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Versatile Powerhouse for Nikon Z Users
The Nikon Nikkor Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR stands out as a superzoom lens offering a massive 14.2x zoom range, from wide-angle 28mm to telephoto 400mm, in a relatively lightweight and compact body weighing around 700g. Designed for full-frame Nikon Z mirrorless cameras like the Z8, Z9, and Zf, it excels as an all-purpose travel companion, replacing multiple lenses for landscapes, street photography, wildlife, and more.
Build and Handling
Despite its extensive range, the lens remains portable, measuring about 14cm long, making it easy to carry for extended shoots. Its stepping motor ensures quick, accurate, and silent autofocus, ideal for both stills and video. The built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) provides up to 5 stops of stabilization, extending to 5.5 stops when paired with Synchro VR bodies like the Z8 or Z9. This synergy with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) allows sharp handheld shots at slow shutter speeds, even at 400mm.
Key Specifications
- Zoom Range: 28-400mm (14.2x)
- Aperture: f/4 at 28mm to f/8 at 400mm
- Minimum Focus: 20cm (wide), 1.2m (tele)
- Magnification: 0.35x (close to macro capability)
- Weight: Approximately 700g
- Filter Size: 72mm
Image Quality Performance
Sharpness holds up well across the range, particularly impressive at 400mm wide open at f/8, outperforming expectations for a superzoom. Images may appear slightly soft straight out of camera but sharpen easily in post-processing with tools like Lightroom's lens profile corrections. Chromatic aberration shows minimally, especially against skies, and corrects automatically in software. Distortion and vignetting are prominent only at 28mm wide open but negligible when stopped down or zoomed in.
Flare resistance surprises with modern coatings maintaining high contrast even against the sun, producing clean sunstars. Close-focusing ability enables detailed shots of subjects like flowers or insects without a dedicated macro lens.
Real-World Applications
Photographers praise its freedom on trips: one swapped heavier 180-600mm setups for this lens during Alaska bear shoots, capturing everything handheld from low angles. For landscapes, 28mm suits environmental portraits, while 400mm isolates birds or distant details. Street shooters appreciate the discreet size, and birders benefit from telephoto reach without bulk.
High ISO performance pairs well with Z-series sensors, comfortable up to ISO 12,800, aided by VR for low-light versatility. Though not ideal for fast action like sports due to f/8 at long end, it shines for general wildlife, travel, and creative compression effects.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Extreme zoom range, lightweight, sharp throughout, excellent VR, close focusing, value for money.
- Cons: Aperture narrows to f/8 at 400mm, minor softness at edges when pixel-peeping, zoom throw long at telephoto.
Who Should Buy It?
Perfect for Nikon Z users seeking one lens for most scenarios, especially travelers tired of lens swaps. Pairs best with higher-resolution bodies for maximum detail, though it performs solidly on lower-res models too. At its price point, it offers unmatched convenience without major compromises in a superzoom category.