Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3G ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3G ED VR compared with NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
NikonAF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3G ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Overview
ReleasedApril 2014January 2026
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length18–300 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–6.3f/4–7.1
Minimum aperturef/22–40f/22–40
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED glass elements and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detailf/3.5 maximum and f/22 minimum at 18 mm; f/6.3 maximum and f/40 minimum at 300 mmf/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 76°–5°20′; angle of view equivalent to 27–450 mm on FXFX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleAPS-CFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F-mount G-type CPU lens designed for DXNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.48 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.29×0.5×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with an ultrasonic motor and manual focusing available; Nikon USA identifies Silent Wave MotorStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.48 m from the focal plane throughout the zoom rangeDistances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm
Magnification detailNikon Japan specifies maximum 0.29×; Digital Camera World's table gives 0.32×. The maker figure is retainedMaximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailFour stops under CIPA conditions measured at maximum telephoto on an APS-C/DX DSLR; Normal mode, with no tripod VRNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter78.5 mm73.5 mm
Length99 mm106.5 mm
Weight550 g350 g (better)
ControlsFocus and zoom rings; ePHOTOzine identifies a lock at 18 mm and manual focus override. Digital Camera World notes no distance scaleCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu
Zoom designRotating zoom ring with markings at 18, 35, 70, 105, 200 and 300 mmBarrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm
Filter detail67 mm screw-in filters; ePHOTOzine reports a non-rotating thread during focusing–
Weather resistanceBoth reviews identify a rubber gasket at the metal mount; no general maker protection rating is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 78.5 mm maximum diameter × 99 mm from the mountApproximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 350 g
Lens hoodNot included in Nikon UK's accessory list; Digital Camera World confirms the hood is sold separately, despite ePHOTOzine describing a supplied hoodOptional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews
In the boxLC-67 front cap and LF-4 rear cap according to Nikon UKLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits
Release detailNikon Japan records 24 April 2014 availability; Nikon USA's original announcement specifies May 2014US maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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