Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm F 2 8 TC VR S Review | 54 Data compared

The Photography Life review identifies the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S as a benchmark flagship lens, offering class-leading sharpness at f/2.8, lightning-fast autofocus, and effective weather sealing. Its standout feature is the built-in 1.4x teleconverter, providing a 560mm f/4 option without compromising weight, which remains competitive at roughly 2.95 kg. Conversely, the primary drawback is the significant $14,700 price point, limiting it to professional use. The review also notes minor handling issues with the tripod collar design and slight performance degradation when stacking additional external teleconverters.

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is an exceptionally sharp, high-end exotic telephoto lens priced at $13,999, featuring a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that allows shooters to instantly switch between a 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4 lens via a physical lever. Optically, the lens delivers divine, "killer" sharpness and contrast from the center to the edges even when shot wide open, with incredibly well-controlled chromatic aberration, coma, and linear distortion. Nikon successfully shaved nearly two pounds off its F-mount predecessor—bringing the lens down to a highly handholdable 6.5 pounds (2,950g)—and cleverly shifted its center of gravity backward toward the camera body to vastly improve balance during long, un-monopodded field sessions. Furthermore, its new Silky Smooth Voice Coil Motor (SSVCM) provides fast, near-instant autofocus tracking on high-end bodies like the Nikon Z9. Despite its stellar optical output, the reviewer notes several handling and engineering flaws that prevented the lens from earning a "Highly Recommended" rating. The primary drawback is the poor ergonomic placement of the scattered lens controls (like the L-Fn and L-Fn2 buttons); when cradling the lens...

The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is a revolutionary super-telephoto prime lens designed for the Nikon Z mirrorless system that justifies its steep price tag of approximately $14,000. The lens's standout feature is an integrated 1.4x teleconverter engaged via a simple, lockable lever, effectively giving photographers two world-class lenses in one: a native 400mm f/2.8 and a 560mm f/4 configuration. Weighing 2,950 grams, it is 20 percent lighter than its F-mount predecessor and features a robust, weather-sealed magnesium alloy barrel with premium anti-reflective coatings like Meso Amorphous Coat. It delivers jaw-dropping performance with a Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor autofocus system for breathtaking speed and accuracy, alongside a powerful optical stabilization system that offers 5.5 stops of vibration reduction. Lab and real-world testing reveal spectacular optical quality, with the primary pros being its superlative frame-wide sharpness even when shooting wide-open, a fast aperture, and virtually non-existent color fringing or distortion. Even when the teleconverter is engaged to reach 560mm, image sharpness remains exceptional with only a minor, easily correctable touch of pincushion distortion. On the downside, the primary...

Despite its highly recommended status, the lens comes with several distinct cons and design omissions. The most prominent drawback is its exceptionally high price tag of $13,997 USD / €14,999 EUR, making it a major financial investment. On the technical side, it experiences noticeable focus breathing (a 17% magnification change from infinity to close focus) which is less ideal for video production, and it fails to maintain focus when toggling the internal teleconverter switch. Furthermore, Nikon omitted the helpful OLED status display found on other high-end Z lenses, the autofocus showed more hunting on a Z7 than expected, and the tripod foot is unfortunately not natively Arca-Swiss compatible.

The Nikon 400mm f/2.8 S TC VR is a high-end, exotic Z-mount telephoto lens priced at $13,999. Its standout feature is a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that allows shooters to instantly switch between a 400mm f/2.8 lens and a 560mm f/4 lens via a quick-flip lever. Optically, the lens delivers divine, "killer sharp" acuity from center to edge even when shot wide open, paired with highly controlled chromatic aberration, coma, and distortion. Additionally, Nikon successfully shed nearly two pounds compared to its F-mount predecessor, resulting in a 6.5-pound (2950g) build with a rearward center of gravity that makes handholding viable for extended periods. Autofocus speed is equally impressive, proving fast enough to track rapid movements on advanced bodies like the Nikon Z9. Despite its optical brilliance, the lens falls short of a top rating due to significant ergonomic flaws during handheld use. When cradling the lens at its natural center of gravity, the scattered controls—including the L-Fn, L-Fn2, and Memory Set buttons—are completely out of reach without awkwardly shifting your hand position. The lens also suffers from very noticeable focus breathing,...