Nikon has announced its new NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens. This telephoto prime offers a decent F4.5 aperture, which not only allows Nikon to make the lens smaller and lighter but also to keep the price down.
The size of the lens is similar to a 70-200mm f/2.8. The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens is 9.2″ / 23.36cm long and weighs 2.7 lb / 1.22kg. Compared to the Z 400mm f/2.8 lens, this f/4.5 version weighs 3.8 lb less and it is a whopping 6″ shorter in length.
Key features
- Z-Mount Lens/FX Format
- Aperture Range: f/4.5 to f/32
- SR, Super ED, and ED Elements
- Nano Crystal Coat
- Stepping Motor AF System
- Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization
- Customizable Fn and Memory Set Buttons
- Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating
- Rotating Tripod Collar
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
According to Nikon, it uses a sophisticated optical design that includes a series of specialized elements that helped to create a lighter, more compact design.
The lens features one ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element and two Super ED elements, along with one SR (short-wavelength refractive) element which is claimed to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations, color fringing, and comatic aberrations,
The SR element features a specialized high-dispersion design that refracts wavelengths shorter than blue; this helps achieve truly accurate color rendering and also aids in making the lens design more compact.
Nano Crystal Coat has been applied for well-rounded anti-glare protection at all angles, helping to suppress ghosting, reflections, and flare for higher contrast and more accurate color response when working in strong lighting and backlit conditions.
An advanced autofocus system uses stepping motors that are claimed to deliver quick and accurate focusing performance, along with smooth and quiet AF, making it well-suited for both stills and video applications.
Full-time manual focus override is also possible and an internal focusing design is used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing. This helps to maintain the overall length of the lens and to increase focusing speeds.
Vibration Reduction image stabilization reduces the appearance of camera shake by approximately 5.5 stops to better enable handheld shooting in low-light situations.
Synchro VR is also supported when paired with compatible cameras featuring sensor-shift VR, which combines in-body VR with optical VR for improved results of up to 6 stops of compensation.
An included tripod foot can be easily removed if you are using the lens handheld. When used atop a tripod, the tripod mount has a rotating design for easy switching between horizontal and vertical orientations.
There are separate manual focus and programmable control rings.
The lens is compatible with optional Z-Teleconverter TC-1.4x and TC-2x to further the reach,
The 40mm f4.5 features a weather-sealed design that includes rubber gaskets to prevent dust and moisture ingress and the exposed elements have a fluorine coating that repels dirt and oils and is easier to clean.
Two customizable L-Fn buttons can be set to configure subject tracking, AF lock, image playback, or other modes. The L-Fn2 button is also accessible from four different locations on the barrel.
The Focus limiter switch can constrain the focus range to 19.7′ to infinity or from the full focusing range of 8.2′ to infinity.
A programmable Control Ring can also be used to control aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. There is also a Kensington lock support for securing the lens in place during remote shooting sessions.
The lens utilizes front screw-in 95mm filters.
Price & Availability
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens is now available to pre-order for $3,246.95 USD. As a comparison, the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM Lens retails for $6,899 USD,
