Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR gives that up to stay lighter (725g (1.60 lb)) and cheaper ($1,299). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓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 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $1,299 vs $2,599 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II opens to f/2.8 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 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 24-70mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is $1,299, $1,300 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.
- ›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 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 725g (1.60 lb) vs 810g (1.79 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR gives that up to stay lighter (725g (1.60 lb)) and cheaper ($1,299). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. 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 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $1,299 vs $2,599 leaves more for other gear. 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 24-70mm f/2.8 S II and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II opens to f/2.8 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 | 24-70mm | 28-400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 21 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 75° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x | 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) | $2,599 | $1,299 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 89mm | 84mm |
| Length | 126mm | 121.5mm |
| Weight | 810g (1.79 lb) | 725g (1.60 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
