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 400mm f/4.5 VR S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S — 400mm f/4.5 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$12,499
Launch priceReleased Sep 2024
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 2.8 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 250 cm)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Weight (1435 g vs 2770 g)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.18 ×)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Diameter (81 mm vs 104 mm)
- BNIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/4.5 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 400mm f/4.5 VR S
⌀104 × 276 mm
2770 g (6.11 lb / 97.71 oz)
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 25mm shorter and 23mm narrower than NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S.
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 1335 g lighter than NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S.
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
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 250 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1435 g vs 2770 g — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 104 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
251 mm vs 276 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.18 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 ED, 1 SR, 1 Fluorite
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/4.5 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Shared specifications
Max aperture (Wide)
Both f/4.5
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
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 400mm f/4.5 VR S
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓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
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 400mm f/4.5 VR S at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.