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 85mm f/1.2 S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S — 85mm f/1.2 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,799
Launch priceReleased Apr 2023
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S is 1.3 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
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 85mm f/1.2 S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/5.6)
- BNIKKOR Z 85mm 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 0.11 ×)
- ANIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S has lower Min focus distance (38 cm vs 85 cm)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
NIKKOR 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 85mm f/1.2 S
⌀103 × 141 mm
995 g (2.19 lb / 35.10 oz)
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 110mm longer and 22mm narrower than NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S.
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is 440 g heavier than NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 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
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
38 cm vs 85 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S supports it
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 103 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.11 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 ED, 1 Aspherical
- ✓
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
- ✓
Length
141 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 85mm 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 85mm f/1.2 S at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm 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 June 2026.