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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 9
Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame — Prime/zoom
Viltrox

Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame

Prime/zoom

82
/ 100
From $169
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 Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame at 82. That puts Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S ahead by 9 points — a decisive 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 Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame 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

Build

Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame

Compared on the build sub-score

Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame 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 82).

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 78).

Value for money

Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame more score per dollar ($169 vs $2,699).

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 91
vs
82 Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85
Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame
82
sharpness 82
af 78
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S versus Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame

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

Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame

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 Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame

Which is better, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 9. 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 Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame worth the price? +

At $169, Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame delivers a Specdex score of 82 — strongest in build.

Does Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame 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 Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame? +

Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame — leads on build (90 vs 88). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Viltrox AF 20mm f/2.8 Full-Frame? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on sharpness (91 vs 82). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.