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 26mm f/2.8
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 — 26mm f/2.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$299
Launch priceReleased Feb 2023
NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is 1.2 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8
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 26mm f/2.8 has lower Weight (125 g vs 1435 g)
- BNIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 has lower Length (23.5 mm vs 251 mm)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.07 ×)
- BNIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
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 26mm f/2.8
⌀70 × 24 mm
125 g (0.28 lb / 4.41 oz)
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 228mm longer and 11mm wider than NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8.
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 1310 g heavier than NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8.
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
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.07 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 Aspherical, 1 ED
- ✓
Weight
125 g vs 1435 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
23.5 mm vs 251 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
28 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
70 mm vs 81 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
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 26mm f/2.8
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Lightweight design easy to carry all day
- ✓Native Nikon Z mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
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 26mm f/2.8 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.