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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
VS
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR wins by 1
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Prime/zoom

92
/ 100
From $2,799
Specdex verdict

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lands at 91 and Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR at 92. That puts Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

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

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

Pick Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR if…

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

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

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Build

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Compared on the build sub-score

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR leads on build (90 vs 88).

Autofocus

Tie

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 91
vs
92 Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
92
sharpness 92
af 88
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S versus Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

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

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

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

FAQ: Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Which is better, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR? +

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

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.

Is Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR worth the price? +

At $2,799, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR 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, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR? +

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.