Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR | NikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | April 2013 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 800 mm | 35 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/5.6 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Macro lens | – | Yes |
| Optical construction | 20 elements in 13 groups plus protective glass; supplied converter has five elements in three groups | Eight elements in seven groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Two ED and two fluorite elements in the lens; one ED element in the converter | One aspherical ED element |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat; no fluorine coating claimed in the maker specification tables used here | – |
| Aperture detail | f/5.6–32 without the converter; f/7.1–40 with the supplied TC800-1.25E ED | At infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22 |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 3°10′; DX 2° without converter | DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | APS-C |
| Compatibility | CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control requires compatible camera operation | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Teleconverter support | Supplied matched TC800-1.25E ED is exclusive to this lens and gives 1000 mm f/7.1; original US announcement names D4, D800 series and D600 for full autofocus with it | – |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 5.9 m | 0.16 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.15× | 0.67× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | No |
| Autofocus detail | Internal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focus | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Maker main minimum distance 5.9 m; Japan converter table gives 5.9 m in autofocus and 5.8 m in manual focus with the matched converter. Focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–10 m | Minimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens |
| Magnification detail | Nikon Japan publishes 0.15× without converter in AF and MF, used in the main specifications; UK gives 1/6.7. Japan lists converter ratios of 1/5.3 in AF and 1/5.1 in MF | 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 detail | Lens-shift VR rated 4.5 stops under CIPA conditions in NORMAL mode on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and ACTIVE modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported | No 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 diameter | 52 mm | 52 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 160 mm | 70 mm |
| Length | 461 mm | 72 mm |
| Weight | 4,590 g | 220 g (better) |
| 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 detail | 52 mm drop-in holder system; pitch 0.75 mm | 52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | – | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 160 mm maximum diameter × 461 mm from the mount flange; matched converter approximately 62.5 mm diameter × 16 mm between bayonet reference planes, 29 mm overall | Approximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 4,590 g lens; supplied matched converter approximately 135 g | Approximately 220 g, lens only |
| Lens hood | – | Optional HN-43, sold separately |
| In the box | – | LC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap |
| Release detail | Original Nikon US announcement specifies April 2013 retail availability; January introduction is not used as the first-sale date | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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