Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is 800mm — 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 800mm f/6.3 VR S for super-telephoto.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/4.5 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 400mm vs 800mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $3,299 vs $6,499 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 1340g (2.95 lb) it's lighter than the 2350g (5.18 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 800mm vs 400mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S opens to f/4.5 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S's f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is 800mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is $3,299, $3,200 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 1340g (2.95 lb) vs 2350g (5.18 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 800mm f/6.3 VR S better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 400mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is 800mm — 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 800mm f/6.3 VR S for super-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 want more light and background blur — f/4.5 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 400mm vs 800mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $3,299 vs $6,499 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 1340g (2.95 lb) it's lighter than the 2350g (5.18 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S if you need more reach — it goes to 800mm vs 400mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S opens to f/4.5 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S's f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 400mm | 800mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 19 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/6.3 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | 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° | 3° |
| 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 | 600 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.17x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $3,299 | $6,499 |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 112mm | 168mm |
| Length | 354.5mm | 622mm |
| Weight | 1340g (2.95 lb) | 2350g (5.18 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | Yes |
