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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4

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 50mm f/1.4
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2014September 2024
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.4
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 table10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and two ED elementsOne aspherical element
Aperture detail–f/1.4–16
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the meniscus protective glass–
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 6°10′; DX 4°FX 47°; DX 31°30′
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 m0.37 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.17×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 2.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 mMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual 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 0.17×
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 Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter40.5 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter159.5 mm74.5 mm
Length358 mm86.5 mm
Weight3,800 g420 g
Controls–Separate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps lens length unchanged
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in system, not a front screw-in thread62 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 ratingDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 159.5 mm maximum diameter × 358 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 420 g
Lens hood–HB-115 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-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hood
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 September 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. The co-marketed f/1.8 S is not treated as its predecessor

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