Sports and wildlife photographers rejoice! Nikon has released the highly anticipated NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens, designed specifically for the Z 9 mirrorless camera. This powerful combo promises to revolutionize the way you capture fast action in any environment. But how does it compare to other manufacturers? Let’s find out.
In an in-depth video review by Christopher Frost, we get a closer look at the features and capabilities of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens. Designed for professionals, this lens offers a variety of options that set it apart:
- Built-In 1.4x Teleconverter: Integrated within the lens, the teleconverter transforms the 400mm f/2.8 lens into an impressive 560mm f/4 lens, while maintaining optimal imaging performance and weather-sealing.
- S-Line Optics: This lens incorporates two ED and one Super ED glass elements, along with two fluorite elements, to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing. It also features an SR element for accurate color rendering and a compact lens design.
- Anti-Glare Coatings: Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat improves anti-reflective performance beyond the Nano Crystal Coat, while the ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coats enhance glare suppression in various lighting conditions.
- Silky Swift VCM Autofocus: With a Voice Coil Motor and an optical ABS encoder from robotics, the autofocus system delivers high-speed, precise, and smooth focusing. It operates quietly, reduces focus breathing, and offers full-time manual override. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 8.2 feet and a maximum magnification of 0.17x (0.23x with teleconverter).
- Vibration Reduction: The lens’s image stabilization system reduces camera shake by approximately 5.5 stops. It combines in-body and optical VR (Virtual Reality) using Synchro VR technology for even better results.
- Professional Durability and Intuitive Handling: Weighing 6.5 pounds, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens is 20% lighter than its F-mount counterpart. It features a centered gravity for smooth panning and a rotating tripod mount for easy orientation changes. The lens is weather-sealed, made with magnesium alloy construction, and has fluorine-coated front and rear elements. It is compatible with Z-Teleconverter TC 1.4x and TC 2x. The lens also offers an ergonomic control layout with a Memory Set button, customizable L-Fn buttons, a focus limiter switch, and a programmable Control Ring. Additionally, it supports Kensington lock and uses 46mm drop-in filters with the included holder.
Frost’s detailed review provides valuable insights into the performance and capabilities of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens. Whether you’re a professional sports or wildlife photographer, this lens could be a game-changer for capturing that perfect shot. Check out the video above for Frost’s full analysis and see the lens in action.
Q: What is the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens?
A: The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens is a powerful lens designed for the Z 9 mirrorless camera that is specifically aimed at sports and wildlife photographers.
Q: What are the key features of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens?
A: The lens offers a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, S-Line optics, anti-glare coatings, silky swift VCM autofocus, vibration reduction, professional durability and intuitive handling.
Q: What is the purpose of the built-in teleconverter?
A: The built-in teleconverter transforms the lens from 400mm f/2.8 to an impressive 560mm f/4, while maintaining optimal imaging performance and weather sealing.
Q: What are S-Line optics?
A: S-Line optics is a feature of the lens that incorporates specific glass elements to minimize chromatic aberrations, color fringing, and improve color rendering.
Q: What is the autofocus system like?
A: The autofocus system utilizes a Voice Coil Motor and an optical ABS encoder for high-speed, precise, and smooth focusing. It operates quietly, reduces focus breathing, and offers full-time manual override.
Q: How effective is the image stabilization system?
A: The lens’s image stabilization system reduces camera shake by approximately 5.5 stops. It combines in-body and optical VR using Synchro VR technology for even better results.
Q: What are the durability and handling features of the lens?
A: The lens is lighter, weather-sealed, and made with magnesium alloy construction. It has an ergonomic control layout, support for various accessories, and offers an intuitive handling experience.
Key Terms/Jargon
- Z 9 mirrorless camera: Nikon’s mirrorless camera model.
- Teleconverter: An optical accessory that increases the focal length of a lens.
- S-Line optics: A feature of Nikon lenses that incorporates specific glass elements to improve image quality.
- Chromatic aberrations: Color fringing or distortion that can occur in an image.
- Color rendering: The accuracy and reproduction of colors in an image.
- Anti-reflective performance: The ability to reduce glare and reflections in an image.
- Meso Amorphous Coat: A type of anti-reflective coating by Nikon.
- Image stabilization: Technology that reduces camera shake for sharper images.
- Virtual Reality (VR): In the context of the lens, it refers to Nikon’s optical image stabilization technology.
- Synchro VR technology: Nikon’s technology that combines in-body and optical image stabilization.
- Magnesium alloy construction: The lens is constructed using magnesium alloy for durability.
- Drop-in filters: Filters that can be inserted into the lens without removing the front element.
