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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II

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 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2014September 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length400 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Macro lens–No
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 table14 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and two ED elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the meniscus protective glassMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine-coated front element
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control11 rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 6°10′; DX 4°FX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; Nikon warns that some cameras restrict E-type lens operationNikon Z mount, FX/full-frame image circle
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.6 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.32×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusMulti-focusing system with Silky Swift Voice Coil Motors
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 2.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 mMinimum focus from focal plane 0.24 m at 24/28 mm, 0.27 m at 35 mm, 0.30 m at 50 mm and 0.33 m at 70 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 0.21× at 24 mm or 0.32× at 70 mm
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 in-lens VR according to Photography Blog; stabilisation depends on the attached camera body
Video features–Focus-breathing suppression; internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity steady on gimbals
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter40.5 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter159.5 mm84 mm
Length358 mm142 mm
Weight3,800 g675 g
Controls–Click on/off control ring, two assignable L-fn buttons and focus-limit switch that restricts minimum focus to 0.33 m throughout the zoom range
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains the lens length
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 ratingDust- and drip-resistant construction; not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 159.5 mm maximum diameter × 358 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter by 142 mm from camera mount flange to lens end
Weight detail–Maker approximately 675 g
Lens hood–HB-117 with window for rotating filters
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-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-117 hood and CL-C2 case
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 monthAnnounced 22 August 2025; Nikon US specified mid-September availability. Main keeps the confirmed month without inventing a UK retail day

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