AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Released August 2014

A full-frame Nikon F-mount 400 mm f/2.8 prime with optical VR, fluorite elements and electromagnetic aperture control.

Mount: Nikon F mount
Focal length: 400 mm
Max aperture: f/2.8
Stabilisation: Yes
Weight: 3,800 g

What reviewers say

Both find strong sharpness at f/2.8, fast autofocus, effective stabilisation and little colour fringing or distortion. They also praise flare resistance and handling, while noting the high price. Digital Camera World stresses the weight and size; ePHOTOzine finds it relatively manageable for its class and records improved edge sharpness when stopped down.

From ephotozine.com and digitalcameraworld.com

Specifications

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Optics

Lens type: Prime
Focal length: 400 mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Minimum aperture: f/22
Optical construction: 16 elements in 12 groups plus meniscus protective glass; Nikon Japan and the original US announcement do not list the two aspherical elements appended to the UK table
Special elements: Two fluorite elements and two ED elements
Coatings: Nano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the meniscus protective glass
Diaphragm: Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control
Angle of view: FX 6°10′; DX 4°

Mount and compatibility

Mounts: Nikon F mount
Image circle: Full frame
Compatibility: CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; Nikon warns that some cameras restrict E-type lens operation

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus: Yes
Minimum focus distance: 2.6 m
Maximum magnification: 0.17×
Optical stabilisation: Yes
Autofocus detail: Internal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focus
Focus distance detail: Minimum focal-plane distance 2.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–6 m
Magnification detail: Nikon Japan publishes 0.17×, used in the main specifications; the UK table gives 1/6.9 and Digital Camera World lists 0.14×
Stabilisation detail: Lens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions in NORMAL mode on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported

Design

Filter diameter: 40.5 mm
Maximum diameter: 159.5 mm
Length: 358 mm
Weight: 3,800 g
Filter detail: 40.5 mm drop-in system, not a front screw-in thread
Weather resistance: Both reviews describe weather sealing; the maker specification pages used here do not publish a protection rating
Dimensions detail: Approximately 159.5 mm maximum diameter × 358 mm from the mount flange
Tripod mount: Rotating tripod collar; the original maker announcement describes bearings for smooth rotation
In the box: Nikon UK lists slip-on front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-38 hood, 40.5 mm NC filter, CT-405 case, LN-2 strap and monopod collar
Release detail: Nikon US specified August 2014 retail availability; Nikon Japan records 28 August 2014 release. Main month precision retains the earlier unspecified US availability within that month

Pros and cons

Pros

Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
Optical VR with NORMAL and SPORT modes
Internal focusing with ultrasonic autofocus

Cons

Approximately 3,800 g
Minimum focus distance of 2.6 m

Closest rivals

Model	Mount	Focal length	Max aperture	Stabilisation	Weight	Released
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR	Nikon F mount	500 mm	f/4	Yes	3,090 g	Jul 2015
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR	Nikon F mount	600 mm	f/4	Yes	3,810 g	Jul 2015
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR	Nikon F mount	500 mm	f/5.6	Yes	1,460 g	Sept 2018

Sources

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR — pic 140514 02 01: Nikon official press library, exact supplied photograph pic_140514_02_01.jpg

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