Nikon has just announced the Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a previously teased telephoto lens for its mirrorless line of cameras. Not only with its foal length, but also AF performance and image stabilization, this lens is designed with sport and wildlife photographers in mind. And judging from the specs, they are going to like it.
Nikon put this lens on its roadmap way back in November 2020. Back then, it was expected that the company would announce three new Z-mount lenses by the end of 2022, and it looks like they’ve made an early start.
The Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter which extends your reach to 560mm. It’s easy to switch between 400 and 560mm, you just need to flip the right-hand switch. You can also add a TC-1.4x or TC-2x to further extend the reach of the lens. When it comes to autofocus performance, it’s a trait Nikon boasts about with the Nikkor 400mm f/2.8. Its multi-focusing system combines Silky Swift VCM autofocus with an STM stepping motor. These two combined should give you a fast and precise autofocus performance. The newly designed guide mechanism and AF actuators provide smooth and accurate AF control throughout the entire focusing range, including at close distances. Then, what you may also find important is stabilization. Nikkor 400mm f/2.8 has optical VR (Vibration Reduction) that gives 5.5 stops of stabilization. When used with the Z 9, Synchro VR combines the in-body and in-lens VR stabilization. The lens has a bright f/2.8 maximum aperture. It’s round, built from nine aperture blades. As for the build, it was made from 25 elements in 19 groups. With its weight of 6.5 lb (almost 3kg), it’s also quite heavy. Take a look at the specs: And here are some more lens photos, along with the sample photos photographers took with it:
The Nikkor is available for preorders for nearly $14,000 ($13,996.95 to be exact).
