Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S vs 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S

Both are Nikon Z telephoto zoom 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 · 2026

Nikkor Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S

f/2.82735 g

Full specs

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

You want the lighter lens to carry: 1300 g lighter (1435 g vs 2735 g)
You want a wider view: 100mm vs 120mm at the wide end
You need more reach: 400mm vs 300mm at the long end
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.75 m vs 0.98 m
You want bigger close-ups: 0.39× vs 0.18× maximum magnification
Our notes say it suits: Wildlife, sports, airshows

Pick the 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S if

You need 1⅓ stops more light for low light or background blur (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
You prefer a newer design: released 2026 vs 2021

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 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S
	100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S	120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S
Focal length	100-400mm	120-300mm
Max aperture	f/4.5	f/2.8 1⅓ stops faster
Weight	1435 g lighter	2735 g
Length	222 mm shorter	353.5 mm
Diameter	98 mm slimmer	128 mm
Filter thread	77 mm	112 mm
Min focus distance	0.75 m closer	0.98 m
Max magnification	0.39× larger	0.18×
Optical design	25 elements / 20 groups	30 elements / 24 groups
Released	2021	2026

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

Brand: Nikon both
Mount: Nikon Z both
Type: Telephoto Zoom both
Format: Full frame 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.