The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR is the longer of the two lenses at 363mm. The Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR with a length of 304mm, is 59mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 128mm.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR weighs 3250g, which means it is 250g (7%) lighter than the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR which has a weight of 3500g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR has a filter size of 112mm whereas the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has a 41mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 112mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR:
And these are the 41mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.
Focal Range
Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR has a focal range of 120-300mm and
2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
180 - 450mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has a focal range of 180-400mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 270 - 600mm.