Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Super Telephoto Prime Lens With Built in 1.4x Extender

Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S Super Telephoto Prime Lens with Built In 1.4x Extender Summary

Having been announced back in October 2021, the Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens super telephoto prime lens with built-in 1.4 Teleconverter is now out in the wild. The lens is designed for professional full frame FX Nikon mirrorless camera users shooting sports, wildlife and action. It delivers across all fronts with a bright f/2.8 aperture, blistering AF and tracking performance and the ability to reach 560mm at the flick of a switch without loss of image quality.

You gain a 5.5-stop advantage with vibration reduction technology (VR), while the 9-bladed aperture renders smooth out of focus areas and beautifully rounded bokeh. The high speed internal focusing system harnesses VCM technology with an optical ABS encoder for relentless tracking associated with the pinnacle of technology found in S-Line lenses from Nikon's mirrorless Z lens range.

Key Features

• Premium S-Line optics for Z mount to capture stills and video
• Lightweight and compact prime with integral TC weighing approximately 2950g
• Reach 560mm with the built-in 1.4x teleconverter at f/4 aperture
• Shoot in DX crop mode with cameras like the Z9 for 840mm also at f/4 (approx. 24MP images)
• Vibration reduction (VR) with 5.5-stop advantage using lens-shift VCM motors
• Incredible AF performance with new internal VCM focusing system and ABS encoder
• 9-bladed aperture for smooth out of focus areas and beautiful rounded bokeh
• Extremely high resolving power from 2 LD elements, 2 Fluorine, 1 Super LD and 1 SR element
• Easily reached TC activation switch without moving to change shooting posture
• User-control with x4 L-Fn buttons, memory set, new function ring, control ring, focus limiter and focus ring
• Multi-coated including the first Z lens to feature Nikon’s Meso Amorphous anti-reflective for ghosting and flare control
• Integrated drop-in filter slot
• Kensington security slot

Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Super Telephoto Lens in More Detail

Built-in 1.4x Teleconverter

The Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S follows on from high-end super telephoto lenses developed for Nikon DSLR cameras, with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter (extender). TC functionality is controlled via a dedicated switch located on the lens barrel immediately to the right of your hand. This enables you to flick the switch, immediately reaching a focal length of up to 560mm at a maximum f/4 aperture, with no loss of image quality. The switch provides seamless operation as it can be reached without changing shooting position or moving your eye away from the viewfinder.

What’s more, on a camera with DX crop-mode the lens will reach up to 840mm while remaining at an f/4 aperture. This delivers unparalleled super telephoto reach with images of around 24 megapixels when mounted on the Z9 for example.

Powerful Image Quality

Gain phenomenal resolving power with incredibly sharp details when shooting photos and videos with the Z 400mm. An elaborate optical design features 25 lens elements in total (including the teleconverter) with several special glass elements to deliver outstanding results. Nikon has included 2 LD elements, 2 Fluorine, 1 Super LD and 1 SR element to counter chromatic aberrations, while rendering superb clarity, contrast and colour.

High Performance Lens Coatings

Three separate coatings have been applied to the lens, including Nikon’s high performance anti-reflective Meso Amorphous Coat. This new coating employs particles smaller than nano particles to confer remarkable control over ghosting and flare: clarity is pitch-perfect, even if shooting scenes with multiple direct light sources in the frame. This delivers high levels of clarity by combating ghosting and flare with the reduction of incidental light, which is combined with an ARNEO Coat which is used for the same purposes. The front lens element is protected from oil, dust and dirt with the high quality Fluorine coating associated with professional optics from Nikon.

Unwavering Autofocus Capabilities

Subject acquisition and tracking is handled quickly and quietly by an internal VCM (Voice Coil Motor) focusing system with optical ABS encoder for absolute speed and accuracy with minimal movement. This system delivers incredibly fast focusing and tracking capabilities, which harness Nikon’s latest highly successful Phase Detect AF algorithms.

The VCMs also provide lens shift technology for vibration reduction, delivering 5.5-stops of stability when handholding the lens.

Professional Control With Full Customisation

Users who streamline their shooting workflow will find the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens eminently customisable, with Nikon’s typical attention to ergonomic detail. The barrel includes four programmable L-Fn buttons and there is a new knurled Function ring with torque, which features a convenient bi-directional auto-return mechanism. Next along the barrel we have a control ring, manual focus ring, memory set and the teleconverter activation switch with lock. A focus limiter switch allows the user to adjust the minimum 2.5 metre focus distance to 6m for quicker response with more distant subjects.

Tough And Well Balanced

Nikon has weighted the lens towards the rear for more stable operation. This puts the bulk of weight nearer the user to reduce strain and helps maintain posture when handholding. Comprehensive weather sealing has also been added around all moving parts, which helps to keep dust and moisture at bay. This ensures outdoor photographers can continue shooting whatever the weather holds in store for them.

Other Features

A removable tripod foot provides excellent balance when mounted onto a tripod or monopod, and a Kensington security slot acts as a deterrent to keep the lens safe from theft. For tricky shooting situations an integrated filter slot accepts drop-in filters.

What’s in the box

• Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens for Z Mount
• LC-K105 Slip-on front lens cap
• HK-42 Lens Hood
• LF-N1 Rear cap
• CL-L3 Lens case
• LN-3 Strap

Optional Accessories

• Lowepro Lens Trekker 600 AW III – With the compact nature of the lens you’ll have room spare to pack extras
• 3 Legged Thing Trent 2.0 Monopod Grey with Docz2 Foot Stabiliser – released at the same time the 3LT monopod reaches over 2m and offers excellent smooth panning

Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Super Telephoto Lens Sample photos

Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S Super Telephoto Prime Lens With Built In 1.4x Extender Specifications