Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200 400mm F 4G ED VR II Review | 54 Data compared

The Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 VR is described as an exceptional "dream lens" that offers high luminosity and a constant f/4 aperture across its entire zoom range. During field tests at concert venues like Le Quartz and La Carène, the reviewer noted the lens delivers remarkable sharpness, a very reactive autofocus, and a bright viewfinder image even in low-light conditions. Its versatility makes it a "must-have" for sports, wildlife, and event photographers who need to reach distant subjects while maintaining professional image quality. The lens also performs well with a TC14 teleconverter, extending the reach to 560mm at f/5.6 without significant loss of detail. However, the lens has notable drawbacks, primarily its massive size and weight, which exceeds five kilograms when mounted on a Nikon D3s. This makes handheld shooting nearly impossible, requiring the mandatory use of a sturdy monopod or tripod. The reviewer emphasizes that the equipment is cumbersome and less flexible than a standard 70-200mm lens. Additionally, the steep price of approximately €7,500 is a significant barrier for many users. Despite these constraints, the review concludes that for those...

In this field-test review, photographer Hervé Le Gall shares his experience using the Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 VR lens paired with a Nikon D3s camera body during a concert shoot at the Cabaret Vauban. Initially hesitant about the logistics of handling such a massive lens, the author was prompted by a fellow Nikon expert to test its hand-held performance and its exceptionally close minimum focusing distance. Shooting hand-held at ISO 3200 in challenging concert lighting, Le Gall came away highly impressed, noting that the lens is far more versatile than it appears and ultimately calling it an exceptional piece of gear. The review highlights several specific pros and cons regarding the lens's real-world performance. On the positive side, the Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization is incredibly effective, allowing the author to confidently capture sharp, high-quality images at shutter speeds as slow as 1/60th of a second while shooting hand-held. Additional pros include its close-up focusing capabilities (down to 50 centimeters), which unlock unique framing opportunities, and its pristine optical quality that delivers excellent sharpness, contrast, and color rendition. On the negative side,...

The DXOMARK review of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II highlights it as a highly versatile super-telephoto zoom lens that achieves a solid overall DXOMARK score of 25 when evaluated. Originally launched in May 2010, this upgraded model introduces VR II image stabilization and Nano Crystal Coat to an intricate optical recipe consisting of 24 elements in 17 groups, including four extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements. The core pros emphasized in the review include its exceptional focal flexibility for sports and wildlife photography, a constant f/4 maximum aperture across the entire zoom range, and very good sharpness across the frame at full aperture, with its peak performance uniquely optimized around the 250mm mark at f/4. DxOMark However, the lab testing also exposes notable compromises that serve as the lens's main cons. DXOMARK notes that its raw sharpness cannot match the performance of equivalent fixed focal length prime lenses in this range, which typically score higher. Additionally, it is an incredibly cumbersome piece of equipment, weighing a heavy 3.36 kg (7.4 lbs), making extended handheld operation difficult. Coupled...

The review focuses on testing the Nikon AFS 200-400mm F4 VR lens, specifically evaluating the real-world performance of its Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization system. The reviewer conducts low-light tests inside an apartment at a 400mm focal length using slow 1/3-second shutter speeds on a Nikon D2X body without post-processing. The core conclusion highlights the massive pro of the VR system, which reliably mitigates camera shake and allows photographers to successfully capture sharp images well below the standard recommended reciprocal shutter speed rule (e.g., shooting at 1/3 second instead of 1/400 second). Furthermore, the VR system's effectiveness scales up positively for distant animal photography where long-range camera shake normally ruins photos. Conversely, the review implicitly notes a few cons related to practical use and accessibility. A major drawback for many enthusiasts is the high financial investment required, as the lens is explicitly noted as being very expensive. Additionally, the extreme focal lengths require careful physical technique to maximize sharpness, with the reviewer having to emulate a rifle-shooting stance by bracing their elbows on their knees to stay stabilized. Overall, the...

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR both achieve an identical overall DXOMARK score of 27 when tested on the Nikon D800E, but they excel in different technical areas. The 200-400mm zoom lens offers greater versatility and delivers a higher peak sharpness of 23 P-Mpix (optimal at 250mm & f/4), while maintaining a slightly lighter profile at 3,360g and a lower original price of $6,999. However, its cons include higher chromatic aberration at 11 µm, slightly worse light transmission at 4.9 TStop, and a more complex internal design consisting of 24 elements in 17 groups. In contrast, the 500mm f/4G prime lens provides superior maximum reach and exceptional optical control, acting as a stronger choice for dedicated long-distance wildlife or sports photography. Its pros include significantly lower chromatic aberration restricted to just 7 µm, a better light transmission score of 4.5 TStop, and a simpler optical formula of 14 elements in 11 groups. On the downside, the 500mm prime suffers from a slightly lower sharpness score of 22 P-Mpix,...

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II achieves an overall DxOMark score of 25, delivering solid image quality and great versatility for sports and wildlife photographers. Among its core pros, the lens maintains high sharpness across the frame at full aperture throughout its focal range, peaking at 250mm f/4. It also features upgraded Vibration Reduction (VR II) technology that allows for handheld shooting at up to four shutter stops slower. Additionally, the inclusion of a Nano Crystal Coat dramatically minimizes internal reflections, ghosting, and lens flare. However, the review details a few notable cons, particularly regarding raw optical trade-offs compared to fixed-focal equivalents. While sharp, its overall sharpness does not fully match standard prime lenses, which typically achieve much higher scores over the same focal range. Furthermore, its light transmission is lower than its specified maximum aperture, and it is a quite bulky, heavy piece of gear weighing a substantial 3.36 kg (7.4 lbs). Despite these setbacks, it remains highly ranked for its adaptable performance. DxOMark If you plan to use this lens, let me know: What camera...

The DXOMARK review presents a side-by-side performance benchmark of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II and the Sigma 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM tested on a Nikon D7100 camera body. The premium Nikon zoom achieves a superior overall DXOMARK score of 17, compared to the Sigma's score of 14. While both lenses surprisingly tie in raw sharpness by delivering 10 P-Mpix of resolution, the Nikon's major advantages lie in its constant, bright f/4 maximum aperture and significantly better light transmission measured at 4.9 TStop. Additionally, the Nikon lens completely eliminates optical distortion (0%), though it suffers from heavy visual cons including a steep $6,999 price tag, a restrictive 2x zoom range, and a very bulky body weighing a substantial 3,360 grams. In contrast, the Sigma 50-500mm acts as a highly versatile "Bigma" hyper-zoom, offering a massive 10x focal range and a much more affordable retail price of $1,659. Its design benefits from a more manageable, lightweight body at 1,970 grams and a narrower maximum diameter of 104.4 mm, making it far easier to handle. However, its...