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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 85mm f/1.4 II — Prime/Zoom
Samyang

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II

Prime/Zoom

88
/ 100
From $999
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 85mm f/1.4 II 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 85mm f/1.4 II 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

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

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

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

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 86).

Value for money

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II more score per dollar ($999 vs $2,699).

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 91
vs
88 Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85
Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II
88
sharpness 88
af 86
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S versus Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II

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 85mm f/1.4 II

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

FAQ: Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II

Which is better, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II? +

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 85mm f/1.4 II worth the price? +

At $999, Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II 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 85mm f/1.4 II? +

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 autofocus, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 II? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on af (89 vs 86). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.