Nikon has unveiled the Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 VR S, a compact super-telephoto prime lens for its Z-Mount Mirrorless camera system.
The lens is made up of 19 components in 13 groups, including an extra-low scattering (ED) component, two super ED components and a short-wavelength refractive index (SR) lens component. The SR element reflects blue light rather than green or red, helping to control longitudinal distortion. Nikon is also using its nano-crystal coating to reduce spooky and flare as well as a fluorine coating on the frontmost material to remove dust, dirt and water.
Onboard optical image stabilization is CIPA-rated to compensate for 5.5 stops, or 6.0 stops when used on Z9 with the ‘Synchro VR’ system. Autofocus is driven by a stepping motor. Nikon says the lens will work with its focus-breath-compensation function. The lens is weather sealed, Nikon specifically called it ‘dust- and drip-resistant’.
Other features include a nine-blade circular aperture diaphragm, minimum focusing distance 2.5m (8.2ft), an aperture range F4.5 to F32 and a 95mm front filter thread. The lens is 104mm (4.1 ”) in diameter 235mm (9.3”) long and weighs 1245g (2lb 12oz) with a tripod collar.
The Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 VR S lens will be available from June at a recommended price of $ 3,295.
NIKON Reveals NIKKOR Z 400MM F / 4.5 VR S Super-Telephoto Prime Lens for NIKON Z Mounting System
Compact and lightweight super telephoto lens with superior sharpness and clarity
Melville, NY (June 29, 2022) – Today, Nikon Inc. NIKKOR Z announced the release of the 400mm f / 4.5 VR S, adding another lens to the growing NIKKOR Z line. This super-telephoto prime lens is compatible with the full-frame / FX-format Nikon Z Mount Mirrorless camera, and offers both higher sharpness and clarity with a compact size and lightweight design.
Handheld shooting is easy with light1 Weighing in at its class, approximately 2.55 pounds (1,160 g, excluding tripod collars), and total length of about 9.2 inches (234.5 mm) provides superior agility and reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions of wildlife, bird and sports photography. This lens is compatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4 × and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0, which extends the ability to bring distant objects closer.2. Also, the lens provides great balance by shifting the center of gravity near the camera for more stable operation during handheld shooting.
The NIKKOR Z 400mm f / 4.5 VR belongs to the S-Line lens series which follows the ultimate in optical performance and is built with an ED glass component, two super ED glass components and an SR lens component. It contributes greatly to compact size and light weight while providing superior optical performance where pigmentation is suppressed. The adoption of nano-crystal coats also effectively contributes to reducing ghost and flare effects, achieving clear images and accurate depiction of even the best details of distant objects.
With a maximum aperture of f / 4.5, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f / 4.5 VR S realizes three-dimensional rendering that distinguishes the intended subject. It is equipped with an optical vibration reduction (VR) mechanism that provides a higher compensating effect equivalent to shooting at a shutter speed 5.5 stop.3 Fast, which is the highest among NIKKOR Z lenses4In addition, a stepping motor (STM) supports fast and precise AF control for specific capture of randomly running objects such as games.
Basic features:
- Easy to do handheld shooting with the lightest weight in the class of about 1,160 grams (excluding the tripod collar) and a total length of about 234.5mm.
- Focal length can be increased up to 560 mm by 800 mm with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4 × and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0 × (both released in August 2020) while maintaining outstanding resolution.
- Employs an optical vibration reduction (VR) function whose effect stops a shutter speed 5.5 fast, which is the highest among NIKKOR Z lenses. Paired with the Nikon Z9, the optical VR can be combined with the in-camera VR for more powerful camera shake compensation — the equivalent of a shutter speed 6.0 stop.5 Fast with Synchro VR.
- Carefully designed for video recording with focus-breathing compensation function that effectively reduces the angle shift of the scene and stable exposure while focusing.
- Employment of an STM ensures high-speed and accurate AF with quiet operational noise.
- Higher dust- and drip-resistant performance6 And anti-fouling performance with fluorine coat adoption.
- Assigns a memory recall function7 Which instantly reminds focus positions that have already been saved by pressing a set button.
- Nikon’s original nano-crystal coat has been adopted to effectively reduce ghost and flare effects.
- Chromatic abnormalities were significantly reduced by taking one ED and two
- Super ed glass material. In addition, the adoption of an SR lens component controls short-wavelength light that is difficult to compensate for, achieving highly precise chromatic aberration compensation.
Price and availability
The NIKKOR Z 400mm f / 4.5 VR S lens is available from July 2022 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of 3,249.95.*. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including a full collection of other NIKKOR Z lenses and Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
Footnote
1 between f / 4.5 and slow lenses, with a focal length of 400 mm, for full-frame interchangeable lens cameras (35 mm) [135] Equivalent) image sensors available until June 29, 2022. Statement based on Nikon research.
2 AF performance can be poor depending on the subject, brightness and focus position regardless of the camera body, which can lead to incorrect focus, slow focusing speed or flashing of the focus indicator.
3 Based on the CIPA standard. This value is achieved when connected to a camera with full-Frame / Nikon FX-format sensor, camera’s VR function set to “normal”.
4 Until June 29, 2022.
5 Based on the CIPA standard. The camera’s VR function is set to “Normal”.
6. Thorough dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in all situations.
7 The cameras that are compatible with this function are the Z 9, Z 7II, Z 6II, and Z 30 only at the time of product release. When using the function, the firmware for the camera must be updated to the latest version. For other models, this function will be supported by the next firmware update.
* SRP (Recommended Retail Price) is listed as a suggestion only. The actual price is set by the dealer and is subject to change at any time.
