Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
The bottom line
There's a clear price gap: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 at $549 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at $1,299. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $549 vs $1,299 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 350g (12.3 oz) it's lighter than the 725g (1.60 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.33x.
- ✓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 105mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is 24-105mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is $549, $750 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 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is 350g (12.3 oz) vs 725g (1.60 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR better?
There's a clear price gap: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 at $549 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR at $1,299. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 if you're on a budget — $549 vs $1,299 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 350g (12.3 oz) it's lighter than the 725g (1.60 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.5x magnification vs 0.33x. 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 105mm 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.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-105mm f/4-7.1 is 24-105mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-105mm | 28-400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 10 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 23° | 75° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 20 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.5x | 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) | $549 | $1,299 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 73.5mm | 84mm |
| Length | 106.5mm | 121.5mm |
| Weight | 350g (12.3 oz) | 725g (1.60 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
