Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR vs Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a zoom (28-400mm) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 28-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 530g (1.17 lb) it's lighter than the 725g (1.60 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) opens to f/1 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 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is 28-400mm, Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is $1,199, $100 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 Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is 530g (1.17 lb) vs 725g (1.60 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR or the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a zoom (28-400mm) and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 28mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 28-400mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 530g (1.17 lb) it's lighter than the 725g (1.60 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR and the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Voigtlander NOKTON 50mm f/1 Aspherical (Nikon Z) opens to f/1 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 | 28-400mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 10 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 12 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 75° – 6° | 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | − |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.33x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,299 | $1,199 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 84mm | 70mm |
| Length | 121.5mm | 66.4mm |
| Weight | 725g (1.60 lb) | 530g (1.17 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
