Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S

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

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AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR compared with NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2018February 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length180–400 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/32f/16
Optical construction27 elements in 19 groups plus protective glass; built-in converter has eight elements in five groups17 elements in 15 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsEight ED elements and one fluorite elementThree ED, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glassMeso Amorphous, Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings
Aperture detailf/4–32 without the built-in converter; f/5.6–45 with it engagedf/1.2–16
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 63°; DX 44°
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; FX/full-frame 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 m0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.2×
Optical stabilisationYes–
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 dual stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 2 m across the zoom range; limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 mMinimum 0.3 m from focal plane; no separate AF/MF distance published
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 0.2×
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring; linear manual focusing can be enabled through compatible camera settings
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 supported–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter128 mm90 mm
Length362.5 mm150 mm
Weight3,500 g1,060 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 RecallTwo customisable L-Fn buttons for horizontal or vertical shooting, customisable control ring and manual focus ring; AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designRotary zoom ring; E.J. Peiker describes internal zooming without a change in length–
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in holder system, not a front screw-in thread82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceOriginal Nikon announcement describes dust and moisture sealing; no waterproof rating statedSealed body, mount and movable barrel parts for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 128 mm maximum diameter × 362.5 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 150 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 1060 g
Lens hood–HB-110 included
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-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-110 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 dateNikon USA states late February 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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