OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
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REVIEWS
Scored using Camera lenses Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are evaluated mathematically under Frontumo Camera lenses Methodology v1.0 using verified laboratory benchmarks, technical specifications, and authentic consumer ratings with 0% commercial bias.
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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price:~£4,390Lens mount:Nikon FMaximum focal length:400 mmMaximum aperture (telephoto end):2.8Optical image stabilization:yesMaximum angle of view:6.2 °

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR Review: Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Camera lenses category and whether it is worth buying.

7.8

Overall score

Score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 91% of models
Score components

80%

7.8

Technical score

20%

8.1

User score

★Better than 91% of camera-lenses
7.8

Technical score

Technical score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components

35%

7.9

Optics & Aperture

24%

7.4

Build & Handling

20%

8.1

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

6.4

Stabilization

3%

10

Mount & Format

★Better than 93% of camera-lenses
8.1

User score

User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

3.8

Number of reviews

Based on 17 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
â–¼Worse than 57% of camera-lenses
  • nikon-af-s-nikkor-400mm-f-2-8g-ed-vr
  • nikon-af-s-nikkor-400mm-f-2-8g-ed-vr
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nikon-af-s-nikkor-400mm-f-2-8g-ed-vr
nikon-af-s-nikkor-400mm-f-2-8g-ed-vr
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nikon-af-s-nikkor-400mm-f-2-8g-ed-vr

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Best rankings

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Technical Specifications of camera lens Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR

Technical score
Technical score
7.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Camera lenses category across these key areas: Mount & Format, Optics & Aperture, Focus & Controls, Stabilization, Build & Handling, Lab Scores.
When it matters
When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 93% of models
Score components:

35%

7.9

Optics & Aperture

24%

7.4

Build & Handling

20%

8.1

Focus & Controls

10%

?

Lab Scores

8%

6.4

Stabilization

3%

10

Mount & Format

7.8
User score
User score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

70%

10

User ratings

30%

3.8

Number of reviews

Based on 17 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.1
Popularity
Popularity
3.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Popularity:
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a popularity score of 3.8 points, which is lower than 83.8% of camera lenses.
3.8
Value for money
Value for money
5.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Score components:

60%

7.8

Overall score

40%

1.0

Price

5.8
Lens type
telephoto prime
Lens mount
Nikon F
Sensor format coverage
Full-frame
Filter thread size
N/A
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
â–² Better than 85% of models
This camera lens supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Supports Nikon TC-14E/TC-17E/TC-20E teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
400 mm
Maximum focal length
400 mm
Optical zoom
N/A
Maximum angle of view
6.2 °
Minimum angle of view
6.2 °
Show more
Focus motor
SWM
Minimum focus distance
2.9 m
Minimum focus distance
2.9 m
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens focuses as close as 2.9 m, which is farther than 98.3% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.16xx
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.16x
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.16x, which is lower than 61.1% of camera lenses and equal to 3.1% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
yes
Full-time manual focus
yes
â–² Better than 32% of models
This camera lens supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
yes
Internal focusing
yes
â–² Better than 16% of models
This camera lens supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
yes
Optical image stabilization
yes
â–² Better than 71% of models
This camera lens supports optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
3 stops
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
3 stops
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
This camera lens offers 3 stops of stabilization, which is weaker than 87.8% of camera lenses and equal to 7.2% of camera lenses.
Weight
4 g
Weight
4 g
★ Better than 100% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens weighs 4 g, which is lighter than 100% of camera lenses.
Lens length
368 mm
Lens length
368 mm
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is 368 mm long, which is longer than 98.4% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
159.5 mm
Lens diameter
159.5 mm
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens has a diameter of 159.5 mm, which is wider than 98.7% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
Weather sealing (splashproof)
yes
â–² Better than 50% of models
This camera lens supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
yes
Metal mount
yes
â–² Better than 6% of models
This camera lens uses a metal lens mount. 93.6% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
?
DxOMark sharpness score
?
DxOMark transmission
?
DxOMark distortion
?
DxOMark vignetting
?
Show more

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR vs the average camera lens

246810TotalMount & FormatOptics & ApertureFocus & ControlsStabilizationBuild & HandlingLab Scores
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports Nikon TC-14E/TC-17E/TC-20E teleconverters.
  • Has focus hold button
    Focus hold button
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • 506 g lighter
    Weight
    4 g
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (4 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    4 g vs 510 g
  • Has aperture ring
    Aperture ring
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This camera lens has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.3% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Drop-in / rear filter
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This camera lens supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    52 mm drop-in filter.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Teleconverter compatibility
    yes
    â–² Better than 85% of models
    This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports Nikon TC-14E/TC-17E/TC-20E teleconverters.
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Drop-in / rear filter
    yes
    ★ Better than 93% of models
    This camera lens supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    52 mm drop-in filter.
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Low-dispersion elements
    3
    â–² Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <0 – >4
    This camera lens has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    3 vs 2
  • Has focus hold button
    Focus hold button
    yes
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has aperture ring
    Aperture ring
    yes
    â–² Better than 69% of models
    This camera lens has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.3% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Focus distance scale
    yes
    â–² Better than 51% of models
    This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Focus limiter switch
    yes
    â–² Better than 84% of models
    This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • Has optical image stabilization
    Optical image stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 506 g lighter
    Weight
    4 g
    ★ Better than 100% of models
    Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
    This camera lens is lighter than the average camera lens (4 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
    4 g vs 510 g
  • 275.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    368 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (368 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    368 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 82.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    159.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (159.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    159.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 2.6 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    2.9 m
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.9 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    2.9 m vs 0.3 m
  • 1 stops weaker stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    3 stops
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
    This camera lens has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    3 stops vs 4 stops
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2007
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    August 2007
    2007 vs 2016
  • 8.28x more expensive
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is more expensive than the average camera lens (£4,390 vs £530).
    £4,390 vs £530
  • 0.03 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.16 x
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.16 x vs 0.192 x
  • 8.28x more expensive
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is more expensive than the average camera lens (£4,390 vs £530).
    £4,390 vs £530
  • 90.7% less popular
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is less popular than the average camera lens (3.82 vs 7.3).
    3.82 vs 7.29
  • 18.9% worse value for money
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.79 vs 6.9).
    5.79 vs 6.89
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Aspherical elements
    0
    â–¼ Worse than 70% of models
    Market range: <0 – >3
    This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    0 vs 2
  • 2.6 m longer minimum focus distance
    Minimum focus distance
    2.9 m
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
    This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (2.9 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
    2.9 m vs 0.3 m
  • 0.03 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Maximum reproduction ratio
    0.16 x
    â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
    Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
    This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
    0.16 x vs 0.192 x
  • 1 stops weaker stabilization
    Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
    3 stops
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
    This camera lens has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    3 stops vs 4 stops
  • 275.75 mm longer lens
    Lens length
    368 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
    Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
    This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (368 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
    368 mm vs 92.25 mm
  • 82.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Lens diameter
    159.5 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
    Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
    This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (159.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    159.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • Older release date
    Release date
    2007
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    August 2007
    2007 vs 2016

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

P
photoreview.com.au
(n.d.)
Summary of the review
AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Lens - Photo Review
D
dslrbodies.com
03/07/2018
Summary of the review
Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR AF-S Lens Review | DSLRBodies
P
photographylife.com
15/09/2011
Summary of the review
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR - Photography Life
D
dxomark.fr
23/08/2007
Summary of the review
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm F2.8G ED VR - dxomark review
(Translated)Show original
N
nikonland.it
28/09/2024
Summary of the review
Memories and track tests of the 400mm f/2.8 VR
(Translated)Show original
F
focus-review.com
12/03/2015
Summary of the review
Nikon 400mm f/2.8 FX Test
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 17 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR

  • Exceptional image sharpness, even when used wide open at f/2.8
  • Blistering autofocus speed that is highly effective for tracking fast action
  • Rugged, professional-grade build quality with weather sealing for harsh environments
  • Highly effective Vibration Reduction (VR) system that aids in handheld shooting
  • Excellent performance with 1.4x, 1.7x, and 2.0x teleconverters

What we don't like about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR

  • Extremely heavy at approximately 10 pounds (4.6 kg), making long-term handheld use difficult
  • Very high price point, which may require additional investment in heavy-duty support gear
  • Carbon fiber lens hood is prone to thread stripping and is expensive to replace
  • Aperture/VR controls can feel somewhat fragile or be accidentally adjusted
  • Significant size and bulk require a dedicated large bag for transport

Verdict

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR is a professional-grade super-telephoto prime lens featuring 14 elements in 11 groups, including three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat to reduce flare and ghosting. Designed for sports and wildlife, it offers a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, a 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh, and Vibration Reduction (VR II) providing up to four stops of compensation. Key pros include exceptional sharpness even wide open, a highly durable magnesium die-cast construction with dust and moisture sealing, and an ultra-quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast autofocus. However, the lens is notably heavy at approximately 4,620g, carries a very high price tag, and requires a 52mm slip-in filter system rather than standard front-mounting filters.

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