Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Vivitar 400mm f/5.6 Auto Telephoto

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Nikon

AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

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Vivitar

400mm f/5.6 Auto Telephoto

Verdict at a glance

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is faster by 2 stops (f/2.8 vs f/5.6), letting in more light.

Specification comparison
Spec	AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR	400mm f/5.6 Auto Telephoto
Brand	Nikon	Vivitar
Mount	Nikon F	Nikon F
Type	Prime	Telephoto
Focal length	400mm	400mm
Max aperture	f/2.8 (faster)	f/5.6
Released	2014	n/a
Blades	9	n/a
Format	full-frame	n/a
Groups	12	n/a
Af motor	SWM	n/a
Elements	16	n/a
Weight g	3800.0	n/a
Length mm	358.0	n/a
Stabilized	Yes	n/a
Diameter mm	159.5	n/a
Min focus m	2.6	n/a
Max magnification	0.17	n/a

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Nikon's flagship 400mm f/2.8 with fluorite elements and an electromagnetic aperture, introduced in 2014. It weighs about 3.8kg, lighter than previous Nikon 400mm lenses.

Pros

f/2.8 with VR
Lighter than earlier Nikon 400mm lenses
Weather-sealed build
Takes teleconverters

Cons

Large
Needs a monopod or gimbal head
About 3.8kg

Vivitar 400mm f/5.6 Auto Telephoto

A 400mm f/5.6 telephoto prime lens, the Vivitar 400mm f/5.6 Auto Telephoto is designed for Nikon F mount bodies. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.

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