Nikon
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — 100–400mm f/4.5-5.6 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,699
Launch priceReleased Dec 2021
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena — 135mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BNIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/5.6)
- BNIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/4.5)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 89 cm)
- BNIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena has lower Length (140 mm vs 251 mm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareNIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
⌀81 × 251 mm
1435 g (3.16 lb / 50.62 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
⌀89 × 140 mm
995 g (2.19 lb / 35.10 oz)
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 111mm longer and 8mm narrower than NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena.
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 440 g heavier than NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 89 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S supports it
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 89 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.2 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 ED, 1 Aspherical, 1 SR
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
140 mm vs 251 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
995 g vs 1435 g — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
- ✓Native Nikon Z mount compatibility
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S and NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.