Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S compared with NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
NikonNIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR SNikonNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2021August 2020
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length100–400 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/4.5–5.6f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32–40f/22
Optical constructionTwenty-five elements in twenty groupsTwenty-one elements in eighteen groups
Special elementsSix ED and two Super ED elementsSix ED elements, two aspherical elements, one fluorite element and one SR element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine coating on the front elementNano Crystal Coat and ARNEO coat; fluorine-coated front element, as Nikon UK specifies
Aperture detail–Constant f/2.8 maximum; f/22 minimum
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 24°20′–6°10′; DX 16°–4°FX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
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 firmwareNikon Z mount; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 105–300 mm zoom on full frame
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 pointNikon Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x, as listed by Nikon UK
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.75 m0.5 m
Maximum magnification0.38×0.2×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two stepping motorsMulti-focus design, as Nikon Japan describes; Digital Camera World identifies two synchronised stepping-motor drives
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 mmInternal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.5 m at 70 mm, 0.63 m at 85 mm, 0.68 m at 105 mm, 0.8 m at 135 mm and 1 m at 200 mm
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.38× at 400 mm; 0.16× at 100 mm, as Nikon Japan specifiesMaximum reproduction ratio 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 telephotoLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; Nikon states 5.5 stops in Normal mode on a full-frame mirrorless body at the longest focal length, according to CIPA conditions
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet autofocus and smooth aperture controlNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet focusing and smooth aperture changes through the control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter98 mm89 mm
Length222 mm220 mm
Weight1,355 g (better)1,360 g
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 optionsZoom ring, focus ring, programmable control ring, L-Fn1, four repeated L-Fn2 buttons, A/M switch and DISP; OLED shows aperture, focal length, focus distance and depth of field
Zoom designBarrel extends towards 400 mm; Nikon's Inner Balance Technology minimises centre-of-gravity movement. Zoom ring turns through 80°Internal zoom keeps the external length fixed, as Digital Camera World describes
Filter detail77 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch77 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust and drip protection; complete resistance is not guaranteed in all conditionsNikon describes extensive weather sealing; no waterproof rating stated
Dimensions detailApproximately 98 × 222 mm; length from lens mount at 100 mmApproximately 89 × 220 mm, length measured from camera lens mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1,355 g without tripod collar; 1,435 g with itApproximately 1,360 g without tripod collar; approximately 1,440 g with tripod collar, as Nikon UK states
Tripod mountRotating collar with removable foot, as Photography Blog describesRotating tripod collar with removable foot and two attachment threads, as both reviews describe
Lens hoodHB-103 hood includedHB-92 bayonet hood included
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-103 hood and CL-C3 caseLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-92 hood and CL-C3 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 Japan gives 28 August 2020 as the on-sale date, following the January announcement and delayed initial availability

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