Nikon NIKKOR Z 28400mm f48 VR Mirrorless Lens

Key Features That Stand Out

• Unparalleled Zoom Range: Experience the freedom of a 14.2x zoom that covers an astonishing focal length range from a wide 28mm all the way up to an impressive 400mm, offering exceptional flexibility for any scene.
• Remarkable Close-Up Capabilities: Get incredibly close to your subjects with a minimum focus distance of just 0.2 meters at the widest 28mm setting, achieving a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x for stunningly dynamic close-up expressions.
• Exceptional Portability: Weighing in at a mere 1.6 lbs (725 g) and measuring approximately 5.57 inches (141.5 mm) in total length, this lens is the lightest in its class, making it a dream to carry and shoot with handheld for extended periods.
• Smooth Video Focus: Benefit from linear MF drive support, which ensures smooth and precise focusing, a critical feature for anyone looking to capture high-quality video footage with their camera.

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

Buy Now on Amazon

What We Like

• Incredible Versatility: The 28mm to 400mm focal range truly covers nearly any photographic scenario, eliminating the need to constantly swap lenses, from expansive landscapes to distant wildlife.
• Impressive Close Focusing: The ability to focus as close as 0.2 meters at 28mm opens up new creative possibilities for macro-like shots and detailed close-ups, adding a significant dimension to its utility.
• Lightweight Design: For a lens offering such an extensive zoom, its lightweight construction is a major advantage, reducing fatigue during long shoots and making it ideal for travel.
• Smooth Video Performance: The dedicated linear MF drive makes it a strong contender for videographers who value precise and fluid focus transitions.

Performance Analysis

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens truly excels in its core promise: offering an expansive zoom range in a remarkably compact and lightweight package. The 14.2x zoom ratio is a significant achievement, allowing photographers to capture everything from sweeping vistas at 28mm to intimate details of distant subjects at 400mm without compromising on portability. Its minimum focus distance of 0.2 meters at the wide end, coupled with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x, is particularly impressive, enabling creative close-up shots that add a unique perspective to its already broad capabilities. While the variable aperture of f/4-8 means it’s not the fastest lens in low light, its substantial reach and exceptional handling make it a compelling option for daylight shooting, travel, and general-purpose photography where versatility trumps extreme low-light performance. The inclusion of linear MF drive also indicates a thoughtful design for video shooters, promising smooth focus pulls.

Best For

This lens is an ideal choice for travel photographers who need to pack light but want to be prepared for any photographic situation, from grand landscapes to intimate portraits and distant wildlife. It’s also perfectly suited for hobbyist photographers looking to maximize their creative potential without investing in multiple prime or zoom lenses. Enthusiasts who enjoy event photography, outdoor adventures, or simply want a highly adaptable all-in-one solution for their Nikon Z camera will find the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens to be an exceptionally useful and capable tool.

Buying Guide

When considering a lens like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens, several key factors come into play to ensure it meets your specific photographic needs.

Key Features to Look For

• Focal Length Range: As demonstrated by this lens’s impressive 28-400mm coverage, a broad zoom range is crucial for versatility, reducing the need for lens changes.
• Minimum Focus Distance and Reproduction Ratio: For those interested in close-up details or macro-like capabilities, a short minimum focus distance and a high reproduction ratio are highly desirable.
• Size and Weight: Especially for travel or handheld shooting, the lens’s dimensions and overall weight are critical considerations for comfort and portability.
• Aperture: While this lens offers a variable f/4-8 aperture, understand how the aperture affects low-light performance and depth of field for your intended shooting scenarios.
• Focusing System: For videographers, features like linear MF drive are essential for smooth and controlled focus transitions.

Important Materials

While specific material details are not provided in the feature list, high-quality optical glass, durable internal mechanisms, and weather-sealed construction are generally expected in lenses of this caliber from reputable brands like Nikon. These materials contribute to image quality, longevity, and usability in various conditions.

Essential Factors to Consider

• Compatibility: Ensure the lens is compatible with your specific Nikon Z mount camera body.
• Usage Requirements: Think about where and how you’ll be using the lens. Is it for travel, wildlife, landscapes, events, or video? The 28-400mm range excels in versatility but consider if its aperture is sufficient for your low-light needs.
• Ergonomics: Handling and comfort are subjective but important. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens’s reputation as the lightest in its class is a significant ergonomic advantage.

Budget Planning

Lenses with such an extensive and versatile zoom range, especially from a premium brand like Nikon, typically represent a mid-to-high investment. Consider this lens as a significant purchase that can potentially replace multiple other lenses, offering value through its all-in-one capability. Research current pricing and compare it with the cost of acquiring separate lenses that cover similar focal lengths.

When to Buy

Timing your purchase can sometimes lead to better deals. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Amazon’s Prime Day. Nikon may also release promotional bundles or discounts at various times throughout the year. For the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens, purchasing when you have a specific trip or project planned that will benefit greatly from its capabilities can also be a good motivator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advantage of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens?

The primary advantage is its incredibly broad 14.2x zoom range, spanning from a versatile 28mm wide-angle to a powerful 400mm telephoto, all within a single, lightweight lens. This makes it exceptionally adaptable for a wide variety of photographic situations without needing to change lenses.

How does the minimum focus distance perform for close-up photography?

The lens offers a minimum focus distance of 0.2 meters at the 28mm wide-angle position, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.35x. This allows for impressively close focusing and detailed shots, giving it a capability for close-up and even some macro-like photography.

Is this lens suitable for video recording?

Yes, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens supports linear MF drive, which is designed for smooth and precise focusing. This makes it a strong contender for videographers who require fluid focus transitions during recording.

What are the advantages of its lightweight design?

Weighing approximately 1.6 lbs (725 g) and measuring about 5.57 inches (141.5 mm) in length, this lens is the lightest in its class. This significantly reduces user fatigue, making it ideal for extended handheld shooting sessions and travel photography where carrying comfort is paramount.

Will this lens work with older Nikon DSLR cameras?

No, this is a NIKKOR Z lens specifically designed for Nikon’s mirrorless Z-mount cameras. It is not compatible with Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras unless an appropriate Z-to-F mount adapter is used, which would then involve the camera’s specific adapter compatibility.

What kind of shooting scenarios is this lens best suited for?

Its expansive zoom range makes it excellent for travel photography, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and general everyday shooting. The close-focusing ability also adds versatility for portraits and detailed shots.

Final Thoughts

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Mirrorless Lens is a truly remarkable piece of engineering, masterfully balancing an incredibly useful and expansive zoom range with a portable and lightweight design. For photographers seeking an all-in-one solution that minimizes lens changes and maximizes creative flexibility, this lens is an outstanding choice. Its impressive close-focusing capabilities further enhance its versatility, making it a valuable tool for a wide array of subjects and styles. While its variable aperture might not be ideal for extreme low-light shooting, its strengths in versatility, portability, and handling make it a compelling and highly recommended addition to the Nikon Z system for enthusiasts and travelers alike.