Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S compared with NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
NikonNIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR SNikonNIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2022October 2023
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm600 mm
Maximum aperturef/4.5f/6.3
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical constructionNineteen elements in thirteen groupsTwenty-one elements in fourteen groups
Special elementsOne ED, two Super ED and one SR elementTwo ED, one SR and one Phase Fresnel element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front elementNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detail–f/6.3–32
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 6°10′; DX 4°FX 4°10′; DX 2°40′
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 updatesNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX cameras
Image circle detail–Physical 600 mm focal length; 900 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view on DX, as both reviews note
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 positionNikon Z TC-1.4× and TC-2.0× supported; Nikon states 840 mm and 1200 mm respectively with AF and VR retained
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance2.5 m4 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.15×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSTM stepping-motor autofocus; internal focusingStepping motor for quiet autofocus
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 specificationsInternal focusing; minimum 4 m; range limiter FULL (4 m to infinity) or 10 m to infinity
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.15×
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 using voice coil motors; 5.5-stop CIPA rating in Normal mode on FX, or 6.0 stops in Normal mode with a body supporting Synchro VR. Sport mode stabilises the viewfinder during continuous shooting. VR settings accessed through the camera, as TechRadar notes
Video featuresNikon describes suppressed focus breathing and smooth exposure changes; Camera Labs measured a visible 9% magnification change from infinity to 4.1 mQuiet operation, stable exposure and reduced focus breathing according to Nikon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm95 mm
Maximum diameter104 mm106.5 mm
Length234.5 mm278 mm
Weight1,160 g (better)1,390 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 mOne L-Fn and four L-Fn2 buttons, memory-set button, programmable control ring, focus ring, A/M and focus-limit switches; memory recall requires the latest compatible camera firmware according to Nikon's launch announcement
Filter detail–95 mm screw-in filters, 1.0 mm pitch
Weather resistanceWeather sealing and mount gasket; Nikon does not guarantee dust and drip protection in all conditionsRubber gaskets protect moving parts and the mount against dust, dirt and moisture. Nikon says dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation or condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 104 mm maximum diameter × 234.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 106.5 mm maximum diameter × 278 mm from the lens mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1160 g without tripod collar, 1245 g with itApproximately 1390 g without tripod collar; 1470 g with it
Tripod mountRemovable tripod foot; Camera Labs reports no Arca-Swiss grooveRemovable tripod collar
Lens hood–HB-105A included
In the boxLC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-105 hood and CL-C5 caseLC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-105A hood and CL-C6 case
Release detailNikon Japan gives 15 July 2022; Nikon USA announced July 2022 availabilityNikon USA's October 2023 announcement states late October availability. Exact earliest global and first UK retail day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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