Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S gives that up to stay lighter (1340g (2.95 lb)) and cheaper ($3,299). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S 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 the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S if…
- ✓You're on a budget — $3,299 vs $13,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 1340g (2.95 lb) it's lighter than the 3440g (7.58 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S 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.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is $3,299, $10,700 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 1340g (2.95 lb) vs 3440g (7.58 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S's f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S gives that up to stay lighter (1340g (2.95 lb)) and cheaper ($3,299). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
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're on a budget — $3,299 vs $13,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 1340g (2.95 lb) it's lighter than the 3440g (7.58 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S 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 | 400mm | 400mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 25 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 19 | 13 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 6.2° | 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 270 cm | 250 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.16x | 0.17x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $13,999 | $3,299 |
| Filter Size | 40mm | 95mm |
| Diameter | 155mm | 112mm |
| Length | 368mm | 354.5mm |
| Weight | 3440g (7.58 lb) | 1340g (2.95 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
