Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S vs Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR
Nikon Z
The Z 100-400 VR S is Nikon's first super-telephoto zoom for Z and belongs to the premium S-Line, while the Z 180-600 VR (June 2023) is a non-S lens that reaches further. Both are stabilized (5.5 stops each according to Nikon), work with the TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters and have a tripod collar. On the 180-600 the zoom is internal, so the length stays the same while zooming.
The price for 600 mm instead of 400 mm: the 180-600 weighs just over 2.1 kg with the collar, the 100-400 about 1.4 kg, and it only starts at 180 mm. The 100-400 also covers 100-180 mm and focuses down to 0.75 m.
Which one suits whom?
- Z 100-400: You want a portable telephoto zoom for travel, sports and animals with room at the short end.
- Z 180-600: You need maximum reach for birds and wildlife and accept the weight.
Key differences
- Focal length: 100-400 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S, 180-600 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S is faster: f/4.5 instead of f/5.6, about 0.7 stops more light.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S is 785 g lighter (1,355 g vs 2,140 g).
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S is 94 mm shorter.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S focuses closer: from 75 cm instead of 130 cm.
- Filter thread: 77 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S, 95 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S | Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100-400 mm | 180-600 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4.5-5.6 | f/5.6-6.3 |
| Weight | 1,355 g | 2,140 g |
| Filter diameter | 77 mm | 95 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 75 cm | 130 cm |
| Length | 222 mm | 316 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S: 222 × 98 mm
- Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR: 316 × 110 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).