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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 SNikonNIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2021April 2024
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–120 mm28–400 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–45
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups; internal focusing21 elements in 15 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED elements, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elementsFour ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal and ARNEO coatings; fluorine-coated front element–
Aperture detailConstant f/4 maximum aperture; minimum f/22f/4–22 at 28 mm; f/8–45 at 400 mm
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 84°–20°20′; DX 61°–13°20′FX 75°–6°10′; DX 53°–4°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.39×0.35×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two synchronised stepping motors; automatic and manual focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.35 m from the focal plane at all zoom positionsMinimum distances from focal plane are 0.2 m at 28 mm, 0.36 m at 35 mm, 0.5 m at 50 mm, 0.57 m at 70 mm, 0.6 m at 105 mm, 0.8 m at 200 mm and 1.2 m at 300–400 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 0.39× at 120 mm, according to Nikon's Canadian announcementMaximum 0.35× at 28 mm
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; five stops to CIPA standards in Normal mode at maximum telephoto. Up to 5.5 stops with compatible Synchro VR bodies, measured in Normal mode; this second claim does not separately specify a focal length
Video featuresClickless control ring, quiet focusing and reduced focus shift and breathingQuiet stepping-motor autofocus; support for linear manual focus drive
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter84 mm84.5 mm
Length118 mm141.5 mm
Weight630 g725 g
ControlsZoom, manual focus and customisable control rings; L-Fn button and AF/manual switchZoom, focus and customisable control rings; zoom-lock switch; no physical AF/manual switch, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer
Zoom designExtending zoom barrel with internal focusingExtending 14.2× zoom; internal focusing
Filter detail77 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch77 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistance, not guaranteed in all situations; fluorine front coating repels dirtSealing around the mount and moving barrel parts provides dust and drip resistance; Nikon does not guarantee it in all conditions
Dimensions detailApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter × 118 mm from mount flangeApproximately 84.5 mm maximum diameter × 141.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 630 gApproximately 725 g
Lens hoodHB-102 includedHB-114 square hood included; Nikon permits shooting with it inverted
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-102 hood and CL-C2 case; Nikon notes that lens kits may include a different rear capLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-114 hood and CL-C2 case
Release detailNikon Australia states mid-December 2021 availability, while Nikon Canada only states within 2021. Nikon Japan's product page dates its local sale to 28 January 2022. December 2021 retained as sourced earlier retail month; exact first global day and UK day unconfirmedNikon Canada states mid-April 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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