Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S is 20mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S for wide-angle, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR for super-telephoto.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 20mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 505g (1.11 lb) it's lighter than the 725g (1.60 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 28-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 20mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.33x magnification vs 0.19x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S is 20mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S is $1,099, $200 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S is 505g (1.11 lb) vs 725g (1.60 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S is 20mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S for wide-angle, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 20mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 505g (1.11 lb) it's lighter than the 725g (1.60 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 20mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 28-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 20mm 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 — 0.33x magnification vs 0.19x.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 20mm | 28-400mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 94° | 75° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.33x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,099 | $1,299 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 85.5mm | 84mm |
| Length | 108.5mm | 121.5mm |
| Weight | 505g (1.11 lb) | 725g (1.60 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
