Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR

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

Only show differences

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Share comparison

AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR compared with NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR

	NikonAF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR	NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
Released
Released	March 2018	October 2025
Optics
Lens type
Lens type	Zoom	Zoom
Focal length
Focal length	180–400 mm	16–50 mm
Maximum aperture
Maximum aperture	f/4	f/2.8
Minimum aperture
Minimum aperture	f/32	f/22
Optical construction
Optical construction	27 elements in 19 groups plus protective glass; built-in converter has eight elements in five groups	12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elements
Special elements	Eight ED elements and one fluorite element	One ED and two aspherical elements
Coatings
Coatings	Nano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass	–
Aperture detail
Aperture detail	f/4–32 without the built-in converter; f/5.6–45 with it engaged	f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
Diaphragm
Diaphragm	Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control	Nine rounded blades
Angle of view
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	DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
Mounts
Mounts	Nikon F mount	Nikon Z mount
Image circle
Image circle	Full frame	APS-C
Compatibility
Compatibility	CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control requires compatible camera operation	Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Teleconverter support
Teleconverter support	Built-in 1.4× converter selects 180–400 mm f/4 or 252–560 mm f/5.6	–
Focus and stabilisation
Autofocus
Autofocus	Yes	Yes
Minimum focus distance
Minimum focus distance	2 m	0.15 m
Maximum magnification
Maximum magnification	0.25×	0.24×
Optical stabilisation
Optical stabilisation	Yes	Yes
Autofocus detail
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
Focus distance detail	Minimum focal-plane distance 2 m across the zoom range; limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 m	Minimum distances from focal plane are 0.15 m at 16 mm, 0.18 m at 24 mm, 0.21 m at 35 mm and 0.25 m at 50 mm
Magnification detail
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 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detail
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	Lens-shift VR using voice-coil motors. UK maker states up to 4.5 stops under CIPA standards with a DX camera, Normal VR mode and maximum telephoto setting. Canada announcement gives 5 stops under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch testing with Z50II at telephoto in Normal mode; these claims use different stated test conditions
Video features
Video features	–	Suppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing. Nikon Canada specifies Z50II Hi-Res Zoom for Full HD 30p/25p/24p only; Wide-area AF (L), no displayed focus point and electronic VR off
Design
Dust and moisture resistant
Dust and moisture resistant	Yes	Yes
Filter diameter
Filter diameter	40.5 mm	67 mm
Maximum diameter
Maximum diameter	128 mm	74.5 mm
Length
Length	362.5 mm	88 mm
Weight
Weight	3,500 g	330 g (better)
Controls
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; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom design
Zoom design	Rotary zoom ring; E.J. Peiker describes internal zooming without a change in length	Barrel extends while zooming, as confirmed by both reviews; internal focusing does not change length. Focal-length markings 16, 24, 35 and 50 mm
Filter detail
Filter detail	40.5 mm drop-in holder system, not a front screw-in thread	67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistance
Weather resistance	Original Nikon announcement describes dust and moisture sealing; no waterproof rating stated	Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detail
Dimensions detail	Approximately 128 mm maximum diameter × 362.5 mm from the mount flange	Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detail
Weight detail	–	Approximately 330 g
Lens hood
Lens hood	–	HB-118 included
Tripod mount
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
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, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detail
Release detail	Original Nikon US announcement specifies March 2018 retail availability; January CES introduction is not used as the first-sale date	Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained