Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | NikonNIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | August 2014 | February 2022 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 400 mm | 400 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | 16 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 table | 25 elements in 19 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverter |
| Special elements | Two fluorite elements and two ED elements | Two ED elements, two fluorite elements, one super-ED element and one SR element |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the meniscus protective glass | Meso Amorphous Coat, ARNEO Coat and fluorine coating on the front element |
| Aperture detail | – | f/2.8–22 without the built-in teleconverter; f/4–32 with it engaged |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control | Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control |
| Angle of view | FX 6°10′; DX 4° | FX 6°10′ at 400 mm and 4°30′ at 560 mm; DX 4° and 2°50′ respectively |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | Full frame |
| Teleconverter support | – | Built-in 1.4× converter selects 400 mm or 560 mm; also compatible with Nikon Z TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x converters |
| Compatibility | CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; Nikon warns that some cameras restrict E-type lens operation | – |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 2.6 m | 2.5 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.17× | 0.17× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Internal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focus | Silky Swift VCM autofocus with internal focusing; FULL and infinity–6 m focus limiter positions |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum focal-plane distance 2.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 m | Maker minimum focus 2.5 m; Cameralabs measured approximately 2.41 m, retained separately from the maker figure |
| Magnification detail | Nikon Japan publishes 0.17×, used in the main specifications; the UK table gives 1/6.9 and Digital Camera World lists 0.14× | Maker maximum reproduction ratio 0.17×; Cameralabs measured approximately 1:3.9 with the built-in converter engaged |
| Stabilisation detail | Lens-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 | Lens-shift VR rated 5.5 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX camera in NORMAL mode, with or without the built-in converter; Synchro VR supported on Z9 |
| Video features | – | Maker focus-breathing compensation claim; Cameralabs nevertheless observes visible breathing on the Z7 |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | – | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 40.5 mm | 46 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 159.5 mm | 156 mm |
| Length | 358 mm | 380 mm |
| Weight | 3,800 g | 2,950 g (better) |
| Controls | – | Configurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter lever |
| Filter detail | 40.5 mm drop-in system, not a front screw-in thread | 46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread |
| Weather resistance | Both reviews describe weather sealing; the maker specification pages used here do not publish a protection rating | Maker sealing around movable barrel parts and mount gasket; dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed under all conditions |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 159.5 mm maximum diameter × 358 mm from the mount flange | Approximately 156 mm maximum diameter × 380 mm from the mount flange |
| Weight detail | – | Maker approximately 2,950 g; Cameralabs measured 2,936 g including tripod foot, plus 232 g for the hood |
| Tripod mount | Rotating tripod collar; the original maker announcement describes bearings for smooth rotation | Rotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes that the standard foot lacks an Arca-Swiss profile |
| In the box | Nikon 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 collar | LC-K105 front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HK-42 hood, LN-3 strap and CL-L3 case as listed by Nikon UK; Japan lists LN-3 or LN-4 strap |
| Release detail | Nikon US specified August 2014 retail availability; Nikon Japan records 28 August 2014 release. Main month precision retains the earlier unspecified US availability within that month | Nikon Canada specified late February 2022 retail availability; January's announcement date is not used as the on-sale date |
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