The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED 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 Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR is the longer of the two lenses at 222mm. The Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR with a length of 171mm, is 51mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR's 91mm 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 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR weighs 1340g, 6% (95g) lighter than the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR's weight of 1435g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a focal range of 100-400mm and
4.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
150 - 600mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR has a focal range of 80-400mm and 5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 120 - 600mm.
