The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S and the Tokina 70-200mm F4 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 70-200 F2.8 VR S is the longer of the two lenses at 220mm. The Tokina 70-200mm F4 with a length of 168mm, is 52mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Tokina 70-200mm F4's 82mm 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 70-200mm F4 weighs 980g, 31% (460g) lighter than the Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S's weight of 1440g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tokina 70-200mm F4 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 70-200 F2.8 VR S:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina 70-200mm F4:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Tokina 70-200mm F4 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
Both lenses have the same focal range of
70-200mm but while Nikon Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Tokina 70-200mm F4's widest aperture value is
F4.0.