Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S

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NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S compared with NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S
NikonNIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR SNikonNIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2022November 2022
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm600 mm
Maximum aperturef/4.5f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical constructionNineteen elements in thirteen groups26 elements in 20 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverter
Special elementsOne ED, two Super ED and one SR elementThree ED elements, one super-ED element, two fluorite elements and two SR elements including the built-in converter
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front elementMeso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detail–f/4–32 without the built-in teleconverter; f/5.6–45 with it engaged
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control
Angle of viewFX 6°10′; DX 4°FX 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
CompatibilityAt launch, memory recall supported Z9, Z7II, Z6II and Z30 with updated firmware; Nikon stated other models would follow through firmware updates–
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 positionBuilt-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 magnification0.16×0.14×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSTM stepping-motor autofocus; internal focusingSilky Swift VCM with optical ABS encoder and internal focusing; FULL and infinity–10 m focus limiter positions
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 focal-plane distance 4.3 m with or without the built-in converter; Cameralabs measured approximately 4.12 m in manual focus
Magnification detail–Maker 0.14× at 600 mm, used in the main specifications; 0.2× with the built-in converter engaged
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 VRLens-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 featuresNikon describes suppressed focus breathing and smooth exposure changes; Camera Labs measured a visible 9% magnification change from infinity to 4.1 mMaker breathing-suppression claim; Cameralabs observes visible focus breathing and recommends refocusing after switching the built-in converter
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm46 mm
Maximum diameter104 mm165 mm
Length234.5 mm437 mm
Weight1,160 g (better)3,260 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 mConfigurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter lever
Filter detail–46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread
Weather resistanceWeather sealing and mount gasket; Nikon does not guarantee dust and drip protection in all conditionsMaker sealing around moving parts and mount gasket; protection is not guaranteed in all conditions
Dimensions detailApproximately 104 mm maximum diameter × 234.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 165 mm maximum diameter × 437 mm from the mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1160 g without tripod collar, 1245 g with itApproximately 3,260 g; Cameralabs reports an additional 248 g for the hood
Tripod mountRemovable tripod foot; Camera Labs reports no Arca-Swiss grooveRotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes the standard foot lacks an Arca-Swiss profile
In the boxLC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-105 hood and CL-C5 caseNikon 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 Japan gives 15 July 2022; Nikon USA announced July 2022 availabilityNikon Japan records 25 November 2022 release, following its planned delivery start on that date; this is the Japanese retail date

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