The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR and the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR 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 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is the longer of the two lenses at 358mm. The Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II with a length of 209mm, is 149mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR also has a larger diameter of 124mm compared to the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II's 87mm 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 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II weighs 1540g, 52% (1735g) lighter than the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR's weight of 3275g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has a filter size of 52mm whereas the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 52mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR and the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR 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 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has a focal range of 200-400mm and
2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
300 - 600mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR II has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 105 - 300mm.