Nikon has announced its new NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR full-frame super zoom. According to Nikon, the lens features the highest zoom ratio in its class.
It is probably best to think of this lens as a good travel option or for when you need to cover a large focal range with a single lens and are willing to sacrifice not having a constant aperture.
Although the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a high-magnification zoom lens it only weighs 1.6 lbs / 725g. Yes, the aperture ramps up to F8, but it’s still impressive to have a full-frame lens with this focal range that weighs under 750g.
Key features
- 14.2× zoom which is a first among NIKKOR Z lenses
- A minimum focus distance of 20cm at the maximum wide-angle position
- A total length of approx. 5.57″ / 14.15cm and a weight of 1.6lbs / 725g
- Stable VR performance equivalent to a 5.0-stop increase in shutter speed.
- Synchro VR can be activated to achieve up to 5.5-stop stabilization by combining in-camera VR and lens V.
- Stepping motor (STM) enables high-speed AF drive.
- Support for linear MF drive enables smooth focusing, which is especially useful for video shooting.
- Comes with a compact, square lens hood
- Designed to be dust- and drip-resistant with thorough sealing on various portions including movable parts of the lens barrel to keep dust and water droplets from entering the lens
The lens also has a very close minimum focus distance of 7.8″ / 20cm at the maximum wide-angle position and 3.9’n/ 1.2m)at the maximum telephoto position. The maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x lets users capture close-ups at short distances which is handy.
The optical construction of the lens consists of 21 elements in 15 groups and it has 9 aperture blades. The front filter diameter is 77mm.
The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR utilizes a stepping motor (STM), which is claimed to enable fast and quiet autofocusing, allowing fast focus on moving subjects. The lens also features a vibration-reduction (VR) function with a stated performance equivalent to 5.0 stops.
Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
- Covers a broad range of focal lengths— from 28mm to 400mm, with a 14.2× zoom which is a first among NIKKOR Z lenses.
- A minimum focus distance of 0.2 m at the maximum wide-angle position and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35× allow users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.
- A total length of approx. 5.57 in. (141.5 mm) and a weight of approx. 1.6lbs (725g)– the lightest lens in its class– make this an easy lens to carry and shoot hand-held.
- Stable VR performance equivalent to a 5.0-stop increase in shutter speed effectively reduces blurring in dimly lit surroundings and with hand-held shooting. When paired with a compatible camera, Synchro VR can be activated to achieve up to 5.5-stop stabilization4 by combining in-camera VR and lens VR.
- Stepping motor (STM) enables high-speed AF drive.
- Support for linear MF drive enables smooth focusing, which is especially useful for video shooting.
- Comes with a compact, square lens hood that combines superior performance and usability.
- Designed to be dust- and drip-resistant with thorough sealing on various portions including movable parts of the lens barrel to keep dust and water droplets from entering the lens.5
Price & Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens will be available in mid-April for $1296.95 USD.
