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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7

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 DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2014October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Macro lens–Yes
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 tableEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo fluorite elements and two ED elementsOne aspherical ED element
Aperture detail–At infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
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°DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; Nikon warns that some cameras restrict E-type lens operationNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.6 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.67×
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 mMinimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens
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×Actual maximum reproduction ratio 0.67×; Nikon describes this as life-size equivalent in 35 mm/FX format, rather than an actual 1× ratio
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; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter40.5 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter159.5 mm70 mm
Length358 mm72 mm
Weight3,800 g220 g
Controls–Customisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in system, not a front screw-in thread52 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 drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 159.5 mm maximum diameter × 358 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hood–Optional HN-43, sold separately
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-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
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 Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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