At CES 2018 in Las Vegas Nikon announced the new AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR super-telephoto zoom lens. The tele photo zoom looks to be suitable for high end sports and wildlife shooting. The lens features Nikon’s first ever built-in teleconverter and an advanced optical formula that the company claims enhances performance while minimising weight.
180-400mm is a good range, particularly considering the lens has a constant f/4 aperture and covers full frame sensors. The lens is optimised for high-speed capture, and features an electromagnetic diaphragm, which is claimed to create smooth and consistent exposures while shooting high-speed bursts of images. The AF tracking algorithm controlling the motor drive has also been enhanced to increase tracking performance of fast moving subjects. When using cameras equipped with Nikon’s 153-point AF system (D5, D500, D850), the outer row of AF points are activated as cross-type sensors to enhance the AF coverage throughout the frame.
Built-in 1.4X teleconverter
You would of thought Nikon wold have done this previously, but the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR is the first ever Nikon lens to include a built-in 1.4X teleconverter. With the teleconverter engaged users can swap to a 252-560mm (FX-format) focal range. The teleconverter is engaged at the flick of a switch, and can be operated with a single finger while looking through the viewfinder. When used on the Nikon D500 and other DX-format DSLRs, the focal length is the equivalent of 270-600mm (378-840mm with teleconverter engaged). You will lose 1 stop of light when engaging the teleconverter, so the lens will become a constant f5.6.
Whether capturing fast-moving winter sports on the slopes or elusive wildlife at a distance, photographers can shoot with confidence from this high performance NIKKOR lens. The new 180-400mm f/4 is optimized for high-speed capture, and features an electromagnetic diaphragm, helping to create smooth and consistent exposures while shooting high-speed bursts of images. What’s more, the AF tracking algorithm controlling the motor drive has been enhanced to increase tracking performance of fast moving subjects. When using cameras equipped with Nikon’s advanced 153-point AF system (D5, D500, D850), the outer row of AF points are activated as cross-type sensors to significantly enhance the AF coverage throughout the frame.2
New Technology
The lens uses a fluorite element, which helps to improve balance while minimizing weight. To further enhance handling the lens has a new ball-bearing tripod collar ring to help users transition from shooting horizontal to vertical compositions. The VR mechanism offers a normal and sports mode, with up to four stops of claimed compensation.
The lens is constructed out of magnesium alloy for weight reduction, and is sealed against dust and moisture. A fluorine coating is also used to help repel water droplets and dirt.
The optical formula of the lens uses eight Extra Low Dispersion (ED) elements, doubling the amount of ED elements used by its predecessor, the NIKKOR 200-400mm.
The lens uses 40.5mm drop in filters and the lens extends when it zooms. If you are shooting video this makes it hard to to use with matte boxes.
Price and Availability
The lens certainly isn’t cheap at $12,399.954 USD and it weighs in at 3.5kg, so it’s not going to be something the casual shooter will be buying. The lens is scheduled to start shipping in March.
This new Nikon lens is in direct competition with the $10,999 USD Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens with Internal 1.4x Extender.
If you are a documentary wildlife shooter this lens looks to be a very good option, particularly if you are using cameras with larger than Super 35mm sensors.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm F4E TC1.4 FL ED VR specifications
Lens type: Zoom lens
Max Format size: 35mm FF
Focal length: 180–400 mm
Image stabilisation: Yes
CIPA Image stabilization rating: 4 stop(s)
Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
Maximum aperture: F4
Minimum aperture: F32
Aperture ring: No
Number of diaphragm blades: 9
Elements: 27
Groups: 19
Minimum focus: 2.00 m (78.74″)
Maximum magnification: 0.25×
Autofocus: Yes
Motor type: Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual: Yes
Focus method: Internal
Distance scale: Yes
DoF scale: No
Focus distance limiter: Yes
Weight: 3500 g (7.72 lb)
Diameter: 128 mm (5.04″)
Length: 363 mm (14.29″)
Materials: Magnesium alloy
Sealing: Yes
Colour: Black
Zoom method: Rotary (extending)
Power zoom: No
Zoom lock: Yes
Filter thread: 40.5 mm
Filter notes: Uses drop-in filters
Hood supplied: Yes
Tripod collar: Yes
