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Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7

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 DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2022October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length400 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/4.5f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/32f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical constructionNineteen elements in thirteen groupsEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED, two Super ED and one SR elementOne aspherical ED element
Aperture detail–At infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 6°10′; DX 4°DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
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; designed for DX/APS-C format
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 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.67×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailSTM stepping-motor autofocus; internal focusingStepping motor; 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 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens
Magnification detail–Actual maximum reproduction ratio 0.67×; Nikon describes this as life-size equivalent in 35 mm/FX format, rather than an actual 1× ratio
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 both reviews; 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 and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter104 mm70 mm
Length234.5 mm72 mm
Weight1,160 g220 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 mCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail–52 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 drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 104 mm maximum diameter × 234.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1160 g without tripod collar, 1245 g with itApproximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hood–Optional HN-43, sold separately
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-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
Release detailNikon Japan gives 15 July 2022; Nikon USA announced July 2022 availabilityNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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