Nikon
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
Nikon Z Mount
Built-in 1.4× teleconverter (560mm F4) super-telephoto with S-line optics and VR.
$13,999
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
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 2.4 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ANIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
- ANIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
- ANIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S has higher Max magnification (0.2 × vs 0.18 ×)
- BNIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S has lower Weight (2770 g vs 2950 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareNIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
⌀104 × 276 mm
2950 g (6.50 lb / 104.06 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 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S and NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S are virtually the same size.
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is 180 g heavier 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 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 ED
- ✓
Max magnification
0.2 × vs 0.18 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 ED
- ✓
Weight
2770 g vs 2950 g — lower is better
Shared specifications
Min focus distance
Both 250 cm
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Optical stabilization
Both support optical stabilization
OIS effectiveness
Both 5.5 stops
Length
Both 276 mm
Diameter
Both 104 mm
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC 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
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 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S and NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.