Nikon recently announced the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens, a versatile, wide-to-super-tele zoom lens for its Z lineup of mirrorless cameras. It’s the second such lens in the Z series, arriving four years after 2020’s 24-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens. While similar in intent to its predecessor, the 28-400mm brings a suite of upgrades to match its extended telephoto reach to make it an even more versatile option for travel, live event, and documentary photography and videography.
The most notable upgrades benefit video work. This includes a linear focusing system and a quick, quiet stepping AF motor. The lens has also been designed to suppress focus breathing. Its 5.5-stop Vibration Reduction system supports Synchro VR for improved handheld use throughout the zoom range. Together, these additions make the lens a convenient, all-in-one video solution for live events, concerts, and sports.
The lens improves upon the 24-200mm with a closer minimum focusing distance at the wide end—7.9″—and it focuses down to 3.9′ at the telephoto end. Also, the maximum magnification is 0.35x. This makes the lens a suitable option for close-up shooting.
In terms of construction, the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR maintains a dust- and drip-resistant build for confident use in inclement weather. Solid and wieldy, the lens weighs 1.6 pounds and measures 5.6″ long when fully retracted; considering the reach, it’s a relatively portable lens that fits comfortably in most camera bags for travel. The ribbed body is easy to handle, as is the knurled control ring. A zoom lock switch helps to prevent accidental extensions. Also, a unique square lens hood is included to block stray light and its design still permits zooming operation when the hood is reversed and attached.
All told, the size and versatility of the 28-400mm make it an attractive foundational or complementary unit for a lens kit, especially for video and travel shooters. Will it find a home in your kit? Let us know in the Comments section, below, and be sure check out the detailed product page for the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens.
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