Nikon F vs. Nikon Z
Comparing 2 standards across 9 specifications. 9 key differences identified.
The Nikon F-Mount (introduced in 1959 with the legendary Nikon F SLR) is one of the most storied lens mounts in photographic history, maintaining a continuous 46.5 mm Flange Focal Distance and 44.0 mm throat diameter for over 60 years. Spanning non-AI manual lenses to modern electronic-diaphragm AF-S/AF-E glass, over 100 million F-mount lenses were produced.
The Nikon Z Mount (introduced in 2018 for the Z-series mirrorless system) features the shortest Flange Focal Distance (16.0 mm) and the widest inner throat diameter (55.0 mm) among current major full-frame mirrorless mounts (Sony E, Canon RF, Leica L). This geometry enables extreme optical designs, including the ultra-fast NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct.
Specification Comparison Table
9 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Flange Focal Distance (FFD)
|
46.50 mm (1.831 in — longest FFD among major 35mm SLR mounts) | 16.00 mm (0.630 in — the shortest FFD among current major full-frame mirrorless mounts) |
|
Inner Throat Diameter
|
44.00 mm (1.732 in) | 55.00 mm (2.165 in — the largest throat diameter among current major full-frame mirrorless mounts) |
|
Bayonet Tabs
|
3 locking tabs with counter-clockwise twist (opposite of Canon/Sony) | 4 asymmetrical locking tabs with counter-clockwise twist (traditional Nikon direction) |
|
Camera Systems
|
Nikon F, F3, FM2, F5 (film), Nikon D850, D780, D6, D7500, D500 (digital DSLRs) | Nikon Z9, Z8, Z7 II, Z6 III, Zf (full frame), Z50, Zfc, Z30 (DX APS-C) |
|
Historical Generations
|
Non-AI (1959) -> AI (1977) -> AI-S (1981) -> AF screw-drive (1986) -> AF-D (1992) -> AF-S Silent Wave (1998) -> AF-E Electronic diaphragm (2010s) | — |
|
Aperture Control History
|
Spring-loaded mechanical stop-down lever (moved to electromagnetic diaphragm in 'E' lenses) | — |
|
Electronic Interface
|
— | 11 gold-plated contact pins |
|
Max Theoretical Aperture
|
— | Mount geometry (throat diameter and FFD) permits faster designs than F-mount allowed; the fastest lens actually shipped is the Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct -- claims of a precise theoretical f/0.58 limit are back-of-envelope extrapolations, not a published Nikon figure |
|
Legacy F-Mount Adaptability
|
— | Nikon FTZ / FTZ II adapter (30.5 mm spacer) provides full AF/AE with AF-S and AF-P NIKKOR lenses |