The Z 100-400mm VR S is the first super-telephoto lens in Nikon’s Z-mount line-up. Naturally, if you shoot with a DSLR or have an FTZ/FTZ II mount adapter for your Z-series camera, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to super-tele lenses. There’s a feast of up-market Nikon glassware to choose from, as well as high-performance options from Sigma and Tamron. From Sigma, the 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary, 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary and 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports are particularly strong competitors. There’s also the Tamron 100-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di VC USD and SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2.
The upshot is that the Z 100-400mm lacks the extreme telephoto reach of independent 100-600mm F-mount lenses, or Nikon’s own AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR, and is weightier than Sigma and Tamron 100-400mm zooms. However, the native Z lens has a pro look and feel, along with build quality and performance to match.
Key features
About the same size and weight as Nikon’s fully pro-grade Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S ‘trinity’ zoom, the 100-400mm naturally delivers twice the maximum focal length, but with a narrowing of aperture rating, which varies from f/4.5 to f/5.6 as you extend through the zoom range.
Specifications
Mount: Nikon Z
Lens construction: 25 elements in 20 groups
Angle of view: 24-6 degrees
Diaphragm blades: 9
Minimum aperture: f/32-40
Minimum focusing distance: 0.75-0.98m
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.38x
Filter size: 77mm
This story is from the March 2022 edition of N-Photo: the Nikon magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2022 edition of N-Photo: the Nikon magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Photo hoot
Andrew Mason finds and photographs one of the UK's most beloved birds
Zoom, zoom, zoom!
Mike Harris reckons that Nikon's new Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR could be the one lens to rule them all for keen photographers
Tony North
Less than 10 years ago, Tony North only took out his camera on holidays. Now the Manchester-based macro photographer is winning international awards and writing a book. Keith Wilson hears how he has spread his wings from photography's chrysalis...
Love what you use, use what you love
It's easy to be seduced by marketing hype that brands throw our way, so how do we choose what to buy? Simple, it has to fill you with joy
Get set for...Adventure photography!
Join intrepid explorer and photographer Iain Afshar as he ventures off the beaten track to share his top tips for extraordinary travel images
Take-off sequence
Nigel A Ball uses Pre-Release Capture mode and fast burst speeds to shoot butterflies on the wing
What a whopper!
Nikon has finally released a super-telephoto Z lens that isn't part of its premium range - and Mike Harris couldn't be happier
Get stacked
Mike Harris focus-stacks a thistle, and blends a close-up that's sharp from front to back
A little alone time
Simon Lewis captures stunning landscapes that are solid as an oak, while enjoying the many mood-boosting benefits of the great outdoors
LIGHTBOX
Our favourite Nikon images from the Pink Lady® Food Photographer of the Year competition
