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/1.8 S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S — 85mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$799
Launch priceReleased Sep 2020
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR 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/1.8 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 85mm f/1.8 S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/5.6)
- BNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S has lower Weight (470 g vs 1435 g)
- BNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/4.5)
- BNIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S has lower Length (116 mm vs 251 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
- ✓
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
- ✓
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 0.15 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
470 g vs 1435 g — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Length
116 mm vs 251 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Diameter
Both 81 mm
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
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/1.8 S
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Solid optical performance for the price tier
- ✓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 85mm f/1.8 S at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.