Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 24-70mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II for standard zoom, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S for super-telephoto.
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/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 810g (1.79 lb) it's lighter than the 1340g (2.95 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓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 400mm f/4.5 VR S's f/4.5 — 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 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II 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 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is $2,599, $700 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 810g (1.79 lb) vs 1340g (2.95 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 24-70mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II for standard zoom, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S for super-telephoto.
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/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 810g (1.79 lb) it's lighter than the 1340g (2.95 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
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 need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 70mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom. 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 400mm f/4.5 VR S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 250 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x | 0.17x |
| 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 | $3,299 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 89mm | 112mm |
| Length | 126mm | 354.5mm |
| Weight | 810g (1.79 lb) | 1340g (2.95 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
