Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens

Nikon has announced its new NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens. This telephoto lens offers a decent F4.5 aperture, which not only allows Nikon to make the lens smaller and lighter, but also lowers the price.

The lens size is similar to a 70-200mm f/2.8. The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens is 9.2″ / 23.36cm long and weighs 2.7 lbs / 1.22 kg. Compared to the Z 400mm f/2.8 lens, this f/4.5 version weighs 3.8 lbs less and is 6″ shorter in length.

According to Nikon, it uses a sophisticated optical design that includes a series of specialized elements that have helped create a lighter and more compact design.

The lens features one ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element and two Super ED elements, as well as an SR (short-wavelength refraction) element said to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations, color fringing and aberrations comatic,

The SR element features a specialized high-dispersion design that refracts wavelengths shorter than blue; this allows for truly accurate color rendition and also helps to make the lens design more compact.

Nano Crystal Coat has been applied for complete anti-glare protection from all angles, helping to suppress ghosting, flare and flare for higher contrast and more accurate color response when working in harsh conditions. intense lighting and backlighting.

An advanced autofocus system uses stepping motors that are said to deliver fast and precise focusing performance, as well as smooth and quiet autofocus, making it well suited for both stills and video applications.

Full-time manual focus override is also possible and an internal focusing design is used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing. This maintains overall lens length and increases focusing speeds.

Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization reduces the appearance of camera shake by approximately 5.5 stops to better enable handheld shooting in low-light situations.

Synchronized VR is also supported when paired with compatible cameras featuring Sensor-Shift VR, which combines built-in VR with optical VR for enhanced results up to 6 stops of compensation.

An included tripod leg can be easily removed if using the portable lens. When used on a tripod, the tripod mount has a rotatable design to easily switch between horizontal and vertical orientations.

There are separate programmable manual focus and control rings.

The lens is compatible with the optional TC-1.4x and TC-2x Z teleconverters to extend reach,

The 40mm f4.5 features a sealed design that includes rubber seals to keep out dust and moisture and exposed elements have a fluorine coating that repels dirt and oils and is easier to clean.

Two customizable L-Fn buttons can be set to configure subject tracking, AF lock, image playback or other modes. The L-Fn2 button can also be accessed from four different locations on the barrel.

The focus limiter switch can limit the focus range from 19.7′ to infinity or the full focus range from 8.2′ to infinity.

A programmable control ring can also be used to control aperture, ISO or exposure compensation. There is also a Kensington lock bracket to secure the lens in place during remote shooting sessions.

The lens uses 95mm screw-on filters.

Price and availability

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens is now available for pre-order for $3,246.95. For comparison, the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens sells for US$6,899,