Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S vs 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR

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 · 2023

Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR

f/5.62140 g

Check price Full specs

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

You need ⅔ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/4.5 vs f/5.6)
You want the lighter lens to carry: 705 g lighter (1435 g vs 2140 g)
You want a wider view: 100mm vs 180mm at the wide end
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.75 m vs 1.3 m
You want bigger close-ups: 0.39× vs 0.25× maximum magnification
Our notes say it suits: Wildlife, sports, airshows

Pick the 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR if

You need more reach: 600mm vs 400mm at the long end
You prefer a newer design: released 2023 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 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR
	100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S	180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR
Focal length	100-400mm	180-600mm
Max aperture	f/4.5 ⅔ stop faster	f/5.6
Weight	1435 g lighter	2140 g
Length	222 mm shorter	315.5 mm
Diameter	98 mm slimmer	110 mm
Filter thread	77 mm	95 mm
Min focus distance	0.75 m closer	1.3 m
Max magnification	0.39× larger	0.25×
Optical design	25 elements / 20 groups	25 elements / 17 groups
Released	2021	2023

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.