Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR | NikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | September 2015 | January 2026 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 200–500 mm | 24–105 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/5.6 | f/4–7.1 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22–40 |
| Optical construction | 19 elements in 12 groups; internal focusing | 12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Three ED elements | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Coatings | Super Integrated Coating | – |
| Aperture detail | Constant f/5.6 maximum and f/32 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure during high-speed bursts | f/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades | Seven rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 12°20′–5°00′; DX 8°00′–3°10′ | FX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′ |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | Full frame |
| Compatibility | Nikon F mount with full-frame/FX coverage; also usable on DX cameras | Native Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras |
| Teleconverter support | Nikon 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 | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 2.2 m | 0.2 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.22× | 0.5× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | No |
| Autofocus detail | Silent Wave Motor with manual focus override | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum 2.2 m from focal plane throughout the zoom range; Photography Blog confirms full-range or 6 m–infinity limiter and internal focusing | Distances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm |
| Magnification detail | Maximum 0.22× according to Nikon; Photography Blog's measured 1:4.3 is not substituted for the maker specification | Maximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published |
| Stabilisation detail | 4.5-stop CIPA claim in Normal mode on an FX DSLR at maximum telephoto; Sport mode assists tracking moving subjects | No optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | No | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 95 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 108 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Length | 267.5 mm | 106.5 mm |
| Weight | 2,090 g | 350 g (better) |
| Controls | Separate zoom and focus rings, focus-distance window, focus-mode and range-limiter switches, VR controls and zoom lock | Customisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu |
| Zoom design | Barrel extends when zooming; Photography Blog confirms the transport lock operates at 200 mm only | Barrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm |
| Filter detail | 95 mm screw-in filters, 1 mm pitch; front does not rotate during focusing according to Photography Blog | – |
| Weather resistance | Both reviews describe a rubber mount gasket but no comprehensive weather sealing; main weather-resistance flag is false | Designed for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Nikon 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 averaged | Approximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Nikon 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 basis | Approximately 350 g |
| Tripod mount | Removable collar allows camera rotation; supplied foot and 90° rotation markings confirmed by Photography Blog | – |
| Lens hood | HB-71 included | Optional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews |
| In the box | LC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-71 hood and CL-1434 case | LC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits |
| Release detail | Nikon 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 review | US maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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