Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 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 85mm f/1.2 S is 85mm — 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 85mm f/1.2 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 85mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe.
- ✓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 0.14x.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S opens to f/1.2 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 85mm f/1.2 S is 85mm — 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 85mm f/1.2 S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is $2,599, $100 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.
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S reaches 0.38x magnification vs 0.14x — 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 85mm f/1.2 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 85mm f/1.2 S is 85mm — 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 85mm f/1.2 S for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 85mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 100-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe. 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 0.14x.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm 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 85mm f/1.2 S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S opens to f/1.2 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 | 85mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 25 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 20 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 11 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 24° – 6.2° | 29° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 75 cm | 85 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.38x | 0.14x |
| 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 | $2,599 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 98mm | 97mm |
| Length | 222mm | 108.5mm |
| Weight | 1355g (2.99 lb) | 1160g (2.56 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
