Nikon has announced its new NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens. This is a fast prime zoom lens that also features a built-in 1.4x extender.
The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 looks to be a great option for anyone shooting sports or wildlife and it will be a nice lens to use with the new Nikon Z9.
For video shooters capturing wildlife, this lens would also work well with the Z9 when shooting in 8K.
Key features
- Z-Mount Lens/FX Format
- Built-In 1.4x Teleconverter
- Ground Aspherical and SR Elements
- Meso Amorphous and ARNEO Coatings
- Silky Swift VCM and STM AF System
- Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization
- Customizable Fn and Memory Set Buttons
- Weather-Sealed Design
- Rotating Tripod Collar
The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is characterized by its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture and sophisticated optical, autofocus, and VR systems. The biggest advantage it has over other super-telephoto prime lenses is the built-in 1.4x teleconverter that turns 40mm f/2.8 into a 560mm f/4 lens. If you need even more reach you can also use the optional Z-Teleconverter TC-1.4x and TC-2x to further extend the reach of this lens.
The lens features a newly designed Meso Amorphous Coating, and when combined with the lens’ ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings, is claimed to provide outstanding anti-glare performance when working in strong lighting and backlit conditions.
The S-Line optical design incorporates ground aspherical and short-wavelength refractive (SR) elements, which control a variety of aberrations in order to produce high sharpness, clarity, and accurate color rendering. It also features a dust and moisture-resistant design that protects the lens from inclement weather conditions.
The 400mm utilizes a multi-focusing system that combines Silky Swift VCM autofocus with a powerful STM stepping motor for what is claimed to be quiet, fast, and precise autofocus performance. Vibration Reduction image stabilization reduces the appearance of camera shake by approximately 5.5 stops and supports Synchro VR for more refined stabilization when paired with compatible cameras.
The lens has customizable Fn buttons, Fn ring, and Memory Set buttons that work in conjunction with camera-based Fn buttons for quickly changing exposure settings, focus position, and other customizable functions.
The Programmable Control Ring is, by default, set to adjust manual focus, but can also be used to control aperture or exposure compensation.
There is also a rotating tripod collar that offers mounting stability when shooting atop a monopod or tripod.
Price & Availability
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens is now available to pre-order for $13,996.95 USD. It will be released on February 18th, 2022.
This is a lot of money to pay for a 400mm f/2.8 stills lens. As a reference, the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens costs $11,999 USD, and the Sony FE 400mm f/2.8 GM OSS Lens is $11,998 USD. Neither of those two lenses has a built-in extender.
