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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL 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

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2014January 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length400 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4–7.1
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–40
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups plus meniscus protective glass; Nikon Japan and the original US announcement do not list the two aspherical elements appended to the UK table12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and two ED elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the meniscus protective glass–
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 6°10′; DX 4°FX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; Nikon warns that some cameras restrict E-type lens operationNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.6 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.5×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 2.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 mDistances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm
Magnification detailNikon Japan publishes 0.17×, used in the main specifications; the UK table gives 1/6.9 and Digital Camera World lists 0.14×Maximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions in NORMAL mode on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supportedNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter40.5 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter159.5 mm73.5 mm
Length358 mm106.5 mm
Weight3,800 g350 g
Controls–Customisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in system, not a front screw-in thread–
Weather resistanceBoth reviews describe weather sealing; the maker specification pages used here do not publish a protection ratingDesigned for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 159.5 mm maximum diameter × 358 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 350 g
Lens hood–Optional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar; the original maker announcement describes bearings for smooth rotation–
In the boxNikon UK lists slip-on front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-38 hood, 40.5 mm NC filter, CT-405 case, LN-2 strap and monopod collarLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits
Release detailNikon US specified August 2014 retail availability; Nikon Japan records 28 August 2014 release. Main month precision retains the earlier unspecified US availability within that monthUS maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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