The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS and the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II 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. Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is the longer of the two lenses at 359mm. The Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II with a length of 352mm, is 7mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II has a larger diameter of 160mm compared to the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS's 158mm 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. Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS weighs 2895g, which means it is 1905g (39%) lighter than the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II which has a weight of 4800g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS has a filter size of 41mm whereas the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II 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 41mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS:
And these are the 52mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Nikon 400mm f2.8D ED-IF II has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A9 III, Sony A7C Mark II and Sony A7CR for the Sony E 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
400mm and the fastest aperture of
F2.8.