | Nikon 28mm f/2.8 | 7 | 6 | $275 |
| Canon 35mm f/2 | 6 | 7 | $320 | Nikon 35mm f/2D | 7 | 7 | $350 |
| Canon 50mm f/1.8 | 3 | 7 | $90 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8 | 4 | 7 | $140 |
| Canon 50mm f/1.4 USM | 7 | 8 | $400 | Nikon 50mm f/1.4D | 7 | 8 | $350 |
| Canon 85mm f/1.8 USM | 7 | 9 | $440 | Nikon 85mm f/1.8 | 7 | 9 | $450 |
| Canon 100mm f/2 USM | 7 | 9 | $425 | ||||
| Canon 135mm f/2.8 SF | 7 | 8 | $550 | ||||
| Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro | 7 | 9 | $400 | Nikon 60mm f/2.8 | 8 | 9 | $540 |
| Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM | 8 | 9 | $600 | Nikon 35mm f/1.8G | 7 | 8 | $225 |
| Nikon 50mm f/1.4G | 7 | 8 | $450 |
Both Canon and Nikon has a good collection for prime lenses. If you have Nikon beginner cameras such as Nikon D40, D60, D3000, which does not have built-in AF motor, you won’t able to auto focus with the lens. However, Nikon released two new lenses: 35mm f/1.8G and 50mm f/1.4G that will work with those camera. While Canon EOS cameras are fully compatible with all lenses above.
Pro grade prime lenses comparison
| Canon prime lens | BQ | IQ | Price | Nikon prime lens | BQ | IQ | Price |
| Canon 14mm f/2.8 II L | 9 | 8 | $2200 | Nikon 14mm f/2.8 | 9 | 6 | $1700 |
| Canon 24mm f/1.4 L | 9 | 8 | $1700 | Nikon 24mm f/1.4 | - | - | $2200 |
| Canon 35mm f/1.4 L | 9 | 9 | $1950 | ||||
| Canon 50mm f/1.2 L | 9 | 8 | $1600 | ||||
| Canon 85mm f/1.2 L | 9 | 10 | $2000 | Nikon 85mm f/1.4G | 8 | 10 | $1300 |
| Canon 135mm f/2 L | 9 | 10 | $1000 | Nikon 135mm DC | 8 | 10 | disc. |
| Canon 200mm f/2.8 L | 9 | 9 | $1000 | ||||
| Canon 200mm f/2 L IS | 10 | 10 | $5300 | Nikon 200mm f/2G VR | 10 | 10 | $5100 |
| Canon 300mm f/2.8 L IS | 10 | 10 | $4600 | Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR | 10 | 10 | $5300 |
| Canon 300mm f/4 L IS | 9 | 9 | $1300 | Nikon 300mm f/4 | 9 | 9 | $1500 |
| Canon 400mm f/2.8 L IS | 10 | 9 | $6750 | Nikon 400mm f/2.8 VR | 10 | 10 | $8500 |
| Canon 400mm f/4 DO IS | 9 | 8 | $6000 | ||||
| Canon 400mm f/5.6 | 9 | 8 | $1300 | ||||
| Canon 500mm f/4 IS | 9 | 8 | $6000 | Nikon 500mm f/4 VR | 9 | 9 | $9200 |
| Canon 600mm f/4 IS | 9 | 8 | $8250 | Nikon 600mm f/4 VR | 9 | 9 | $9500 |
| Canon 800mm f/5.6 IS | 9 | 8 | $11500 | ||||
| Canon 100mm f/2.8 L hybrid IS macro | - | - | $1050 | Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR micro lens | 9 | 9 | $900 |
| Nikon 200mm f/4 micro lens | 8 | 9 | $1800 |
Nikon is lagging behind Canon in pro prime lenses category. Nikon has fewer collection, some of them are out of date, and the price is more expensive. These lenses are important for sports, portraits, wildlife and weddings.
Overall, Canon lens selection is better than Nikon in some area such as pro grade zoom lens and pro prime lens category. Canon has wider selection of pro/high end zoom lenses. On the other hand, Nikon only concentrate on making top quality lenses, but unfortunately there are not enough lens to fill gap between consumer grade lens and high grade lens, as a result, many Nikon owner might be a bit frustrated and buy third party lenses such as Sigma, Tamron and Tokina instead.
In high grade prime lens category, Nikon really need to update some of their lenses such as 85mm f/1.4, 135mm f/1.4 and add some more popular lens such as 35mm f/1.4. Nikon definitely have plenty of homework if they want to compete with Canon in this category. It is an important category because many photographers use these lenses for sports, weddings, portraits, wildlife, etc.
This is the end of my analysis and I hope it is helpful for people who want to look for lenses for upgrade or people who want to decide whether to get Canon or Nikon system.
I recommend to get Canon and Nikon lenses at Amazon.com or BH Photo Video. They have stellar services and very competitive price.
Become our Facebook Fans
Follow me @ Twitter
{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
This is a great comparison for anyone considering to jump to the other side.
the Nikon 200-400 f4 VR should be mentioned in your Pro Grade zoom len. BTW,your entry is very nice and informative. Thx for sharing
I hope that Nikon sooner releases more F4.0 pro zoom such 17-40f4, 28-135 f4 or 70-210 f4 to fill the spaces they have missed….
Great comparison and explanation, I must say thanks..
My opinion :
Canon EF-S 15-85mm at $800 is way too expensive for a slow zoom. Even Nikon AF-S 16-85mm at $675 is still expensive. I know both have good IQ and build, but the main target is consumer market, not a pro market.
Thanks. yes, I agree with you.
$800 is MSRP, so price might drop $50-$100 but yeah i think it will be more expensive than Nikon’s. It feels expensive because Tamron has 17-50mm f/2.8 for much cheaper price.
Very informative. I’d also like to see the Nikon 200-400 f4 VR added to the Pro Grade Zoom lenses list.
Which source(s) do you use(d) to grade the lenses.
Which sites offer quality in depth reviews ?
slrgear.com
Is there any reason why the Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Lens is omitted? I think the street price is $1,100 and it has a good reputation as far as IQ and BQ.
Great comparison and the update is appreciated!
Did you forget the Nikon 105DC F2?
Nice summary. You did a good job of including all current, popular lenses.
It’d be interesting to see a comparison between both companies PC-E lenses.
The bottom line is, no matter which system you choose, both Nikon and Canon offer some great lenses for every price range. If one can’t take top notch photos with either brand, it ain’t the camera’s fault!
Regarding
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 and Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8
you give them both a 9 for image quality ?
Every review I’ve seen rates the Nikon better for image quality .
You also rate the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 better than the Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8 USM for image quality.
I know the Nikon has very good performance in the centre but the corners are poor so giving it a 10 for image quality is laughable.
The poor performance in the corners is the reason Nikon had to bring out the
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II .
@Stve: The poor performance is only when you mount it in Nikon FX camera
Hey thanks very much for this list, I use it often as a way of comparing a lens I know to one I don’t.
Suggestion: since your older list has some lenses that this list does not, perhaps you could add a link in this post back to the old post? I just use google search to get back but it would be easier with a link
Reason: i’m a budget buyer so older lenses are still very appealing to me (the used market)
Glad it could help Tim, the link to old one is at the Trackback section.
i think i have to disagree with canon 15mm fisheye on IQ (rated 7). it can easily be rated 10 even on untrained eyes.
This sounds like it was written by someone who works for Canon. Especially the lack of any mention of the Nikon 14-24mm lens.
I did mention that 14-24mm is part of formidable trios along with 24-70mm and 70-200mm.
When it comes to lenses; Canon is a clear winner due to variety, quality and price competitiveness. Same time I wish I could mount Canon lenses on Nikon bodies. While Canon is still running the weird high pixel race, Nikon is successfully turning out high quality bodies that take decent pictures. Ironically, both are adding video options to their bodies to make it unnecessarily clumsy and pricey.
yes that is ironic haha.. Canon is far better in implementing video feature tho, and I think this is what set them apart now and in the future.
Why inclusion of video option in still camera bodies is annoying? Because the whole idea is unrealistic and unnecessary in the first place. Dedicated camcorders are always better performers in video recording. Whenever one desires primarily video shooting of any event, (s)he will look for either a professional video camera or at least a camcorder – not his/her still camera. Both these equipment allow the shooters to capture videos the way it is desired by offering various relevant options and flexibilities. If the still camera videos performed with same efficiency, video cameras would have gone out production long ago. But in reality it didn’t.
Whenever multiple functions are crammed into one system; quality becomes a casualty.
The very fact that still camera manufacturers are producing video cameras as well testifies that these 2 are not the same. In doubt? Ask the video/camcorder sales people at Canon or Sony.