Pairing impressive reach with impressive speed, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E VR Lensis a super telephoto lens characterized by its bright f/2.8 maximum aperture and sophisticated optical, autofocus, and VR systems. Helping to achieve a high degree of clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy, the optical design uses two extra-low dispersion elements and two fluorite elements, which also contribute lessening the overall weight. Individual elements also feature both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, which control lens flare and ghosting for improved contrast when working in bright and backlit conditions. And for protection, a front fluorine-coated meniscus glass element that, when paired with the weather-resistant magnesium-alloy barrel, supports working in inclement conditions.

A Silent Wave Motor AF system produces fast, near-silent focusing performance that suits both stills shooting and movie recording, which can instantly be manually overridden by simply turning the manual focus ring. Further contributing to photographing in fast-paced situations and difficult lighting, VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by up to four shutter speed steps. Additionally, an electromagnetic aperture mechanism is integrated into the lens design to provide greater exposure control stability that is especially beneficial when working with faster continuous shooting rates.

F-Mount Lens/FX Format    Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22    Two Fluorite and Two ED Elements    Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings    Fluorine-Coated Front Lens Element    Silent Wave Motor AF System    Vibration Reduction, Sport/Tripod Modes    Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism    Detachable, Rotatable Tripod Collar    Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

Super telephoto prime is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras, however can also be used with DX models where it will provide a 600mm equivalent focal length.

Impressively bright f/2.8 maximum aperture excels in difficult lighting conditions and also enables extensive control over depth of field for isolating subjects using selective focus techniques.

Two fluorite and two extra-low dispersion lens elements work to reduce chromatic aberrations; improve overall image sharpness, clarity, and color fidelity; and help to minimize the overall weight of the lens.

A Nano Crystal Coat, along with a Super Integrated Coating, has been applied to lens elements to minimize surface and internal reflections for a marked reduction in lens flare and ghosting.

Vibration Reduction image stabilization helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops, benefiting this lens's use in low-light conditions. Additionally, a designated Sport Mode is well-suited to working in fast-paced conditions and a Tripod Mode helps to suppress subtle ground vibrations when working atop a support system.

Silent Wave Motor affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. An internal focusing design is also used, where only the internal lens groups are moved during focusing, to maintain the overall length of the lens during use and to promote faster focusing speeds.

Fluorine-coated front meniscus glass element affords protection to the optical system.

Dust- and moisture-resistant magnesium-alloy lens barrel benefits the lens' use in inclement conditions.

A removable tripod collar is included with the lens for well-balanced support when working from a monopod or tripod. The collar ring also incorporates ball bearings for smooth transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations.

Specialized electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability that is especially beneficial when working with fast continuous shooting rates.

This mechanism limits the compatibility of this lens to the following cameras: D5, D4, D3 series, Df, D850, D810, D810A, D800/E, D750, D700, D610, D600, D500, D300/S, D7500, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5600, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100, Z6/Z7 with FTZ Mount Adapter, Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, J4 with FT-1, Nikon 1 V1, V2, V3 with FT-1, and Nikon 1 S1, S2 with FT-1.

Compatible with optional AF-S Teleconverter TC-14, TC-17, and TC-20 teleconverters.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Which foot replacement would you recommend for this lens and why?

A: I recently purchased the Really Right Stuff replacement foot for Nikon 400mm f.2.8 FL. Unfortunately the balance of the Lens with the foot is very far forward. The foot is only about half way in the Wemberley head when neutrally balanced. I don't think this is a safe configuration. The design of the foot needs to be about 2 longer. Incidentally the foot that comes with the Lens has the same balance issue. I am using a lens coat so that may have some effect on the balance but I don't think it accounts for all of it. I have a 6 generic Wimberley plate that I mounted to the stock lens foot with 2 sticking off the front and that is working. Not as nice as a single piece replacement would be though.

Q: 2. Will this lens work on the Nikon D780?

A: Yes, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens is a F-Mount FX Format lens that's compatible with Nikon D780.

Q: 3. How is handholding this if it’s only being held while shooting (i.e. it spends most of the time in a bag/on a shoulder strap)?

A: The lens is much lighter than one would expect and the stabilization in it is phenomenal so hand holding shots is quite spectacular. Depending on the camera and how long you're shooting for it can get a bit heavy so I would recommend having a strap that slings from the body to the shoe of the lens for longer more comfortable shooting lengths.

Q: 4. What about a filter for protection over the front of the lens?

A: David. First off, I absolutely love this lens. It is simply amazing in all aspects. Bit heavy for an old guy but much, much lighter then the old NIkon 400 and the new Nikon 600mm and 800mm. As to the filter. First off there is nothing to screw a traditional Hoya UV filter into. During investigation I read Ken Rockwell's articles on the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 FL VR lens. I recommend you read it. He seems to indicate that the lens comes complete with a built in front protective piece of glass called a meniscus protective glass element This glass is not part of the optical glass elements, but has some ghosting features. Following this info, I had a live chat with on of the B&H technical consultants and questioned them about a UV protective filter and they backed Ken's article. The Nikon hood provided with the lens is very durable but a bit awkward at times. My wife donated a size 6.5 lightweight Vanessa Shoe bag that is perfect to cover the front of the lens when not in use in the field. Its a very effective fast on, fast off dust cover and even has a draw string to tighten onto the lenses when installed. Hope this helps.

Q: 5. I am a professional astronomer who will need to buy a bunch of these lenses to observer the entire sky (ASAS-SN project). We need to know what the image quality is, namely so-called FWHM, how do we find out? Our previous version of thsi lesn delivers 12 arcsec FEHM.

A: In order that we may best assist you, please write us with the source of your information regarding your previous lens. provideo@bhphoto.com.

Q: 6. Does this lens come with a case?

A: Yes. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens comes with the CT-405 Trunk Case.

Q: 7. Does the 28-400 come with a lens his?

A: The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens comes with a Nikon HB-114 Lens Hood, Nikon LC-77B Snap-On Front Lens Cap (77mm), Nikon LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap.

Q: 8. How does this lens compare to the old 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 lens (w/ FTZ adapter) on a Z8, in terms of sharpness and auto-focus?

A: The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens will be sharper and have more reach than the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens with the Nikon FTZ II Mount Adapter on the Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera.

Q: 9. What tripod is recommended for this lense and the D810?

A: Sometimes I use a Gitzo GT3540 with a Wimberley Sidekick, but that is the lightest I would go. Too easily affected by breeze and mirror slap. The one I prefer is a RRS TVC-4X with a gimbal. That rig is much more stable but heavy. Probably something in between those two would be ideal. I find that the lens can be hand-held for a few brief bursts.

Q: 10. Whether AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8 E FL ED VR is compatible Nikon D200 Camera ?

A: This lens is compatible with the Nikon D200, yes.