Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens Officially Announced

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Nikon has officially announced the new NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens, a remarkable 14.2x all-in-one full-frame super-telephoto zoom lens designed for its Z-mount mirrorless cameras. This lens boasts a remarkable 14.2x zoom range, catering to a wide array of shooting situations. From close-up shots as near as 0.2m at 28mm to the impressive reach of 400mm, it delivers exceptional optical performance throughout the range.

When used with a compatible camera, the Synchro VR feature can be activated, offering up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization. Despite its robust capabilities, this lens remains remarkably lightweight at approximately 1.6 lb, facilitating easy handheld shooting. Its compact design combined with its extensive zoom capabilities makes it an ideal companion for photographers on the move, enabling them to confidently capture diverse subjects such as sports, travel scenes, wildlife, and more.

Pre-order links:

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Shipping is scheduled to start on April 18, 2024.

Key Features

  • Full-Frame | f/4-8 to f/22-45
  • Wide-Angle to Telephoto Zoom
  • STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
  • 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization
  • Zoom Lock Switch
  • 21 Elements in 15 Groups
  • 9-Blade Diaphragm
  • Weather-Sealed Construction
  • 77mm Filter Thread
  • Compact Square Lens Hood

The Nikon Z 28-400mm f4-8 VR lens stands as a testament to versatility, offering photographers a single-lens solution for a multitude of shooting scenarios. Boasting a remarkable 14.2x zoom range packed into a compact design, it’s poised to accompany you wherever your creativity takes you. Featuring 21 lens elements arranged in 15 groups, including 4 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) and 3 aspherical elements, this lens is engineered to deliver outstanding optical performance. The inclusion of an ED aspherical element crafted from Extra-low Dispersion glass effectively minimizes color aberration, coma, and distortion. Additionally, its 9-blade diaphragm ensures beautiful bokeh and provides more distinct, evenly-shaped highlights in the out-of-focus areas of an image.

Covering an impressive focal length range from 28mm to 400mm, the Nikon Z 28-400mm f4-8 VR Lens is truly all-encompassing. Whether you’re capturing sweeping landscapes, intimate portraits, architectural details, or distant wildlife, this lens consistently delivers exceptional performance with excellent balance and handling. With a minimum focus distance of 0.2m at the wide-angle end and 1.2m at 400mm, along with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x, it excels at getting up close and personal with your subjects, even for macro shots.

Nikon has equipped the 28-400mm f4-8 VR Lens with 5.0 stops of built-in optical vibration reduction, ensuring sharp images even in challenging lighting conditions. The Sport Mode stabilizes the viewfinder image, while the Synchro VR capability allows shooting up to 5.5 stops slower, pushing the boundaries of creativity without compromising image quality. Its fast autofocus and near-silent operation ensure you can capture undisturbed moments, while the internal focusing system further enhances its performance.

When paired with a compatible camera, Synchro VR can be activated to allow up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization. Weighing approximately 1.6 lb, this lens is easy to carry and perfectly viable to shoot handheld with. The lens’s compact build coupled with its expansive zoom range makes it an excellent choice to go anywhere with and confidently capture a variety of subject matter including sports, travel, wildlife photography, and more.

Press release:

THE ALL-IN-ONE LENS THAT GOES THE DISTANCE: NIKON RELEASES THE NIKKOR Z 28-400MM F/4-8 VR FULL-FRAME SUPER ZOOM

Versatility and Portability with Wide-Angle to Super-Telephoto Coverage

MELVILLE, NY – March 27, 2024Today Nikon Inc. announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR, a supremely versatile high-power super-zoom lens for Nikon Z series full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras. This latest addition to the expanding line of NIKKOR Z lenses offers the highest zoom ratio in its class1, making it a must-have for travel, sports, backyard wildlife and more.

“So many photographers and creatives will love the versatility of the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm, which gives you clarity, range and fantastic backgrounds,” said Naoki Onozato, President and CEO, Nikon Inc. “Wherever your travels lead, this is definitely a lens to consider packing.”

The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a high-magnification zoom lens that covers a broad range of focal lengths — from 28mm to 400mm. Whether up close or far away, from landscapes to distant vistas, users will appreciate the extreme versatility and powerful capabilities of the 14.2× zoom. Although it is a super-telephoto zoom lens with a range up to 400mm, it’s also the lightest in its class1, weighing only approximately 1.6 lbs (725 g), making it easy to carry when traveling.

This new lens also has a remarkably close minimum focus distance2 of only 7.8 in. (0.2 m) at the maximum wide-angle position and 3.9 ft. (1.2 m) at the maximum telephoto position. The maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x lets users capture close-ups at short distances for food, flowers and animals. When shooting far away, users can fill the frame with their subject and still have a pleasing blurred background.

The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR uses a stepping motor (STM), which enables fast and quiet autofocusing, allowing rapid focus on moving subjects. The lens also features a vibration-reduction (VR) function with performance equivalent to 5.0 stops, which helps achieve sharp photos and stable video with ease, even when handheld.3

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

  • Covers a broad range of focal lengths— from 28mm to 400mm, with a 14.2× zoom which is a first among NIKKOR Z lenses.
  • A minimum focus distance of 0.2 m at the maximum wide-angle position and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35× allow users to get closer to their subjects for dynamic expression.
  • A total length of approx. 5.57 in. (141.5 mm) and a weight of approx. 1.6lbs (725g)– the lightest lens in its class– make this an easy lens to carry and shoot hand-held.
  • Stable VR performance equivalent to a 5.0-stop increase in shutter speed effectively reduces blurring in dimly lit surroundings and with hand-held shooting. When paired with a compatible camera, Synchro VR can be activated to achieve up to 5.5-stop stabilization4 by combining in-camera VR and lens VR.
  • Stepping motor (STM) enables high-speed AF drive.
  • Support for linear MF drive enables smooth focusing, which is especially useful for video shooting.
  • Comes with a compact, square lens hood that combines superior performance and usability.
  • Designed to be dust- and drip-resistant with thorough sealing on various portions including movable parts of the lens barrel to keep dust and water droplets from entering the lens.5

Price and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens will be available in mid-April for a suggested retail price of $1299.95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com.