Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is 58mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S for super-telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 58mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You're on a budget — $3,299 vs $7,999 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 1340g (2.95 lb) it's lighter than the 2000g (4.41 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 58mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct opens to f/1 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 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is 58mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is $3,299, $4,700 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct.
- ›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 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 1340g (2.95 lb) vs 2000g (4.41 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is 58mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S for super-telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct for short-telephoto / portrait.
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 58mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you're on a budget — $3,299 vs $7,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 1340g (2.95 lb) it's lighter than the 2000g (4.41 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct if you want more light and background blur — f/1 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 58mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct opens to f/1 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 | 58mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 19 | 17 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 10 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 6° | 41° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | No |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | − |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 250 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.18x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $3,299 | $7,999 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | 112mm | 89mm |
| Length | 354.5mm | 86mm |
| Weight | 1340g (2.95 lb) | 2000g (4.41 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
