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Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2022October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length400 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction25 elements in 19 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverter12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED elements, two fluorite elements, one super-ED element and one SR elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat, ARNEO Coat and fluorine coating on the front element–
Aperture detailf/2.8–22 without the built-in teleconverter; f/4–32 with it engagedf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 6°10′ at 400 mm and 4°30′ at 560 mm; DX 4° and 2°50′ respectivelyDX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
Compatibility–Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Teleconverter supportBuilt-in 1.4× converter selects 400 mm or 560 mm; also compatible with Nikon Z TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x converters–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.5 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.24×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSilky Swift VCM autofocus with internal focusing; FULL and infinity–6 m focus limiter positionsStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMaker minimum focus 2.5 m; Cameralabs measured approximately 2.41 m, retained separately from the maker figureMinimum distances from focal plane are 0.15 m at 16 mm, 0.18 m at 24 mm, 0.21 m at 35 mm and 0.25 m at 50 mm
Magnification detailMaker maximum reproduction ratio 0.17×; Cameralabs measured approximately 1:3.9 with the built-in converter engagedMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
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 using voice-coil motors. UK maker states up to 4.5 stops under CIPA standards with a DX camera, Normal VR mode and maximum telephoto setting. Canada announcement gives 5 stops under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch testing with Z50II at telephoto in Normal mode; these claims use different stated test conditions
Video featuresMaker focus-breathing compensation claim; Cameralabs nevertheless observes visible breathing on the Z7Suppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing. Nikon Canada specifies Z50II Hi-Res Zoom for Full HD 30p/25p/24p only; Wide-area AF (L), no displayed focus point and electronic VR off
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter46 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter156 mm74.5 mm
Length380 mm88 mm
Weight2,950 g330 g
ControlsConfigurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter leverCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom design–Barrel extends while zooming, as confirmed by both reviews; internal focusing does not change length. Focal-length markings 16, 24, 35 and 50 mm
Filter detail46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceMaker sealing around movable barrel parts and mount gasket; dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed under all conditionsDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 156 mm maximum diameter × 380 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailMaker approximately 2,950 g; Cameralabs measured 2,936 g including tripod foot, plus 232 g for the hoodApproximately 330 g
Lens hood–HB-118 included
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes that 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 strapLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Canada specified late February 2022 retail availability; January's announcement date is not used as the on-sale dateNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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