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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 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

NikonNIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VRNikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedApril 2024October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length28–400 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–8f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/22–45f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical construction21 elements in 15 groups; internal focusingEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsFour ED and three aspherical elementsOne aspherical ED element
Aperture detailf/4–22 at 28 mm; f/8–45 at 400 mmAt infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 75°–6°10′; DX 53°–4°DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.35×0.67×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailStepping motor; automatic or manual focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 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 mmMinimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens
Magnification detailMaximum 0.35× at 28 mmActual 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 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 lengthNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video featuresQuiet stepping-motor autofocus; support for linear manual focus driveSuppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter84.5 mm70 mm
Length141.5 mm72 mm
Weight725 g220 g
ControlsZoom, focus and customisable control rings; zoom-lock switch; no physical AF/manual switch, as confirmed by Amateur PhotographerCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom designExtending 14.2× zoom; internal focusingInternal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail77 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceSealing around the mount and moving barrel parts provides dust and drip resistance; Nikon does not guarantee it in all conditionsDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 84.5 mm maximum diameter × 141.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 725 gApproximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hoodHB-114 square hood included; Nikon permits shooting with it invertedOptional HN-43, sold separately
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-114 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
Release detailNikon Canada states mid-April 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retainedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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