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 Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro 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 Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro with a length of 95mm, is 127mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro's 73mm 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. Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro weighs 540g, 62% (895g) lighter than the Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR's weight of 1435g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro has a 55mm 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 55mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro 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.
Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro is also available in Canon EF 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 Tokina 100mm f2.8 Macro is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 100mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 150mm.
