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
Sony
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Sony E Mount
Exquisite resolution and dreamy bokeh combine in a masterful f/1.2 prime.
$1,999
Launch priceReleased Mar 2021
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 3.5 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
Wins
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Min focus distance (40 cm vs 250 cm)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.2 vs f/4.5)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.2 vs f/4.5)
- BFE 50mm F1.2 GM has lower Weight (778 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
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
⌀87 × 108 mm
778 g (1.72 lb / 27.44 oz)
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 168mm longer and 17mm wider than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is 1992 g heavier than FE 50mm F1.2 GM.
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 0.17 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose the FE 50mm F1.2 GM
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 3 XA (extreme aspherical)
- ✓
Min focus distance
40 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
778 g vs 2770 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 276 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Diameter
87 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
FE 50mm F1.2 GM
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness wide open at f/1.2
- ✓Stunningly smooth, circular bokeh with 11 aperture blades
- ✓Extremely quiet and fast autofocus tracking
- ✓Manageable size and weight for an f/1.2 lens
Cons
- –Expensive investment for a single focal length
- –Heavy compared to standard f/1.8 options
- –Some visible vignetting wide open
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and FE 50mm F1.2 GM at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
Sony FE 50mm F1.2 GM
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.