The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR and the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF 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 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is the longer of the two lenses at 358mm. The Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR with a length of 110mm, is 248mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR also has a larger diameter of 124mm compared to the Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR's 74mm 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 Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR weighs 405g, which means it is 2870g (87%) lighter than the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR which has a weight of 3275g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has a 52mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are RED Komodo-X 6K Z, Nikon Z50 II and Nikon Z30 for the Nikon Z Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR has a focal range of 50-250mm and
5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
75-375mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the 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.