Members Martin Vronsky Posted January 20, 2022 Members Share Posted January 20, 2022 Press Release: THE NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S: A new pinnacle of performance for sports, action and wildlife shootersNikon’s Latest S-Line Super-Telephoto Lens Goes the Distance with Breathtaking Image Quality and a Built-in 1.4x Teleconverter MELVILLE, NY (January 18, 2022) – Today, Nikon announced the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a high performance super-telephoto prime lens for the Nikon Z system. This fast S-Line lens arrives just in time to complement the unstoppable potential of the Nikon Z 9, and opens creative possibilities for professionals photographing sports and wildlife where there is no room for compromise on extreme reach and incredible sharpness. “Nikon’s engineers continue to bring new and exciting advancements to image creators and working professionals. Immediately following the extraordinary response to the Z 9, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens features the latest technologies resulting from our expertise in optical engineering,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The customers for this lens often find themselves in situations where there is no second chance to get a shot; this lens takes full advantage of new technologies made possible by the Z mount and gives professional shooters an edge to capture the decisive moment with remarkable image quality, under any kind of light.” The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S has unprecedented rendering capabilities, combined with a myriad of new optical technologies that enhance the image quality and performance. This lens features a constant f/2.8 aperture that provides stellar low-light capabilities as well as beautiful bokeh and subject isolation from the background. For extended reach, this is the first NIKKOR Z lens to utilize a built in 1.4x teleconverter to instantly increase the focal length to 560mm. This feature allows photographers to seamlessly adjust as an athlete moves downfield, or to capture environmental and close-up shots of nature without changing lenses or positions. The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is the lightest lens of its type, engineered with superb balance, intuitive controls and weather sealing suitable for professional use. This lens is also the first to employ Nikon’s newly developed optical technologies such as a Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor1 (SSVCM), enabling high-speed, high accuracy AF with near-silent operation. This new S-Line lens also features Nikon’s new Meso Amorphous Coat, which offers the highest anti-reflection capabilities in NIKKOR history. Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S: A built-in 1.4x teleconverter enables a seamless and rapid switch from a 400mm to a 560mm focal length, using a switch conveniently located close to the camera operator’s right hand. The increase in focal length can be made without changing posture to avoid disturbing wildlife, while minimizing the intrusion of dust often associated with conventional teleconverter assembly. For even more reach, the lens also accepts Z TELECONVERTERS TC-1.4x and TC-2x for a maximum reach of 784mm and 1120mm, respectively. The lightest lens of its type with a built in teleconverter, weighing in at approximately 6.5lbs (2950 g), which is nearly two pounds lighter (approx. 20% less) than the NIKKOR AF-S 400mm f/2.8FL ED VR. The use of Fluorite elements also contribute to its reduced weight. The newly developed Meso Amorphous Coat offers the best anti-reflection performance in NIKKOR lens history. Regardless of the directions of incident light, this advanced new coating offers an anti-reflection effect that’s superior to that of Nano Crystal Coat, greatly suppressing ghosting and flaring caused by incident light from various directions. The new SSVCM enables fast, highly accurate, quiet AF control, and is optimized to move large elements with the utmost precision. The SSVCM works in conjunction with a new guide mechanism that enables the elements to move smoothly, further increasing accuracy. The lens construction consists of 25 elements in 19 groups; two ED glass elements, a super-ED glass element, two lightweight fluorite lens elements and an SR lens element are incorporated in the optical formula, helping to compensate for aberrations effectively, including chromatic aberration. Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) provides up to 5.5 stops of compensation2, even when the built-in teleconverter is in use. Synchro VR is available when paired with the Nikon Z 9. Designed with a rugged magnesium alloy body and robust weather sealing on various portions including movable parts of the lens barrel and a rubber gasket around the lens mount, ensuring superior dust- and drip-resistant performance3. Additionally, a fluorine coat with antifouling performance is applied to the surface of the front element, repelling water droplets and dust. Offers multiple customizable function buttons, including a control ring and a new Fn Ring that can recall a focus position quickly with the Memory Recall function. Pricing and Availability The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens will be available in late February 2022 for a suggested retail price (SRP) $13,999.95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including other NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com. Firmware for the cameras must be updated to the latest available versions before use. A new AF drive system actuator that combines a voice coil motor (VCM) and a guide mechanism developed by Nikon. The voice coil motor is a motor in which a coil reciprocates in a strong magnetic field created by a strong magnet. Warning: Do not use this product if you have a pacemaker or use other medical devices. The magnets in this product could cause medical devices to malfunction. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to a camera with full-frame (Nikon FX-format) sensor, with the camera’s VR function set to “NORMAL”. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions. *SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted January 20, 2022 Author Members Share Posted January 20, 2022 Quote 400mm 2.8 TC VR S is here and the Z9 is waiting ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted January 20, 2022 Author Members Share Posted January 20, 2022 Quote I've had the pleasure of field testing this incredible lens a few months ago in the Masai Mara, with the Nikon Z9 and it was just incredible! How much does it weigh? how's the image quality and focus system? and of course, how usable is the built in teleconverter? Now, that the lens has been announced, I can finally share with you my images and thoughts for this world premier look at one of the most incredible lenses I've ever used. If you can watch this in 4K, I highly recommend doing so. Chapters: 00:00-00:28 - Intro of the 400mm 00:28-00:51 - Weight 00:51-01:19 - Design 01:19-01:51 - Aperture 01:51-02:10 - Focus System 02:10-03:00 - Controls on the Lens 03:00-03:43 - New Vibration Reduction 03:43-04:07 - New Coating for Backlight 04:07-04:25 - Z Mount Lens 04:25-05:00 - Ease of Use 05:00-05:25 - Bokeh - out of focus blur 05:25-06:11 - Price Range 06:11-06:33 - Recap 06:33-06:48 - Video Sample Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted February 16, 2022 Author Members Share Posted February 16, 2022 Quote With the recent arrival of Z 9 and now this premium lens, Nikon have made a decisive statement. This is the business .. 00:00 Intro 00:40 The Arrival - Unboxing begins 01:20 External Padded Case/Bag 02:30 Out of The Box 03:12 Beautiful Industrial design and large front element 03:39 Built in 1.4x Teleconverter 04:24 Switches on lens 04:50 Talking focal lengths 05:21 What happens when you go APSC? 05:48 2.3x crop when? 1288mm? How? 06:30 Build quality 07:06 Very well balanced 07:30 3 rings on the lens 08:05 attaching the Z9 09:00 Flicking the TC live 09:17 Video shot on the 400mm 2.8 09:50 Wrap up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted February 21, 2022 Author Members Share Posted February 21, 2022 Quote Is this the best Z lens yet? Watch it perform in 8K and 45MP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Martin Vronsky Posted March 4, 2022 Author Members Share Posted March 4, 2022 Quote We hit the streets with this epic lens and epic team and see if we can create some portraits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now