Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£4,390
  • Avg. price in US: ~$3,200
  • Lens mount: Nikon F
  • Maximum focal length: 400 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 2.8
  • Optical image stabilization: yes
  • Maximum 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 it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

8.0

Overall score

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 components:

80.0%

8.2

Technical Score

20.0%

7.6

User score

Excellent
8.2

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.2

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.6

Build & Handling

20.0%

8.2

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.2

Lab Scores

8.0%

7.3

Stabilization

3.0%

10

Mount & Format

Excellent
7.6

User score

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 components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(8)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(9)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Very good
  • 9.9
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.8

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

  • 6.1
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.9

    Lens length

    25.0%

    1.6

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    10

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    10

    Optical image stabilization

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Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

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

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

8.2

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

7.6

Build & Handling

20.0%

8.2

Focus & Controls

10.0%

9.2

Lab Scores

8.0%

7.3

Stabilization

3.0%

10

Mount & Format

8.2
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a technical score of 8.16 points, which is higher than 94.5% of camera lenses.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

10

User reviews

30.0%

1.9

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
5.0
(8)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(9)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

7.6
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a user score of 7.57 points, which is lower than 69% of camera lenses.
Popularity
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.
1.9
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a popularity of 1.9 points, which is lower than 83.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

8.0

Overall score

40.0%

1.0

Price

5.9
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.9 points, which is lower than 87.7% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

telephoto prime
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Nikon F
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports teleconverters. 15.2% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
Supports Nikon TC-14E/TC-17E/TC-20E teleconverters.
Show more
Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

400 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

400 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

6.2 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

6.2 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

SWM
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

2.9 m
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR focuses as close as 2.9 m, which is farther than 98.3% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.16x
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR 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
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports full-time manual focus. 68.3% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Show more
Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports optical image stabilization. 28.9% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

3 stops
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR offers 3 stops of stabilization, which is weaker than 87.8% of camera lenses and equal to 7.2% of camera lenses.
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

368 mm
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is 368 mm long, which is longer than 98.3% of camera lenses.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

159.5 mm
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a diameter of 159.5 mm, which is wider than 98.7% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports weather sealing. 50.2% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR uses a metal lens mount. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Show more
DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

33
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a DxOMark sharpness score of 33, which is higher than that of 82.8% of camera lenses and equal to that of 3.2% of camera lenses.
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

3.1 T-stop
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a DxOMark transmission of 3.1 T-stop, which is lower than that of 44.9% of camera lenses and equal to that of 9.3% of camera lenses.
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.1 %
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has DxOMark distortion of 0.1%, which is lower than that of 79.2% of camera lenses and equal to that of 15.9% of camera lenses.
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Show more

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

  • Has optical image stabilization
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
    What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
    When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
    Supports Nikon TC-14E/TC-17E/TC-20E teleconverters.
    What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
    When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus hold button
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
    What it is: A button on the lens barrel used to lock focus temporarily during shooting.
    When it matters: When you want to lock focus quickly during sports, wildlife, or recomposed portraits.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has aperture ring
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
    What it is: A dedicated ring on the lens used to control the aperture directly.
    When it matters: When you want direct tactile control over exposure while shooting photos or video.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
    What it is: A marked scale that shows the approximate focus distance set on the lens.
    When it matters: When you pre-focus manually for street, zone focusing, or repeatable tripod setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
  • 17 points higher DxOMark sharpness
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a higher DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (33 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
    What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
    When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a higher DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (33 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.33 vs 16
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
    52 mm drop-in filter.
    What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
    When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.

    Importance: LOW

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has focus limiter switch
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
    What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
    When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.

    Importance: LOW

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
  • Teleconverter compatible
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • Has drop-in filter support
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
  • 1 more low-dispersion elements
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • Has focus hold button
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.5% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
  • Has aperture ring
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has an aperture ring, the average camera lens does not. 31.2% of camera lenses include an aperture ring.
  • Has focus distance scale
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR 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
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR 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
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
  • 17 points higher DxOMark sharpness
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a higher DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (33 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
  • 3.5 µm lower chromatic aberration
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a lower chromatic aberration than the average camera lens (5 µm vs 8.5 µm). The average lens has chromatic aberration of 8.5 µm.
  • 0.2 % lower optical distortion
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a lower optical distortion than the average camera lens (0.1% vs 0.3%). The average lens has optical distortion of 0.3%.
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • 2.6 m longer minimum focus distance
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR 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.
  • 0.03 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • 1 stops weaker stabilization
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
  • 276 mm longer lens
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is longer than the average camera lens (368 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 82.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is wider than the average camera lens (159.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • Older release date
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    August 2007
  • 276 mm longer lens
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is longer than the average camera lens (368 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is longer than the average camera lens (368 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.368 mm vs 92 mm
  • 82.5 mm wider lens barrel
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR is wider than the average camera lens (159.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR 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
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR 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.
    What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
    When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR 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
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
    What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
    When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR 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
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    August 2007
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR was released earlier than the average camera lens.2007 vs 2016
  • 2 fewer aspherical elements
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
    What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
    When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
  • 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).
    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
  • 23.9% 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 (5.93 vs 7.346).
    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.
    Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.93 vs 7.346).5.93 vs 7.35

Graphic comparison of Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm F 2 8G ED VR and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers 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 customers dislike 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

Expert reviews

P
photoreview.com.au
(n.d.)
Summary of the review
D
dslrbodies.com
03/07/2018
Summary of the review
P
photographylife.com
15/09/2011
Summary of the review
D
dxomark.fr
23/08/2007
Summary of the review
N
nikonland.it
28/09/2024
Summary of the review
F
focus-review.com
12/03/2015
Summary of the review

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