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 50mm f/1.2 S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S — 50mm f/1.2 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,099
Launch priceReleased Dec 2020
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 1 year newer.
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.
Wins
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
1 categories tied
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 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/5.6)
- BNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/4.5)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.15 ×)
- BNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Weight (1090 g vs 1435 g)
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
- ✓
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
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds ED
- ✓
Weight
1090 g vs 1435 g — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Length
203 mm vs 251 mm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Diameter
Both 81 mm
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 50mm f/1.2 S
Pros
- ✓Bright f/1.2 aperture for low light and subject separation
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
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 50mm f/1.2 S at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 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 May 2026.