Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S Lens

The much anticipated Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 S Lens is Nikon’s next S-Line Z-mount series addition. This powerhouse of a lens is packed with the latest in imaging technology and has been optimised for professional sports and wildlife image capture. It features an advanced and intricate series of glass elements that enable the capture of extremely high image quality in both video capture and photography.

Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S Lens Key Features:

• Specifically designed for full-frame Z-Mount
• Perfect for sports & wildlife photography
• A native telephoto focal length of 400mm
• Built-in 1.4x TC offers an increased 560mm
• An advanced and intricate optical structure
• 25 lens elements arranged into 19 groups
• 2 ED, 2 fluorine, 1 super-ED & 1 SR element
• A bright, wide and fast constant f2.8 aperture
• 9 rounded diaphragm opening offers smooth bokeh
• Enhanced shallow depth of field aperture control
• An integrated filter slot for drop-in filters
• A minimum focusing distance of 2.5 meters
• Effective Lens Shift Vibration Reduction (VR)
• Fluorine, ARNEO & Meso-amorphous coatings
• Impressively lightweight for its size & focal length

Expanded Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S Lens Key Features:

Optical Structure

The Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S Lens is the first of three super-telephoto lenses coming our way from Nikon’s labs. This super-tele prime has been optimised for wild-life and sports image-capture, featuring a highly intricate series of lens elements including the addition of a built-in teleconverter unit.

To produce images with such a high-quality and resolution, Nikon has arranged 25 premium optical elements into 19 distinct groups, including 7 elements in 4 groups within the built-in teleconverter itself. Among these are an array of specialised lens elements that significantly increase image quality, clarity and detail. These include 2 ED elements, 2 fluorine, 1 super-ED and further 1 SR lens element. In addition, the inclusion of both ARNEO and Meso-amorphous coatings further increase the image quality potential.

Ultimate Speed

Nikon’s Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S Lens has the speed to match the optical performance. Using a unique and innovative Silky Swift VCM focusing system with an optical ABS encoder, this lens is able to deliver phenomenally fast autofocus with spot-on subject acquisition and tracking. This is essential when shooting at this super-telephoto focal range and it’s going to elevate each and every image taken.

Anti-Reflective Coatings

As mentioned, this lens uses specialised lens coatings that help increase image quality and performance. Other than the ED and Super-ED lenses, we need to talk about the lens’ anti-reflective properties. For this, we have Nikon’s ARNEO and Meso Amorphous coatings.

The ARNEO coating is a coating that we’ve seen in other S-Line series lenses and it is an anti-reflective coating system that results in ultra-low reflectance for incident light reaching the lens surface from a vertical direction. But it's the use of a unique and innovative Meso Amorphous coating that has us excited. This coating offers the highest anti-reflection performance ever seen in Nikon lens history. It is used to help reduce the appearance of ghosting and flare by eliminating light entering the lens from both diagonal and vertical directions. Combing these two coatings with not only the other lens elements but Nikon Z image sensors results in exceptional image quality even in backlit conditions.

Aperture Control

This lens is equipped with an array of features at your disposal but the one that shines through (apart from its impressive 400mm prime focal length) is the constant f2.8 aperture. This aperture can be utilised in a number of ways. First up is its ability to excel in low light shooting situations. With an aperture so wide, more light can enter the lens and therefore you are able to continue capturing stunning images even when the light begins to fade. This wide aperture also offers enhanced control of depth of field. With a minimum focusing distance of just 2.5m, you can play with expressive shallow depth of field and subject-background separation.

Built-In Teleconverter

A welcome addition to this lens is a built-in teleconverter. This extends the focal reach of this lens from its native 400mm to 560mm. This of course offers that extra bit of reach that you need, especially when photographing or filming sports of wildlife. Aiding this additional focal reach is Nikon’s Lens Shift Vibration Reduction. This offers effective stabilisation that is essential when working at this magnification.

Lens Construction

We’ve talked about the internal structure of this lens and how that can translate into exceptional images. But it's also its exterior that factors into the mix. As with all Nikon S-Line lenses, this lens demonstrates Nikon's mastery of optical engineering and usability. It’s sleek and stylish and impressively lightweight considering its optical capabilities. Weighing in at a comparatively nimble 2950g, this lens is designed for photographers in the field. It features a removable tripod foot that easily attaches to your tripod or monopod for that extra stability.

Other features that contribute to its performance are its intuitive button layout and its ergonomic and tactile rubber-coated focus/zoom rings. And finally, the outer lenses feature a fluorine coating that is applied on top of the anti-reflective coating on the lens surface, making it easy to remove oil, fingerprints and other debris from the lens.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S Lens
• 1 x HK-42 Lens Hood
• 1 x LC-K105 Slip-on Front Lens Cap
• 1 x LF-N1 Rear Cap
• 1 x CL-L3 Lens Case
• 1 x LN-3 Strap

FAQs:

Is this lens weather-sealed?

The lens features sealing around all moving parts that in turn keep dust and moisture out of the lens.

Does the lens come with a tripod foot?

The Nikon Z 400mm f2.8 TC VR S Lens includes a removable tripod foot that allows for optimum balance when attached to a tripod.

What is the maximum aperture when using the built-in teleconverter?

The maximum aperture without is f2.8 and is reduced to just f4 when the teleconverter is in use. The minimum aperture without is f22 and when in use is f32.