Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR | NikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | March 2018 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Prime |
| Focal length | 180–400 mm | 35 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Macro lens | – | Yes |
| Optical construction | 27 elements in 19 groups plus protective glass; built-in converter has eight elements in five groups | Eight elements in seven groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Eight ED elements and one fluorite element | One aspherical ED element |
| 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 | At infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22 |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control | Nine 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 | DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | APS-C |
| 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 | 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 | 0.16 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.25× | 0.67× |
| 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 | Minimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens |
| 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 | Actual maximum reproduction ratio 0.67×; Nikon describes this as life-size equivalent in 35 mm/FX format, rather than an actual 1× ratio |
| 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; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body |
| Video features | – | Suppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 40.5 mm | 52 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 128 mm | 70 mm |
| Length | 362.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Weight | 3,500 g | 220 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; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer |
| Zoom design | Rotary zoom ring; E.J. Peiker describes internal zooming without a change in length | Internal focusing keeps total length unchanged |
| Filter detail | 40.5 mm drop-in holder system, not a front screw-in thread | 52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| 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 | Approximately 128 mm maximum diameter × 362.5 mm from the mount flange | Approximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | – | Approximately 220 g, lens only |
| Lens hood | – | Optional HN-43, sold separately |
| 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-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap |
| 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 |
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