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Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S

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

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NikonNIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR SNikonNIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2022November 2022
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm600 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical construction25 elements in 19 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverter26 elements in 20 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverter
Special elementsTwo ED elements, two fluorite elements, one super-ED element and one SR elementThree ED elements, one super-ED element, two fluorite elements and two SR elements including the built-in converter
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat, ARNEO Coat and fluorine coating on the front elementMeso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detailf/2.8–22 without the built-in teleconverter; f/4–32 with it engagedf/4–32 without the built-in teleconverter; f/5.6–45 with it engaged
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control
Angle of viewFX 6°10′ at 400 mm and 4°30′ at 560 mm; DX 4° and 2°50′ respectivelyFX 4°10′ at 600 mm and 3° at 840 mm; DX 2°40′ and 2° respectively
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
Teleconverter supportBuilt-in 1.4× converter selects 400 mm or 560 mm; also compatible with Nikon Z TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x convertersBuilt-in 1.4× converter selects 600 mm or 840 mm; Nikon UK also confirms compatibility with Nikon Z TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x converters
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.5 m4.3 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.14×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSilky Swift VCM autofocus with internal focusing; FULL and infinity–6 m focus limiter positionsSilky Swift VCM with optical ABS encoder and internal focusing; FULL and infinity–10 m focus limiter positions
Focus distance detailMaker minimum focus 2.5 m; Cameralabs measured approximately 2.41 m, retained separately from the maker figureMinimum focal-plane distance 4.3 m with or without the built-in converter; Cameralabs measured approximately 4.12 m in manual focus
Magnification detailMaker maximum reproduction ratio 0.17×; Cameralabs measured approximately 1:3.9 with the built-in converter engagedMaker 0.14× at 600 mm, used in the main specifications; 0.2× with the built-in converter engaged
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR rated 5.5 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX camera in NORMAL mode, with or without the built-in converter; Synchro VR supported on Z9Lens-shift VR rated 5.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX mirrorless camera in NORMAL mode, built-in converter disabled; 5.5 stops with Z9 Synchro VR
Video featuresMaker focus-breathing compensation claim; Cameralabs nevertheless observes visible breathing on the Z7Maker breathing-suppression claim; Cameralabs observes visible focus breathing and recommends refocusing after switching the built-in converter
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter46 mm46 mm
Maximum diameter156 mm165 mm
Length380 mm437 mm
Weight2,950 g3,260 g
ControlsConfigurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter leverConfigurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter lever
Filter detail46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread
Weather resistanceMaker sealing around movable barrel parts and mount gasket; dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed under all conditionsMaker sealing around moving parts and mount gasket; protection is not guaranteed in all conditions
Dimensions detailApproximately 156 mm maximum diameter × 380 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 165 mm maximum diameter × 437 mm from the mount flange
Weight detailMaker approximately 2,950 g; Cameralabs measured 2,936 g including tripod foot, plus 232 g for the hoodApproximately 3,260 g; Cameralabs reports an additional 248 g for the hood
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes that the standard foot lacks an Arca-Swiss profileRotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes the standard foot lacks an Arca-Swiss profile
In the boxLC-K105 front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HK-42 hood, LN-3 strap and CL-L3 case as listed by Nikon UK; Japan lists LN-3 or LN-4 strapNikon Japan lists LC-K107 front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HK-43 hood, LN-3 or LN-4 strap and CL-L3 case
Release detailNikon Canada specified late February 2022 retail availability; January's announcement date is not used as the on-sale dateNikon Japan records 25 November 2022 release, following its planned delivery start on that date; this is the Japanese retail date

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