Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | July 2022 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Zoom |
| Focal length | 400 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | Nineteen elements in thirteen groups | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | One ED, two Super ED and one SR element | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Aperture detail | – | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element | – |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 6°10′; DX 4° | DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | APS-C |
| Compatibility | At launch, memory recall supported Z9, Z7II, Z6II and Z30 with updated firmware; Nikon stated other models would follow through firmware updates | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Teleconverter support | Nikon 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 | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 2.5 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.16× | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | STM stepping-motor autofocus; internal focusing | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Nikon 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 specifications | Minimum 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 detail | – | Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published |
| Stabilisation detail | Lens-shift VR with voice-coil motors; 5.5 stops CIPA on an FX camera in Normal mode, or 6 stops with Z9 Synchro VR | Lens-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 features | Nikon describes suppressed focus breathing and smooth exposure changes; Camera Labs measured a visible 9% magnification change from infinity to 4.1 m | Suppressed 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 resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 95 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 104 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 234.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 1,160 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | L-Fn and L-Fn2 buttons, silent control ring and memory-set button; focus limiter selects Full (infinity–2.5 m) or infinity–6 m | Customisable 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 detail | – | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Weather sealing and mount gasket; Nikon does not guarantee dust and drip protection in all conditions | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 104 mm maximum diameter × 234.5 mm from mount flange | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 1160 g without tripod collar, 1245 g with it | Approximately 330 g |
| Lens hood | – | HB-118 included |
| Tripod mount | Removable tripod foot; Camera Labs reports no Arca-Swiss groove | – |
| In the box | LC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-105 hood and CL-C5 case | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Nikon Japan gives 15 July 2022; Nikon USA announced July 2022 availability | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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