Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E 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 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR compared with NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2015January 2026
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length200–500 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/5.6f/4–7.1
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–40
Optical construction19 elements in 12 groups; internal focusing12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsSuper Integrated Coating–
Aperture detailConstant f/5.6 maximum and f/32 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure during high-speed burstsf/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 12°20′–5°00′; DX 8°00′–3°10′FX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F mount with full-frame/FX coverage; also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter supportNikon lists TC-14E, TC-14E II and TC-14E III with autofocus only on f/8-compatible cameras; TC-17E II, TC-20E, TC-20E II and TC-20E III are compatible without autofocus–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.2 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.5×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor with manual focus overrideStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 2.2 m from focal plane throughout the zoom range; Photography Blog confirms full-range or 6 m–infinity limiter and internal focusingDistances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 0.22× according to Nikon; Photography Blog's measured 1:4.3 is not substituted for the maker specificationMaximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detail4.5-stop CIPA claim in Normal mode on an FX DSLR at maximum telephoto; Sport mode assists tracking moving subjectsNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter95 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter108 mm73.5 mm
Length267.5 mm106.5 mm
Weight2,090 g350 g (better)
ControlsSeparate zoom and focus rings, focus-distance window, focus-mode and range-limiter switches, VR controls and zoom lockCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu
Zoom designBarrel extends when zooming; Photography Blog confirms the transport lock operates at 200 mm onlyBarrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm
Filter detail95 mm screw-in filters, 1 mm pitch; front does not rotate during focusing according to Photography Blog–
Weather resistanceBoth reviews describe a rubber mount gasket but no comprehensive weather sealing; main weather-resistance flag is falseDesigned for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailNikon global specifies approximately 108 mm maximum diameter × 267.5 mm from mount flange, used for main values. The UK table instead lists 107.3 × 266.8 mm; this discrepancy is retained rather than averagedApproximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailNikon global specifies approximately 2,090 g without the collar, used for main weight; 2,300 g with collar is also confirmed by Nikon USA's launch release. The UK table instead lists 2,500 g without explaining its basisApproximately 350 g
Tripod mountRemovable collar allows camera rotation; supplied foot and 90° rotation markings confirmed by Photography Blog–
Lens hoodHB-71 includedOptional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews
In the boxLC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-71 hood and CL-1434 caseLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits
Release detailNikon USA's August 2015 release states mid-September retail availability; earliest exact global and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. Photography Blog's 16–35mm image captions are editorial errors within the exact 200–500mm reviewUS maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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