Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 100-400mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is 24-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S for super-telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S for standard zoom.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.38x magnification vs 0.22x.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 805g (1.77 lb) it's lighter than the 1355g (2.99 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 100-400mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is 24-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is $2,399, $300 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is 805g (1.77 lb) vs 1355g (2.99 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 100-400mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is 24-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S for super-telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S for standard zoom.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.38x magnification vs 0.22x.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 100mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 805g (1.77 lb) it's lighter than the 1355g (2.99 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 24-70mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 25 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 20 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 24° – 6.2° | 84° – 34° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 75 cm | 38 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.38x | 0.22x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,699 | $2,399 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 98mm | 89mm |
| Length | 222mm | 126mm |
| Weight | 1355g (2.99 lb) | 805g (1.77 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
