Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens

Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S super tele

The Nikon Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR is a professional-grade super telephoto lens. Featuring a completely new optical design, a modern rear-centered center of gravity, and weighing just 3kg, the Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR also includes an internal 1.4x teleconverter, meaning you can use a 560mm F4 equivalent lens with just one switch.

In addition, this is compatible with Z-series extenders, meaning the 2x version already has a whopping 1120mm F8 focal length.

It uses Nikon's most advanced autofocus and coating technology, making it the perfect choice for sports competitions, safaris or wilderness trips, as well as for official use.

• Built-in 1.4x teleconverter, also compatible with separate extenders
• Image stabilization: 5.5 fps and, for example, Syncro VR stabilization with the Z9's in-body stabilization
• Weight 2950 grams and length 38cm
• New VCM focus motor
• All the latest coatings and a completely new optical structure
  
• Closest focusing distance 2.5m
• Programmable control ring for example, exposure adjustment directly from the lens
• L-FN programmable buttons, e.g. focus distance storage
• Professional-grade durable and weatherproof construction

New lens design and technology

The Nikon Z 400mm F2.8 is a lens designed for demanding professional use and uses the manufacturer's latest and greatest solutions. Some of these names are a bit poetic, such as the Meso Amorphous Coat and the Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor.

In practice, the Meso coating is better than Nikon's traditional Nano Crystal Coat, and in addition, there is an Arneo coating. The two coatings work together as they eliminate reflections coming from different directions.

VCM focus uses magnets instead of gears to move the focus elements, which is faster and more precise than traditional stepping motors. It is no coincidence that Canon has also used a focus motor based on the same principle in its new high-end lenses. Focus correction can be initiated at any time, simply by turning the focus ring.

Handheld photography is aided by a 5-stop stabilizer that also works with the in-body stabilizer of certain cameras such as the Nikon Z9 / Z8 and Z7 II, with an effective f-stop of 5.5.

It is difficult to describe the image quality briefly. The MFT curves show excellent sharpness at full aperture across the entire image area and other distortions and errors are also minimized. Longer texts on the subject can be found online, but in practice the image quality is excellent for the price range of the lens and in a good way unsurprising.

Usability of a professional lens

The number one feature of the Nikon Z 400mm F2.8 is certainly the internal teleconverter. With one switch, you can use a second super teleconverter. And since it is an integrated part, the optics can be adjusted specifically for this 400mm structure and the whole thing is also weather-protected. The whole thing is also compatible with separate extenders, so the options are as follows:

• 4400mm f/2.8
• 560mm f/4 (extender activated)
• 784mm f/5.6 (internal and external 1.4X)
• 800mm f/5.6 (external 2x)
• 1120mm f/8 (internal and external 2x)

The lens has comprehensive controls: a focus ring, a Control ring, and a programmable Fn ring. In addition, there are buttons for the focus limiter, a Memory set button, one L-Fn button, four L-Fn2 buttons, an autofocus switch, and a teleconverter switch.

The L-Fn buttons can be programmed to show, for example, the distance to a bird's nest or a soccer goal, so that if the situation arises, the correct focus is just a click away.

The lens is weather and dust-protected in several places, and the outer lens element is coated with a fluoride coating that repels dirt and makes cleaning easier.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Nikon Z mount
• Focal length: 400mm / teleconverter activated 560mm
• Aperture: F2.8 / teleconverter activated F4 (minimum F32)
• Closest focusing distance: 2.5m (maximum magnification 0.23X)
• Optical construction: 25 elements in 19 groups, 9 rounded diaphragm blades
  
• Image stabilizer: yes
• Fixed swivel tripod collar
• Filters 46mm Drop-in
• Size: 156 x 380mm
  
• Weight: 2950g

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens
• Nikon LC-K105 Front Lens Cap
• Nikon LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap
• Nikon HK-42 Lens Hood
• Nikon LN-3 Lens Strap carrying price
• Nikon CL-L3 Lens Case