Nikon Z6 III Telephoto Zooms: 100-400mm vs 28-400mm
By Foto Erhardt | Kameras, Objektive & Zubehör ► günstig kaufen | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 VR S and Z 28-400mm f4-8 VR on the Nikon Z6 III. See which telephoto zoom fits your reach, light, and travel needs.
Quick answer
Choose the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 VR S if you need the brightest aperture, weather sealing, and professional-grade reach for wildlife or sport. Choose the Nikkor Z 28-400mm f4-8 VR if you want one lens that covers wide angle to supertelephoto and can focus as close as 20 cm.
Reach and aperture: the core trade-off
The 100-400mm starts at 100mm and ends at 400mm with a maximum aperture of f4.5-5.6. That narrower zoom range buys you a faster aperture across the board, which helps in dim light and gives you more control over subject isolation. The 28-400mm covers 28mm to 400mm but at f4-8, so it is two-thirds to one stop slower at the long end. On a Z6 III, that difference matters most when you are shooting moving subjects at dawn or dusk and want to keep shutter speeds high without pushing ISO.
Handling and sealing: where the S-line lens earns its price
The 100-400mm VR S is described as having reliable sealing against weather influences, and its advanced optics are built for consistent performance at any distance. That makes it the safer choice for dusty savannas, rainy sidelines, or coastal spray. The 28-400mm does not list weather sealing in the supplied facts, so treat it as a fair-weather or protected-use lens unless you confirm otherwise. Neither lens's exact weight or size is given here, so try both on your Z6 III before committing if balance matters to you.
Close focus and everyday flexibility
The 28-400mm's minimum focus distance of 20 cm is a genuine advantage for semi-macro work, tabletop details, and tight framing when you cannot step back. The 100-400mm's close-focus distance is not supplied, so do not assume it can match that. If you often shoot a mix of wide scenes and distant subjects in one outing, the 28-400mm's 28mm wide end also saves you from swapping lenses—a real benefit when traveling light or shooting events where moments are fleeting.
Key trade-offs at a glance
- Aperture vs. zoom range: The 100-400mm is faster (f4.5-5.6) but starts at 100mm; the 28-400mm is slower (f4-8) but covers 28mm to 400mm. If low light and subject separation are priorities, accept the narrower range. If one-lens versatility matters more, accept the slower aperture. Decide which you will miss more: a stop of light or the 28-99mm range.
- Weather sealing: The 100-400mm VR S is sealed against weather; the 28-400mm's supplied facts do not mention sealing. For rain, dust, or sea spray, the 100-400mm is the safer bet. For dry, controlled environments, the 28-400mm is fine. Check the forecast and your shooting environment before you pack.
- Close focus: The 28-400mm focuses down to 20 cm, which lets you fill the frame with small subjects. The 100-400mm's close-focus distance is not supplied, so test it if close-up work is essential. If you shoot details and distant subjects on the same outing, the 28-400mm avoids a lens change.
Product facts
- Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm f4,5-5,6 VR S: Zoom range 100-400mm with a maximum aperture of f4.5-5.6 and sealing against weather influences. The faster aperture and weather resistance make it more dependable for wildlife, sport, and aircraft in challenging conditions.
Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm f4,5-5,6 VR S - Nikon Nikkor Z 28-400mm f4,0-8,0 VR: Superzoom covering 28-400mm with a minimum focus distance of 20 cm and a 77mm filter thread. You get wide-angle to supertelephoto reach in one lens and can shoot close-up details without changing glass.
Nikon Nikkor Z 28-400mm f4,0-8,0 VR
Which lens fits you?
Best for
- Wildlife and sport photographers who need a fast aperture and weather sealing
- Shooters who often work in rain, dust, or coastal conditions
- Photographers who value optical consistency across the zoom range
Not for
- Travelers who want one lens for wide scenes and distant subjects
- Close-up shooters who need a 20 cm minimum focus distance
- Buyers who prioritize a wide-angle start over a faster aperture
