Nikon unveils the Nikkor Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S: an exceptional telephoto lens


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Announced on the sidelines of the Nikon Z9 presentation, the Nikkor Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S will go on sale from mid-February at an approximate price of €15,000. A price that matches the features revealed.

At the end of October 2021, alongside the presentation of its sports hybrid Z9, Nikon unveiled three new lenses for its Z mount. The most extravagant was also the one about which we had the least information, the Nikkor Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S.

Two lenses in one

We just knew that this long fixed focal length incorporated a 1.4x teleconverter allowing the focal length to be increased to 560mm and the maximum aperture to f/4. But also that it sported a gold border, a characteristic of high-end Nikon optics that had disappeared since the arrival of the Z mount. We can now tell you more about the telephoto lens. Ideal for sports or wildlife photography, this 400mm f/2.8 is a powerful ally for the Nikon Z9.

© Nikon

Although weighing almost 3 kg, this version for hybrid is much lighter than its inspiration for reflex. Indeed, the AF-S Nikkor 400mm F/2.8E FL ED VR displays nearly 4 kg on the scale. The hybrid model is almost 40 cm long with a diameter of 15 cm.

© Nikon

25 lenses in one optic

Its complex optical formula consists of 25 lenses divided into 19 groups (including 7 lenses in 4 groups in the integrated teleconverter). The diaphragm has 9 blades and the minimum focusing distance is 2.5 m. The lens is of course equipped with optical stabilization and has many controls. A filter holder has been installed near the frame, in order to avoid investing in gigantic (and expensive) filters for the front lens.

© Nikon

Price and availability

The Nikkor Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S will be released in mid-February 2022, priced at €14,999. Or more expensive than the competition, since the Canon RF 400mm F2.8 L is displayed at €13,000, while the Sony FE 400mm F2.8 GM OSS is sold for €12,000.

That said, Nikon’s lens is very interesting, since it’s a “2-in-1” (400 and 560 mm); at Canon and Sony, you have to pay 14,000 € more to benefit from a 600 mm f/4.

Illustrative photos

© Matthias Hangst / Nikon

© Matthias Hangst / Nikon

© Roie Galitz / Nikon

© Matthias Hangst / Nikon

© Matthias Hangst / Nikon

© Roie Galitz / Nikon



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