Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S vs 28-400mm F4-8 VR

Both are Nikon Z lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.

Nikon · 2021

Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S

f/4.51435 g

Full specs

Nikon · 2024

Nikkor Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR

f/4725 g

Check price Full specs

Pick the 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S if

You want bigger close-ups: 0.39× vs 0.35× maximum magnification
Our notes say it suits: Wildlife, sports, airshows

Pick the 28-400mm F4-8 VR if

You need ⅓ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/4 vs f/4.5)
You want the lighter lens to carry: 710 g lighter (725 g vs 1435 g)
You want a wider view: 28mm vs 100mm at the wide end
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.2 m vs 0.75 m
You want a compact lens: 142 mm vs 222 mm long

Spec differences

10 differences

Specifications that differ between the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S and the Nikon Nikkor Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR
	100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S	28-400mm F4-8 VR
Type	Telephoto Zoom	Superzoom
Focal length	100-400mm	28-400mm
Max aperture	f/4.5	f/4 ⅓ stop faster
Weight	1435 g	725 g lighter
Length	222 mm	142 mm shorter
Diameter	98 mm	85 mm slimmer
Min focus distance	0.75 m	0.2 m closer
Max magnification	0.39× larger	0.35×
Optical design	25 elements / 20 groups	21 elements / 15 groups
Released	2021	2024

5 identical specs hidden: brand, mount, format, filter thread, image stabilization. Show all

Brand: Nikon both
Mount: Nikon Z both
Format: Full frame both
Filter thread: 77 mm both
Image stabilization: Yes both

Our notes

Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S

The Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S is a telephoto zoom for Nikon Z full-frame cameras with vibration reduction and weather sealing, popular for wildlife and sports.