Both praise the build, useful zoom range and convenient built-in converter, while noting the high price and weight. Their sharpness findings differ. ePHOTOzine's D850 tests are strongest from 180–300 mm, with softer results at 400 mm and 560 mm; E.J. Peiker's chart and field tests report strong long-range sharpness and little loss with the converter. ePHOTOzine also finds fast autofocus, effective VR, low colour fringing and smooth background blur.
27 elements in 19 groups plus protective glass; built-in converter has eight elements in five groups
Special elements
Eight ED elements and one fluorite element
Coatings
Nano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass
Aperture detail
f/4–32 without the built-in converter; f/5.6–45 with it engaged
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control
Angle of view
FX 13°40′–6°10′ without converter or 9°50′–4°30′ with it; DX 9°–4° or 6°20′–2°50′ respectively
Mount and compatibility
Mounts
Nikon F mount
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control requires compatible camera operation
Teleconverter support
Built-in 1.4× converter selects 180–400 mm f/4 or 252–560 mm f/5.6
Focus and stabilisation
Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
2 m
Maximum magnification
0.25×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Internal focusing with ultrasonic motor; original Nikon announcement describes enhanced tracking and cross-type outer AF points on compatible 153-point cameras with the required firmware
Focus distance detail
Minimum focal-plane distance 2 m across the zoom range; limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 m
Magnification detail
Nikon UK publishes 0.25× at 400 mm without the converter, used in the main specifications; 0.36× at 560 mm with it engaged
Stabilisation detail
Lens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions in NORMAL mode on an FX DSLR at the longest zoom position; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported
Design
Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
40.5 mm
Maximum diameter
128 mm
Length
362.5 mm
Weight
3,500 g
Controls
Lockable built-in converter lever; ePHOTOzine describes A/M, M/A and M modes plus focus-function buttons for AF lock, AF-ON or Memory Recall
Zoom design
Rotary zoom ring; E.J. Peiker describes internal zooming without a change in length
Filter detail
40.5 mm drop-in holder system, not a front screw-in thread
Weather resistance
Original Nikon announcement describes dust and moisture sealing; no waterproof rating stated
Dimensions detail
Approximately 128 mm maximum diameter × 362.5 mm from the mount flange
Tripod mount
360° rotating collar with 90° position marks and removable foot; E.J. Peiker notes that the supplied foot lacks an Arca-Swiss dovetail
In the box
Nikon UK lists LC-K103 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-41 hood, dedicated filter holder, 40.5 mm NC filter, LN-2 strap and CL-L2 case
Release detail
Original Nikon US announcement specifies March 2018 retail availability; January CES introduction is not used as the first-sale date
Pros and cons
Pros
+Built-in converter extends the zoom range with a lever
+Constant f/4 aperture with the converter disengaged
+Optical VR and 2 m minimum focus across the zoom range
