Nikon 100-400 vs 400: Is the Extra £641 Worth It? (Full Review)

[@jamesnelson1443]

Wow!!! Great comparison!!! I was on the fence between the two!!! But after seeing this the Z100-400 is for me!! I shoot a lot of high school football 🏈 & 100-400 will be more flexible with Z 8!! Paired with the 70-200 on D850, I will have a winning combo!!

[@yenra]

Great video - thank you for the comparison work!

[@seancameronphotographic3740]

My absolute pleasure, thank you for watching

[@kllee6368]

Hi Sean, I will get z400 instead of z100-400, coz I already have z180-600 in hand, thank you for your information.

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Sean, I must admit that I have the 100mm-400mm and was thinking is it worth me getting the 400mm, I did not think so. This now for my use case think thhe 100mm-400mm is more suited to the way I work. Good to see you back.

[@seancameronphotographic3740]

Certainly for me, it was lovely to test a couple of lenses and discover that I had chosen the right one :)

[@johnforbes4795]

I really appreciate you doing this comparison. I had considered the Nikon Z 100-400mm, but have my order in for the Nikon Z 180-600mm f5-6.3 instead based on a comparison video I've seen that described the sharpness and autofocus differences between the Z 100-400mm and Z 180-600mm lenses to be marginal. For now, I'll keep my old Sigma 100-400mm f5-6.3 Contemporary for landscapes and occasional outdoor movement shots, but may upgrade for the Z 100-400mm when my pocketbook digests the purchase of the 180-600mm. Given that we both shoot dog show movement stills (you with performance, me-mostly conformation), the Z 100-400mm would probably be the more flexible lens for dog movement and better autofocusing than my Sigma. Right now the Z 70-200mm f2.8 S is my primary dog show lens for both my Z8 and Z9.

[@seancameronphotographic3740]

Your choice of primary lens makes a lot of sense. Have you thought of trying out a Z teleconverter on a 100-400?

[@johnforbes4795]

I've certainly used the Sigma 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters when using the Sigma 100-400 mm f5-6.3 Contemporary on both a Nikon D850 and Z9. I have the Nikon Z 1.4x teleconverter for some Nikon lenses, so I'll be able to use that teleconverter on the Z 180-600mm as I have on my Z 70-200mm f2.8. From what I've heard, the Nikon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 is at least a couple steps better than my old Sigma in both sharpness and autofocus integration. Given the way that I shoot dog movement, a high hit rate is very important to me, so while the best Sigma's have very good autofocus via the FTZ, with the 100-400, I've been unwilling to use the six year Sigma for important movement shots. @@seancameronphotographic3740

[@wewlad107]

I want the 100-400 just for general versatility also the awesome close focusing distance, really elevates the experience if you just want to go on a hike and only take one lens that day

[@GrahamGphotoParker]

I agree the 400 is a smidge sharper looking at your shots. It's the one I'm thinking of getting to replace my f mount 200-400 but will I miss the flexibility? Decisions decisions!

[@seancameronphotographic3740]

It's a tricky one for sure, I can only say that it's a great deal lighter

[@JamieWhitehorn]

Great video. Loved the focus comparison. Very useful, though I’d imagine it was a lot of work. Love the tee shirts 😊

[@seancameronphotographic3740]

Thanks so much my friend

[@michaelrasmussen3347]

Hi Sean, it could be very informative to through the Nikon 180-400mm f/4E VR TC into the comparison. It can be found used for £6,000 these days. Also for a third of the price the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II.

[@seancameronphotographic3740]

I'd love to test that lens, now I have to find someone daft enough to let me borrow it

[@StanKay-ho3sy]

great use of t-shirts 🤘

[@lour7753]

I ended up getting both both

[@RussandLoz]

Interesting, though prime lenses always use teleconverters better than zooms so maybe an extra incentive. But really the 180-600 does it all, apart from being a little slow

[@markr3926]

Both lenses are excellent but for me in a side by side the separation at f4.5 is significant v f5.6 (in ,y testing).

[@SwanSycorax]

Thanks Sean. Great video and you echo my own sentiments. I have had the Z 100-400 sinceearly July 2022 in fact, the day I got it was trhe day Nikon announced the Z 400 f/4.5 prime. My initial reaction was "Bummer!!!" I bought too early and ended up with the wrong lens, however, I now have absolutely no regrets and felt, for me, the Z 100-400 is the better lens. So often i have had to make use of the flexibility the zoom offers. I am glad you highlighted the difference in the close focussing distances of the two lenses. The 100-400 makes a superb "pseudo" macro in my opinion, especially when coupled with the Z 1.4xTC. I made a video about this a few months back which you might find of interest - kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5qum2adoNKJZ6s Thanks again.

[@seancameronphotographic3740]

I'll definately check that video out

[@grantking4681]

You need to blink, you really look like a rabbit stuck in the headlights.