The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 II and the Canon 50mm f1.4 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. Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 II is the longer of the two lenses at 208mm. The Canon 50mm f1.4 USM with a length of 51mm, is 157mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 II also has a larger diameter of 90mm compared to the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM's 74mm 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. Canon 50mm f1.4 USM weighs 290g, 75% (890g) lighter than the Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 II's weight of 1180g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 II has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM has a 58mm 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 Z 70-200 F2.8 II:
And these are the 58mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 II has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount and Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 II has a focal range of 70-200mm and
2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
105 - 300mm.
On the other hand, the Canon 50mm f1.4 USM is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 80mm.