Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm F/4.5 VR S Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens

Overview

The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is a high-performance super-telephoto prime lens designed for Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras. Part of Nikon’s prestigious S-Line series, it delivers professional-grade optical performance, exceptional sharpness, and portability, making it ideal for wildlife, sports, and action photography. Despite its long focal length, this lens is relatively lightweight and compact, making it easier to handhold and transport for extended shooting sessions.

Key Features

• Super-Telephoto Reach: With a 400mm focal length, this lens offers excellent reach, ideal for capturing distant subjects such as wildlife, sports action, or birds in flight. The fast f/4.5 aperture balances performance and weight, providing enough light for fast shutter speeds while maintaining a manageable size and weight.

• Outstanding Optical Quality: The lens is part of the S-Line, Nikon's top-tier series for optical excellence. It features extra-low dispersion (ED) elements, super ED elements, and Nano Crystal Coating, which work together to minimize chromatic aberrations, ghosting, and flare while ensuring stunning contrast, clarity, and sharpness across the frame.

• Vibration Reduction (VR): Nikon has incorporated 5.5 stops of optical image stabilization (VR) into the lens to counteract camera shake, allowing for sharper images when shooting handheld, especially at slower shutter speeds. Paired with Synchro VR on compatible Nikon Z cameras, stabilization performance is enhanced further.

• Lightweight and Portable: One of the standout features of the 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens is its lightweight design. Weighing just 1,245 grams (2.7 lbs), it is much lighter than other 400mm lenses, making it easier to use handheld for long periods. The lens measures only 234.5mm (9.2 inches) in length, adding to its portability.

• Fast, Quiet Autofocus: The lens uses Nikon’s Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor (VCM) with an ABS encoder for rapid and precise autofocus, ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The focusing system is nearly silent, making it suitable for wildlife photography where minimal noise is critical.

• Weather-Sealed Construction: The lens is designed to withstand challenging shooting environments. It features comprehensive weather sealing, including around the lens mount, ensuring dust, dirt, and moisture are kept out. The front element is also coated with Fluorine, repelling water and smudges for easier cleaning.

• Customizable Control: The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S has multiple customizable controls, including an L-Fn button, control ring, and focus limiter switch. These features give photographers flexibility in setting custom functions for quick adjustments while shooting.

Specifications

• Focal Length: 400mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5
• Minimum Aperture: f/32
• Lens Construction: 19 elements in 13 groups (including 1 ED element, 2 super ED elements, and elements with Nano Crystal Coating and Fluorine coating)
• Angle of View: 6°10′ (FX format), 4° (DX format)
• Minimum Focus Distance: 2.5 meters (8.2 feet)
• Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.16x
• Autofocus: Yes (VCM with ABS encoder)
• Vibration Reduction: Yes, up to 5.5 stops
• Filter Size: 95mm
• Dimensions: 104mm (diameter) x 234.5mm (length)
• Weight: 1,245g (2.7 lbs)

Ideal For

The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is perfect for photographers who need a super-telephoto lens that balances reach, image quality, and portability. It’s particularly suited for wildlife, birding, sports, and action photographers who often shoot handheld or need to travel light. The advanced optical design ensures sharp, crisp images even at the longest focal lengths, while the lightweight build makes it comfortable to use for extended periods.