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Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro — Prime/zoom
Laowa

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Prime/zoom

84
/ 100
From $479
VS
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S wins by 7
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — Prime/Zoom
Nikon

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Prime/Zoom

91
/ 100
From $2,699
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro lands at 84 and Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S at 91. That puts Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Compared on the build sub-score

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro leads on build (90 vs 88).

Sharpness

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S leads on sharpness (91 vs 84).

Autofocus

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S leads on af (89 vs 80).

Value for money

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro more score per dollar ($479 vs $2,699).

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro 84
vs
91 Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Score breakdown

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro
84
sharpness 84
af 80
build 90
value 86
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro versus Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — full spec comparison
Spec Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

FAQ: Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro vs Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Which is better, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro worth the price? +

At $479, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro delivers a Specdex score of 84 — strongest in build.

Is Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S worth the price? +

At $2,699, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S? +

Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Laowa 15mm f/4 Macro or Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on sharpness (91 vs 84). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.