Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is a zoom (100-400mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is a 400mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.38x magnification vs 0.17x.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S if…
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 100-400mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is $2,699, $600 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S.
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S reaches 0.38x magnification vs 0.17x — more for close-up and macro work.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is a zoom (100-400mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is a 400mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 shoot wide — it starts at 100mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.38x magnification vs 0.17x.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 100-400mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 100-400mm | 400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 25 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 20 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| 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° | 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 75 cm | 250 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.38x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,699 | $3,299 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 98mm | 112mm |
| Length | 222mm | 354.5mm |
| Weight | 1355g (2.99 lb) | 1340g (2.95 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
