Request a product

Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR SNikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2022September 2024
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4.5f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/32f/16
Optical constructionNineteen elements in thirteen groups10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED, two Super ED and one SR elementOne aspherical element
Aperture detail–f/1.4–16
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 6°10′; DX 4°FX 47°; DX 31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityAt launch, memory recall supported Z9, Z7II, Z6II and Z30 with updated firmware; Nikon stated other models would follow through firmware updatesNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter supportNikon Z TC-1.4× and TC-2.0× provide 560 mm and 800 mm focal lengths respectively; Nikon warns AF performance can deteriorate with subject, brightness and focus position–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.5 m0.37 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.17×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailSTM stepping-motor autofocus; internal focusingMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailNikon specifies a 2.5 m minimum distance and 0.16× maximum reproduction ratio. Camera Labs measured 2.36 m and 1:5.6 on its sample; main figures retain maker specificationsMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance published
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.17×
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR with voice-coil motors; 5.5 stops CIPA on an FX camera in Normal mode, or 6 stops with Z9 Synchro VRNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video featuresNikon describes suppressed focus breathing and smooth exposure changes; Camera Labs measured a visible 9% magnification change from infinity to 4.1 mSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter104 mm74.5 mm
Length234.5 mm86.5 mm
Weight1,160 g420 g
ControlsL-Fn and L-Fn2 buttons, silent control ring and memory-set button; focus limiter selects Full (infinity–2.5 m) or infinity–6 mSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps lens length unchanged
Filter detail–62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceWeather sealing and mount gasket; Nikon does not guarantee dust and drip protection in all conditionsDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 104 mm maximum diameter × 234.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1160 g without tripod collar, 1245 g with itApproximately 420 g
Lens hood–HB-115 included
Tripod mountRemovable tripod foot; Camera Labs reports no Arca-Swiss groove–
In the boxLC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-105 hood and CL-C5 caseLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hood
Release detailNikon Japan gives 15 July 2022; Nikon USA announced July 2022 availabilityNikon USA states late September 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. The co-marketed f/1.8 S is not treated as its predecessor

More comparisons