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 Z 85mm F1.8 S 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 Z 85mm F1.8 S with a length of 99mm, is 123mm 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 Z 85mm F1.8 S's 75mm diameter.
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Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 S to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
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 Z 85mm F1.8 S weighs 470g, 65% (885g) lighter than the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR's weight of 1355g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 S has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 S:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR and the Nikon Z 85mm F1.8 S has the same Nikon Z lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon Z lenses are Nikon Zf, Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z30.
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 Z 85mm F1.8 S is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 85mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 127.5mm.