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
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 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 3.8 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- ANIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S has higher OIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Min focus distance (30 cm vs 250 cm)
- BNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/4.5)
- BNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/4.5)
- BNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S has lower Weight (1090 g vs 2770 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareNIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
⌀104 × 276 mm
2770 g (6.11 lb / 97.71 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
⌀81 × 203 mm
1090 g (2.40 lb / 38.45 oz)
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 73mm longer and 23mm wider than NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S.
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 1680 g heavier than NIKKOR Z 50mm 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 400mm f/4.5 VR S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 ED, 1 SR, 1 Fluorite
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.18 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical, ED
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 250 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.2 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.2 vs f/4.5 — lower is better
- ✓
Weight
1090 g vs 2770 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
203 mm vs 276 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 104 mm — 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 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
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 400mm f/4.5 VR S and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.