Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S and NIKKOR Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S

Lens News

by Jeff LochOctober 29^th, 2021

Nikon has just announced the launch of the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S telephoto zoom lens and the development of the upcoming NIKKOR Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S. Both lenses are part of Nikon’s S-line, which is the company’s premium lineup. So let’s take a closer look at them!

The Nikon Z 9 is the company’s upcoming flagship mirrorless camera with impressive photo and video capabilities. Indeed, this camera is the “mirrorless-equivalent” of the company’s professional DSLR line that includes cameras such as the Nikon D6. There is very little doubt that the Z 9 will be used worldwide by professional wildlife and sports photographers.

To complete this offering, Nikon has just released the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S telephoto zoom lens that will be an excellent “affordable” option if you need a long zoom range in a reasonably compact package. If you’re more after ultimate optical performances and money is not an issue, Nikon also announced the NIKKOR Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S development.

NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S is a versatile telephoto lens covering APS-C and Full-Frame sensors. It’s not the fastest on the market, but it compensates with a long zoom range.

With a weight of 1.3kg/2.8lbs and a length of 22cm/8.6in, it is relatively compact and lightweight in its category. Moreover, this 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S features, as its name suggests, built-in image stabilization that can compensate up to 5.5 stops.

Similar to the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm F/4 S, this 100-400mm features two STM stepping motors that move in sync for fast and accurate autofocus performances.

On the left you’ll find:

• A focus ring.
• A zoom ring.
• One control ring that you can assign to various functions including aperture, ISO, exposure compensation and so on.
• Two L-Fn control buttons that you can map to subject tracking, AF Lock, image playback, for example.
• One lens info panel to quickly confirm focal length, focusing distance and aperture.

Lens design

The NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S lens design consists of no less than 25 elements in 20 groups. In addition, there are six ED and three Super-ED glass elements to reduce chromatic aberrations. The lens barrel’s moving parts are weather-sealed, and the lens mount has a rubber gasket.

The lens benefits from a Nano Crystal and ARNEO coats to minimize reflections, ghosting, and lens flares. Also, a fluorine coat on the front element reduces fingerprints, repels dust/oil/water droplets, and makes cleaning easier.

The aperture diaphragm consists of nine round aperture blades. The minimum focusing distance is 75cm/2.46ft at 100mm, and 98cm/3.22ft at 400mm. The front filter diameter is 77cm.

NIKKOR Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S development

Nikon also announced that they’re working on the NIKKOR Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S lens, which should give you stellar performances at a premium price, probably over $10K.

There is very little information about this lens at the moment, except that it features image stabilization and a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that takes it to a 560mm prime lens, with probably a one-stop loss.

Price and availability

The NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S will be available later this year for $2,699.95. The NIKKOR Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S should be available in 2022/2023, but there is no information about the price yet.

For more information, please visit Nikon’s website here.

What do you think about these new Nikon telephoto lenses? Do you often at 200mm and above? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!