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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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S wins by 3
Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 — Prime/zoom
Samyang

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Prime/zoom

88
/ 100
From $1,799
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 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 Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 at 88. That puts Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S ahead by 3 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 Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 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

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 88).

Build

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Compared on the build sub-score

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 leads on build (90 vs 88).

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 84).

Value for money

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 more score per dollar ($1,799 vs $2,699).

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 91
vs
88 Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85
Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8
88
sharpness 88
af 84
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S versus Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

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

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

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 Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Which is better, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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 Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 worth the price? +

At $1,799, Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.

Does Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 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 sharpness, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on sharpness (91 vs 88). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for build, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8? +

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.