The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR and the Nikon 600mm f4D ED-IF II 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 600mm f4D ED-IF II is the longer of the two lenses at 455mm. The Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR with a length of 363mm, is 92mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 600mm f4D ED-IF II also has a larger diameter of 166mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR's 128mm diameter.
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 180-400mm F4E TC VR weighs 3500g, which means it is 2400g (40%) lighter than the Nikon 600mm f4D ED-IF II which has a weight of 5900g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Nikon 600mm f4D ED-IF II has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 41mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 600mm f4D ED-IF II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-S 180-400mm F4E TC VR and the Nikon 600mm f4D ED-IF II 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 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.
On the other hand, the Nikon 600mm f4D ED-IF II is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 600mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 900mm.
