What To Know
- The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is slightly sharper at the center of the frame, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens is slightly sharper at the edges.
- The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is slightly brighter and more versatile, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a longer focal length and a greater magnification.
The Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S and the Nikon Z 500mm f/5.6 PF VR S are two of the most popular telephoto lenses for Nikon Z-mount cameras. Both lenses offer excellent image quality, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will compare the two lenses in detail to help you decide which one is right for you.
Image Quality
Both the Nikon Z 100-400mm and the Nikon Z 500mm lenses produce excellent image quality. However, there are some subtle differences between the two lenses. The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is slightly sharper at the center of the frame, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens is slightly sharper at the edges. Overall, the differences in image quality between the two lenses are very small, and both lenses will produce stunning images.
Aperture and Maximum Magnification
The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6. This means that the Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is slightly brighter, which can be helpful in low-light situations. However, the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a longer focal length, which gives it a greater magnification. The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens has a maximum magnification of 0.38x, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a maximum magnification of 0.5x.
Weight and Size
The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens weighs 1,430 grams, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens weighs 1,465 grams. The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is also slightly shorter than the Nikon Z 500mm lens. The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is 209mm long, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens is 238mm long.
Price
The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens has a list price of $2,796, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a list price of $3,896. However, both lenses can be found for less than their list price online.
Which Lens Should You Choose?
The Nikon Z 100-400mm and the Nikon Z 500mm lenses are both excellent telephoto lenses. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is slightly brighter and more versatile, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a longer focal length and a greater magnification. Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the factors discussed above, there are a few other things you may want to consider before making a decision.
- Weather Resistance: Both the Nikon Z 100-400mm and the Nikon Z 500mm lenses are weather-resistant, but the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a more robust weather-sealing system.
- Autofocus: Both lenses have fast and accurate autofocus systems. However, the Nikon Z 100-400mm lens has a slightly faster autofocus system.
- Image Stabilization: Both lenses have excellent image stabilization systems. However, the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a slightly more effective image stabilization system.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
The Nikon Z 100-400mm and the Nikon Z 500mm lenses are both excellent telephoto lenses. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is slightly brighter and more versatile, while the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a longer focal length and a greater magnification. Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
A: Both the Nikon Z 100-400mm and the Nikon Z 500mm lenses are good for wildlife photography. However, the Nikon Z 500mm lens has a longer focal length and a greater magnification, which makes it better suited for photographing distant subjects.
Q: Which lens is better for sports photography?
A: The Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is better for sports photography because it is slightly brighter and has a faster autofocus system.
Q: Which lens is better for landscape photography?
A: Both the Nikon Z 100-400mm and the Nikon Z 500mm lenses can be used for landscape photography. However, the Nikon Z 100-400mm lens is more versatile and can be used for a wider range of subjects.
