Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL 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 NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR compared with NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2018January 2026
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length180–400 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–7.1
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–40
Optical construction27 elements in 19 groups plus protective glass; built-in converter has eight elements in five groups12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsEight ED elements and one fluorite elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass–
Aperture detailf/4–32 without the built-in converter; f/5.6–45 with it engagedf/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 13°40′–6°10′ without converter or 9°50′–4°30′ with it; DX 9°–4° or 6°20′–2°50′ respectivelyFX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control requires compatible camera operationNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter supportBuilt-in 1.4× converter selects 180–400 mm f/4 or 252–560 mm f/5.6–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.5×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; original Nikon announcement describes enhanced tracking and cross-type outer AF points on compatible 153-point cameras with the required firmwareStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 2 m across the zoom range; limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 mDistances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm
Magnification detailNikon UK publishes 0.25× at 400 mm without the converter, used in the main specifications; 0.36× at 560 mm with it engagedMaximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailLens-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 supportedNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter128 mm73.5 mm
Length362.5 mm106.5 mm
Weight3,500 g350 g (better)
ControlsLockable built-in converter lever; ePHOTOzine describes A/M, M/A and M modes plus focus-function buttons for AF lock, AF-ON or Memory RecallCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu
Zoom designRotary zoom ring; E.J. Peiker describes internal zooming without a change in lengthBarrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in holder system, not a front screw-in thread–
Weather resistanceOriginal Nikon announcement describes dust and moisture sealing; no waterproof rating statedDesigned for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 128 mm maximum diameter × 362.5 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 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 mount360° rotating collar with 90° position marks and removable foot; E.J. Peiker notes that the supplied foot lacks an Arca-Swiss dovetail–
In the boxNikon 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 caseLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits
Release detailOriginal Nikon US announcement specifies March 2018 retail availability; January CES introduction is not used as the first-sale dateUS maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

More comparisons