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Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S · Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Photo 1 of 7

Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S · Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon · NIKKOR

NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Released December 2021

A full-frame super-telephoto zoom with optical VR, a multi-focusing system and a removable tripod mount.

Mount
Nikon Z mount
Focal length
100–400 mm
Max aperture
f/4.5–5.6
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
1,355 g

What reviewers say

Both praise its sharpness across the zoom range, fast and quiet autofocus, effective stabilisation and solid construction. Photography Blog found it cumbersome on a small body, while Digital Camera World measured weaker edges towards the long end in close-range chart tests. Both flag its substantial weight and high price despite its versatile reach and close focusing.

From digitalcameraworld.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com, photographyblog.com and photographyblog.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
100–400 mm
Maximum aperture
f/4.5–5.6
Minimum aperture
f/32–40
Optical construction
Twenty-five elements in twenty groups
Special elements
Six ED and two Super ED elements
Coatings
Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine coating on the front element
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades
Angle of view
FX 24°20′–6°10′; DX 16°–4°

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Nikon Z mount
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Nikon Z full-frame and DX cameras. Nikon Japan says mounting this lens disables selection of the mechanical-shutter setting, leaving Auto or electronic front-curtain options; use the latest camera firmware
Teleconverter support
Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x supported; maximum focal length becomes 560 or 800 mm. Nikon warns focusing can take longer or become less reliable depending on subject, brightness and focus point

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
0.75 m
Maximum magnification
0.38×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Multi-focusing system with two stepping motors
Focus distance detail
Internal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.75 m at 100 mm, 0.78 m at 135 mm, 0.8 m at 200 mm, 0.87 m at 300 mm and 0.98 m at 400 mm
Magnification detail
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.38× at 400 mm; 0.16× at 100 mm, as Nikon Japan specifies
Stabilisation detail
Lens-shift VR with voice-coil motors. Nikon rates 5.5 stops under CIPA conditions in NORMAL mode on a full-frame camera at maximum telephoto
Video features
Nikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet autofocus and smooth aperture control

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
77 mm
Maximum diameter
98 mm
Length
222 mm
Weight
1,355 g
Controls
Focus-mode and FULL/infinity–3 m limiter switches; zoom and focus rings, assignable control ring, L-Fn controls and display button. Photography Blog identifies aperture, focus-distance and focal-length display options
Zoom design
Barrel extends towards 400 mm; Nikon's Inner Balance Technology minimises centre-of-gravity movement. Zoom ring turns through 80°
Filter detail
77 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistance
Dust and drip protection; complete resistance is not guaranteed in all conditions
Dimensions detail
Approximately 98 × 222 mm; length from lens mount at 100 mm
Weight detail
Approximately 1,355 g without tripod collar; 1,435 g with it
Tripod mount
Rotating collar with removable foot, as Photography Blog describes
Lens hood
HB-103 hood included
In the box
LC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-103 hood and CL-C3 case
Release detail
Nikon Korea explicitly gives 16 December 2021 as the release and promotion start date; Nikon USA announced availability within 2021. Nikon Japan's regional on-sale date was later, 4 February 2022

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Optical VR rated at 5.5 stops under Nikon's stated conditions
  • Maximum reproduction ratio of 0.38× at 400 mm
  • Compatible with Nikon Z teleconverters

Cons

  • Maximum aperture narrows to f/5.6 at 400 mm
  • 1,435 g with tripod collar
  • Zooming extends the barrel

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Nikon Z mount180–600 mmf/5.6–6.3Yes1,955 gAug 2023
Nikon Z mount70–200 mmf/2.8Yes1,360 gAug 2020
Nikon Z mount28–400 mmf/4–8Yes725 gApr 2024

Sources

  1. nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/lenses/mirrorless/nikkor-z-100-400mm-f4.5-5.6-vr-s
  2. nikonusa.com/press-room/10-28-lens-wwa
  3. nij.nikon.com/products/lineup/nikkor/zmount/nikkor_z_100-400mm_f45-56_vr_s
  4. nij.nikon.com/products/lineup/nikkor/zmount/nikkor_z_100-400mm_f45-56_vr_s/feat…
  5. nikc.nikon.com/ad/press/view/763
  6. photographyblog.com/reviews/nikon_z_100_400mm_f_4_5_5_6_vr_s_review
  7. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/nikon-z-100-400mm-f45-56-vr-s-review

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

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