Nikon-loving sports, wildlife, and action photographers have no doubt noticed a key gap in the NIKKOR Z line-up: a high-end super-telephoto. Well, it is a gap no more!
Having teased the release of this lens at the end of October*, Nikon has officially released full details about the forthcoming NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. Pre-orders of this “super-telephoto masterpiece” start today, with the first units shipping in late February.
*Click here for the original announcement, which included the Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6 VR S, NIKKOR Z 24–120mm f/4 S, and mount adapter FTZ II.
Combining the “highest anti-reflection performance in NIKKOR history” with the stringent standards of Nikon’s S-Line in a remarkably lightweight, balanced design, this lens is bound to be a game-changer for professional users of the Z system. Customizable function buttons, a new function ring, and a memory recall function will allow you to become one with your lens and intuitively capture the once-in-a-lifetime images you crave.
Features sure to impress
Built-in 1.4x teleconverter. (This is the “TC” in the name of the lens.) At the flip of a switch, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S transforms into a 560mm f/4 lens. Two super-telephotos in one! If you need even more reach, the 400mm is compatible with Nikon’s Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x and Z Teleconverter TC-2.0x, enabling a max reach of 784mm and 1120mm respectively.
Built-in optical Vibration Reduction. (This is the “VR” in the name of the lens.) The stabilization system in this lens is CIPA Standard rated as being able provide up to 5.5 stops of compensation for camera shake. If you’re using a Z 9, you can get even greater levels of stability using the Synchro VR feature, which intelligently combines the use of both in-lens and in-body stabilization systems.
Incredible lack of glare. One of the few features Nikon mentioned back in October was the ability of this lens to combat glare, and it looks like they’ve actually developed whole new technologies to do so. The brand new Meso Amorphous Coat is the best coating Nikon’s engineers have yet developed for blocking incident light from any direction. It is paired with their ARNEO coat to add an extra layer of protection from vertical incident light. Users of this lens should experience virtually no ghosting or flare, even in direct sunlight.
New autofocus system. The “Silky Swift VCM Autofocus” promises improved speed and accuracy while emitting almost no measurable sound. You won’t have to ruin your video or the mood! Powerful electromagnets drive the focusing elements, while a guide mechanism eliminates vibration completely.
S-Line superiority. As with every NIKKOR Z S-Line lens, you can expect edge-to-edge sharpness (even at maximum aperture), maximum resolving power, gorgeous bokeh, quiet operation, and minimal focus breathing. These tools are optimized to the greatest possible extent for every usage scenario—photos or videos, in-studio or on-site, in full daylight or the deep dark.
Click here or visit a Mike’s Camera near you to pre-order your very own!
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