Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 70-200mm — 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 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II for telephoto.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR 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 70mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 70-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.17x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR 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 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 70-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR 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 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is $2,999, $300 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 1250g (2.76 lb) vs 1340g (2.95 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II is 70-200mm — 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 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II for telephoto.
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 200mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 400mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR 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 70mm vs 400mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 70-200mm zoom covers what the fixed 400mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.17x.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR 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 | 400mm | 70-200mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 19 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 16 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| 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° | 34° – 12° |
| 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 | 250 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $3,299 | $2,999 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 77mm |
| Diameter | 112mm | 89mm |
| Length | 354.5mm | 206mm |
| Weight | 1340g (2.95 lb) | 1250g (2.76 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
