Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR | NikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | March 2018 | January 2026 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 180–400 mm | 24–105 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/4–7.1 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22–40 |
| Optical construction | 27 elements in 19 groups plus protective glass; built-in converter has eight elements in five groups | 12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Eight ED elements and one fluorite element | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass | – |
| Aperture detail | f/4–32 without the built-in converter; f/5.6–45 with it engaged | f/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control | Seven rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 13°40′–6°10′ without converter or 9°50′–4°30′ with it; DX 9°–4° or 6°20′–2°50′ respectively | FX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′ |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | Full frame |
| Compatibility | CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control requires compatible camera operation | Native Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras |
| Teleconverter support | Built-in 1.4× converter selects 180–400 mm f/4 or 252–560 mm f/5.6 | – |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 2 m | 0.2 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.25× | 0.5× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | No |
| Autofocus detail | Internal focusing with ultrasonic motor; original Nikon announcement describes enhanced tracking and cross-type outer AF points on compatible 153-point cameras with the required firmware | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum focal-plane distance 2 m across the zoom range; limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 m | Distances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm |
| Magnification detail | Nikon UK publishes 0.25× at 400 mm without the converter, used in the main specifications; 0.36× at 560 mm with it engaged | Maximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published |
| Stabilisation detail | Lens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions in NORMAL mode on an FX DSLR at the longest zoom position; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported | No optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 40.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 128 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Length | 362.5 mm | 106.5 mm |
| Weight | 3,500 g | 350 g (better) |
| Controls | Lockable built-in converter lever; ePHOTOzine describes A/M, M/A and M modes plus focus-function buttons for AF lock, AF-ON or Memory Recall | Customisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu |
| Zoom design | Rotary zoom ring; E.J. Peiker describes internal zooming without a change in length | Barrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm |
| Filter detail | 40.5 mm drop-in holder system, not a front screw-in thread | – |
| Weather resistance | Original Nikon announcement describes dust and moisture sealing; no waterproof rating stated | Designed for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 128 mm maximum diameter × 362.5 mm from the mount flange | Approximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | – | Approximately 350 g |
| Lens hood | – | Optional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews |
| Tripod mount | 360° rotating collar with 90° position marks and removable foot; E.J. Peiker notes that the supplied foot lacks an Arca-Swiss dovetail | – |
| In the box | Nikon UK lists LC-K103 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-41 hood, dedicated filter holder, 40.5 mm NC filter, LN-2 strap and CL-L2 case | LC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits |
| Release detail | Original Nikon US announcement specifies March 2018 retail availability; January CES introduction is not used as the first-sale date | US maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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