Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 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

NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S compared with NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S
NikonNIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR SNikonNIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2021February 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length100–400 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/4.5–5.6f/1.2
Minimum aperturef/32–40f/16
Optical constructionTwenty-five elements in twenty groups17 elements in 15 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsSix ED and two Super ED elementsThree ED, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine coating on the front elementMeso Amorphous, Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings
Aperture detail–f/1.2–16
DiaphragmNine rounded blades11 rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 24°20′–6°10′; DX 16°–4°FX 63°; DX 44°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon Z full-frame and DX cameras. Nikon Japan says mounting this lens disables selection of the mechanical-shutter setting, leaving Auto or electronic front-curtain options; use the latest camera firmwareNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter supportZ TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x supported; maximum focal length becomes 560 or 800 mm. Nikon warns focusing can take longer or become less reliable depending on subject, brightness and focus point–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.75 m0.3 m
Maximum magnification0.38×0.2×
Optical stabilisationYes–
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two stepping motorsMulti-focusing system with dual stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.75 m at 100 mm, 0.78 m at 135 mm, 0.8 m at 200 mm, 0.87 m at 300 mm and 0.98 m at 400 mmMinimum 0.3 m from focal plane; no separate AF/MF distance published
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.38× at 400 mm; 0.16× at 100 mm, as Nikon Japan specifiesMaximum 0.2×
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR with voice-coil motors. Nikon rates 5.5 stops under CIPA conditions in NORMAL mode on a full-frame camera at maximum telephoto–
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet autofocus and smooth aperture controlSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring; linear manual focusing can be enabled through compatible camera settings
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm82 mm
Maximum diameter98 mm90 mm
Length222 mm150 mm
Weight1,355 g1,060 g (better)
ControlsFocus-mode and FULL/infinity–3 m limiter switches; zoom and focus rings, assignable control ring, L-Fn controls and display button. Photography Blog identifies aperture, focus-distance and focal-length display optionsTwo customisable L-Fn buttons for horizontal or vertical shooting, customisable control ring and manual focus ring; AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designBarrel extends towards 400 mm; Nikon's Inner Balance Technology minimises centre-of-gravity movement. Zoom ring turns through 80°–
Filter detail77 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust and drip protection; complete resistance is not guaranteed in all conditionsSealed body, mount and movable barrel parts for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 98 × 222 mm; length from lens mount at 100 mmApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 150 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1,355 g without tripod collar; 1,435 g with itApproximately 1060 g
Tripod mountRotating collar with removable foot, as Photography Blog describes–
Lens hoodHB-103 hood includedHB-110 included
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-103 hood and CL-C3 caseLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-110 hood and CL-C2 case
Release detailNikon Korea explicitly gives 16 December 2021 as the release and promotion start date; Nikon USA announced availability within 2021. Nikon Japan's regional on-sale date was later, 4 February 2022Nikon USA states late February 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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