Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Full Frame Lens

The technical details behind this lens

Encased in a lightweight and compact body, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is the lightest super-telephoto S-Line lens in its class weighing in at approximately 1,160g (excluding tripod collar) and measuring a total length of 234.5mm – allowing for increased mobility whilst shooting. Attain greater flexibility in focal length as the existing 400mm can also be extended to 560mm or 800mm when a 1.4x or 2.0x teleconverter is used respectively. The excellent body weight distribution with its centre of gravity located at the tripod collar further lets users enjoy better stability and comfort when shooting for prolonged periods. In addition to the added stability, the lens provides outstanding Vibration Reduction (VR) performance with support for two VR modes – Normal and Sport modes, as well as Synchro VR which is available with the Z 9. The Normal mode’s performance effectively reduces blur during handheld telephoto shooting and is equivalent to a 5.5-stop increase in shutter speed, the most effective in the history of NIKKOR lenses. The second mode, Sports VR, which is highly acclaimed by professional photographers, is particularly effective when shooting rapid and erratic moving subjects as it enables users to track subjects easily and provides a stable viewfinder image, even with continuous high-speed shooting. When the lens is combined with the Nikon Z 9, users enjoy a more powerful 6.0-stop with Synchro VR activation and the in-camera VR. Making the lens ideal for situations where silence is required is its quiet and accurate autofocus (AF) with a stepping motor (STM) to reduce operational sounds, thus ensuring live subjects such as wildlife and birds are not disturbed in their natural habitat.

Quality Optics, Uncompromised

Expect the superiority of a prime S-Line lens with the lens’ Extra-low Dispersion (ED), Super ED, and Short-wavelength Refractive (SR) lens elements which suppress and correct chromatic aberration, providing users with images that exhibit sharp focus with minimal colour bleed throughout the frame. Complementing the lens’ elements to realise a superior optical performance for users is the Nano Crystal Coat that greatly reduces flare and ghost effects to achieve sharp and clear images. With a maximum aperture of f/4.5, the telephoto lens makes the most of its shallow depth of field to achieve beautiful bokeh, emphasizing subjects on a sharp and clear focal plane and leaving users with images that capture the essence of the moment.

Motion Perfection with Videos

Not limited to stills’ shooting alone, the lens also performs exceptionally for video recording with its ‘click-less’ control ring to minimise operational sounds while the very same control ring also enables a natural shift in focus position and brightness levels. Minimal change in angle of view with smooth, natural focusing is further delivered by the lens’ effective focus-breathing compensation.

Key Features

• Nikon Z Mount
• Max. Aperture: f/4.5
• Min Aperture: f/32
• 9 Rounded Diaphragm Opening
• 19 elements in 13 groups (including 1 ED element, 2 super-ED elements, 1 SR element, elements with a Nano Crystal coat, and a fluorine-coated front lens element)

Top three Reasons we think you will love this lens

• Mobility with Uncompromised Performance
• Achieve beautiful, pleasing bokeh
• Meticulous Positioning of Operational Controls

Our expert’s opinion

The lightest super-telephoto lens in its class, two supported VR modes, and uncompromised rendering capabilities – the lens gives users the versatility for hand-held shooting. The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S offers users an immersive and enjoyable shooting experience. Equipped with mindfully placed operational controls such as a non-slip rubber placed in areas often held, and a memory recall function that enables users to recall a specific focus position at the press of the Memory Set button, the lens helps save time and lets users shoot with confidence. With sealing on various portions of the lens including movable parts of the lens barrel and the adoption of a rubber gasket on the lens mount, the lens is equipped with excellent dust and drip-resistant performance. Dust and dirt are effectively repelled with the application of the fluorine coat, allowing for easy removal even if it adheres to the lens surface. This makes for a quick recovery for users under various weather conditions, ensuring lens durability and providing a constantly seamless shooting experience.