A Review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens

400mm is one of the most useful lenses for genres such as sports and wildlife photography, and the options run the gamut from relatively affordable at under $1,000 to quite a way past $10,000, all with different specifications, capabilities, performance, and image quality. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S sits in the middle of the road, and this great video review takes a look at the lens and the sort of performance and image quality you can expect from it in usage. 

Coming to you from Matt Irwin Photography, this great video review takes a look at the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens. As the smallest and lightest 400mm lens Nikon has ever made, the 400mm f/4.5 comes with a range of innovative design and features, including: 

  • Specialized elements for lighter and smaller design (9.2 inches long, 2.7 lbs)
  • One ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element, two Super ED elements, and one SR (short-wavelength refractive) element for less chromatic aberrations and coma
  • High-dispersion design for improved color rendering
  • Nano Crystal Coat for fewer flares and ghosting and deeper contrast
  • Multiple stepping motors for fast and quiet autofocus suitable for both photos and videos
  • Full-time manual focus override
  • Vibration Reduction for up to 5.5 stops of compensation
  • Removable tripod foot
  • Customizable control ring
  • Weather-sealed design

Check out the video above for Irwin's full thoughts on the lens. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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1 Comment

Ha it is pretty wild to see the sun directly in the frame and that much sharpness and contrast. I've never had a big desire to have a lens beyond 200mm but this thing does look pretty awesome. Lighter than a 200 2.8 makes it more favorable to travel photography too.