Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II

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 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2018September 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length180–400 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Macro lens–No
Optical construction27 elements in 19 groups plus protective glass; built-in converter has eight elements in five groups14 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsEight ED elements and one fluorite elementTwo ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glassMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailf/4–32 without the built-in converter; f/5.6–45 with it engaged–
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control11 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°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control requires compatible camera operationNikon Z mount, FX/full-frame image circle
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 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.32×
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 firmwareMulti-focusing system with Silky Swift Voice Coil Motors
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 2 m across the zoom range; limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 mMinimum focus from focal plane 0.24 m at 24/28 mm, 0.27 m at 35 mm, 0.30 m at 50 mm and 0.33 m at 70 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 0.21× at 24 mm or 0.32× at 70 mm
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 in-lens VR according to Photography Blog; stabilisation depends on the attached camera body
Video features–Focus-breathing suppression; internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity steady on gimbals
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter128 mm84 mm
Length362.5 mm142 mm
Weight3,500 g675 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 RecallClick on/off control ring, two assignable L-fn buttons and focus-limit switch that restricts minimum focus to 0.33 m throughout the zoom range
Zoom designRotary zoom ring; E.J. Peiker describes internal zooming without a change in lengthInternal zoom maintains the lens length
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 statedDust- and drip-resistant construction; not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 128 mm maximum diameter × 362.5 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter by 142 mm from camera mount flange to lens end
Weight detail–Maker approximately 675 g
Lens hood–HB-117 with window for rotating filters
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-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-117 hood and CL-C2 case
Release detailOriginal Nikon US announcement specifies March 2018 retail availability; January CES introduction is not used as the first-sale dateAnnounced 22 August 2025; Nikon US specified mid-September availability. Main keeps the confirmed month without inventing a UK retail day

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