- Expand your creative horizons with the incredible versatility of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens, a game-changer for photographers seeking to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups without changing lenses. This powerful zoom offers an astonishing reach and impressive close-focusing capabilities, all wrapped in a remarkably portable design that redefines what a superzoom lens can be.
- Unparalleled Focal Range: Experience the freedom of a 14.2x zoom, covering an expansive range from a wide 28mm all the way to a telephoto 400mm, providing exceptional flexibility for almost any photographic scenario.
- Impressive Close-Up Capability: Get remarkably close to your subjects with a minimum focus distance of just 0.2 meters at the wide-angle 28mm position, coupled with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x, enabling dynamic close-up shots and detailed compositions.
- Lightweight and Portable: Weighing approximately 1.6 lbs (725 g) and with a total length of just 5.57 inches (141.5 mm), this is the lightest lens in its class, making it incredibly comfortable for hand-held shooting and travel.
- Smooth Video Focus: Enjoy seamless and precise focusing thanks to support for linear MF drive, a feature particularly beneficial for videographers who require smooth, natural focus transitions.
- Ultimate Versatility: The sheer breadth of the 28mm to 400mm focal range means you can handle a vast array of shooting situations with a single lens, from group photos and landscapes to distant wildlife and portraits.
- Exceptional Close-Focusing: The ability to focus so closely at 28mm opens up creative opportunities for macro-like shots and detailed still lifes, adding another layer of utility to this already impressive lens.
- Comfortable to Carry and Use: Its designation as the lightest lens in its class is a significant advantage for anyone who spends extended periods shooting hand-held, or for travelers who need to pack light.
- Smooth, Reliable Performance: The support for linear MF drive ensures that focus adjustments, whether for stills or video, are precise and smooth, contributing to a professional and polished final output.
Key Features That Stand Out
What We Like
Performance Analysis
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens is engineered to be your go-to lens for nearly everything. Its 14.2x zoom ratio is a standout feature, offering an incredible range from expansive 28mm wide-angle shots perfect for landscapes and interiors, all the way out to a powerful 400mm telephoto for isolating distant subjects or capturing wildlife. The aperture range of f/4-8, while not the fastest, is typical for a lens of this zoom capability and will perform admirably in good light. Crucially, its impressive minimum focus distance of 0.2 meters at 28mm, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x, allows for genuinely dynamic close-up perspectives, making it more than just a long-range lens. The integration of Vibration Reduction (VR) is essential for sharp results, especially at the longer end of the zoom and in lower light conditions. Furthermore, the lens’s remarkably light weight of approximately 725g and compact size for its class mean that carrying it all day or shooting for extended periods is far less taxing than with comparable lenses. The support for linear MF drive is a thoughtful addition, enhancing its usability for video creators who demand smooth and accurate focus pulling.
Best For
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens is an exceptional choice for travel photographers who want to minimize their gear while maximizing their shooting potential, landscape enthusiasts who appreciate the flexibility of wide to telephoto in one lens, and wildlife photographers who need that extra reach without carrying heavy equipment. It’s also a fantastic option for families and general hobbyists who want a single, high-quality lens that can handle everything from everyday snapshots to more specialized telephoto needs. Videographers who value smooth focus transitions and a broad focal range will also find its linear MF drive invaluable for creating polished video content.
Buying Guide
Key Features to Look For
When considering a versatile zoom lens like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens, prioritize the breadth of its focal range, as this dictates its overall usability. The 14.2x zoom ratio found here is a significant advantage, allowing you to frame both wide scenes and distant details without switching lenses. Pay close attention to the minimum focus distance and maximum reproduction ratio; a closer minimum focus distance, like the 0.2m at 28mm offered by this lens, opens up creative possibilities for close-up and even semi-macro work. Vibration Reduction (VR) is another crucial feature, especially for lenses with long telephoto capabilities, as it helps to achieve sharp images by compensating for camera shake. For those interested in video, look for lenses that support smooth and quiet autofocus, such as the linear MF drive mentioned in this product’s features, which is ideal for seamless focus transitions.
Important Materials
While specific internal materials are not detailed in the provided information, professional lenses like this typically employ high-quality optical elements, often including aspherical and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, to minimize aberrations and maximize image sharpness and color accuracy. The exterior construction is usually made from durable polycarbonate or metal alloys to withstand regular use.
Essential Factors to Consider
Size and Weight are paramount for a lens designed for portability. The fact that the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens is the lightest in its class at approximately 1.6 lbs (725 g) and a compact 5.57 inches (141.5 mm) makes it a clear winner for travelers and those who shoot hand-held. Compatibility is non-negotiable; ensure the lens is designed for your specific Nikon Z-mount mirrorless camera system. Usage Requirements should align with the lens’s strengths; if you frequently shoot a variety of subjects from wide landscapes to distant wildlife, this lens excels. If you primarily shoot in very low light and require the absolute fastest apertures, you might need to supplement this with a prime lens, but for all-around use, its flexibility is outstanding.
Budget Planning
The price of a superzoom lens like this can vary widely depending on its brand, optical quality, features, and aperture. For a lens offering such an extensive focal range and advanced features, expect it to be a significant investment, but one that can often justify its cost by replacing the need for multiple individual lenses. Research current market prices and consider whether the convenience and image quality justify the expenditure for your photographic needs.
When to Buy
The best time to buy is typically when you need it for an upcoming trip or project. However, keep an eye out for seasonal sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or anniversary sales from major retailers, which can sometimes offer discounts. Nikon also occasionally releases promotions or bundles, so signing up for newsletters from reputable camera stores can be beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of photographers is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens best suited for?
This lens is ideal for travel photographers who want to minimize their gear, landscape and nature photographers needing both wide-angle and telephoto capabilities, and general enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one solution for diverse shooting scenarios.
How does the close focusing capability of this lens benefit users?
The minimum focus distance of 0.2 meters at 28mm and a reproduction ratio of 0.35x allow for detailed close-up shots, enabling users to capture subjects like flowers, insects, or small objects with impressive magnification and dynamic perspective, adding a macro-like quality.
Is this lens suitable for video recording?
Yes, the support for linear MF drive enables smooth and precise focusing, which is particularly beneficial for videographers who require natural and controlled focus transitions during recording.
What does “VR” mean in the lens name?
VR stands for Vibration Reduction. This built-in image stabilization technology helps to minimize camera shake, resulting in sharper photos and steadier video, especially when shooting at slower shutter speeds or longer focal lengths.
How does the weight and size of this lens compare to others in its category?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens is notably the lightest lens in its class, weighing approximately 1.6 lbs (725 g) and measuring about 5.57 inches (141.5 mm) in length, making it exceptionally portable and comfortable for hand-held shooting.
Can I use this lens with older Nikon DSLR cameras?
No, this is a NIKKOR Z lens designed exclusively for Nikon’s Z-mount mirrorless camera system. It is not compatible with Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras without an adapter, and even then, certain functionalities might be limited.
Final Thoughts
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens stands out as a truly remarkable piece of optical engineering, offering an unprecedented level of versatility within a single, surprisingly compact and lightweight package. Its extensive 14.2x zoom range covers an impressive spectrum of photographic needs, from expansive vistas to distant details, while its excellent close-focusing ability adds another dimension of creative potential. For photographers who value convenience, portability, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing shooting conditions without compromising image quality, this lens is a compelling proposition. Its suitability for both stills and video, coupled with the assurance of Nikon’s quality and the benefits of VR, makes it an indispensable tool for a wide array of users.
