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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S

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 35mm f/1.2 S
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2014February 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
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 table17 elements in 15 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and two ED elementsThree ED, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the meniscus protective glassMeso Amorphous, Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings
Aperture detail–f/1.2–16
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control11 rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 6°10′; DX 4°FX 63°; DX 44°
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; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.6 m0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.2×
Optical stabilisationYes–
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusMulti-focusing system with dual stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 2.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 mMinimum 0.3 m from focal plane; no separate AF/MF distance published
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 0.2×
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring; linear manual focusing can be enabled through compatible camera settings
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 supported–
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter40.5 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter159.5 mm90 mm
Length358 mm150 mm
Weight3,800 g1,060 g
Controls–Two customisable L-Fn buttons for horizontal or vertical shooting, customisable control ring and manual focus ring; AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in system, not a front screw-in thread82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceBoth reviews describe weather sealing; the maker specification pages used here do not publish a protection ratingSealed body, mount and movable barrel parts for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 159.5 mm maximum diameter × 358 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 150 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 1060 g
Lens hood–HB-110 included
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-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-110 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 monthNikon USA states late February 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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