The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF and the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 127mm. The Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF with a length of 106mm, is 21mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF's 83mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF weighs 745g, which means it is 95g (11%) lighter than the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM which has a weight of 840g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM has a 82mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF:
And these are the 82mm filters that we recommend for the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM has the Canon RF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Canon R6 V, Canon R6 III and Canon C50 for the Canon RF Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF has a focal range of 17-35mm and
2.1X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
25.5 - 52.5mm.
On the other hand, the Canon RF 15-35mm F2.8L IS USM has a focal range of 15-35mm and 2.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24 - 56mm.