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 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — 180–600mm f/5.6-6.3 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is 1.7 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Weight (1435 g vs 2140 g)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/4.5 vs f/5.6)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/5.6 vs f/6.3)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Length (251 mm vs 280 mm)
Key specs at a glance
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
- ✓
Weight
1435 g vs 2140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/4.5 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/5.6 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
251 mm vs 280 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
No major spec wins compared to NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S.
Shared specifications
Min focus distance
Both 38 cm
Max magnification
Both 0.25 ×
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5 stops
Diameter
Both 81 mm
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 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
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 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.