Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Nikon 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 VR
Lens Type: Zoom Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 2018-01-09
MSRP Price: $12399
Made in: Japan
Production Status: In Production
Manufacturer Link: Product Page
Lens Description: Comprising both length and flexibility, the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR from Nikon is a medium to super telephoto zoom characterized by its advanced optical design, internal teleconverter, and host of handling assets to suit photographing fast-moving subjects. Distinguishing itself among most zooms, this 180-400mm features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter to allow for on-the-fly switching to an effective 252-560mm f/5.6 lens for greater reach. A constant f/4 maximum aperture is also a key feature for realizing consistent illumination throughout the zoom range and for producing shallow depth of field and selective focusing imagery. Complementing these traits is a sophisticated optical design that utilizes eight extra-low dispersion glass elements and one fluorite element to control chromatic aberrations and color fringing for increased clarity. Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings have also been applied to individual elements to reduce flare and ghosting for greater contrast and color accuracy when working in strong lighting conditions.
Photography Life Review Summary: Nikon addressed all the problems of the previous design, improved the lens in every way, and added new features. The lens is noticeably sharper compared to its predecessor when used on high-resolution camera bodies. It has a much better VR system that can compensate for up to 4 stops of camera shake. It has much better coating technologies, including fluorine coating on the front lens element to reduce moisture and dirt build-up. But best of all, the lens now comes with an integrated 1.4x teleconverter, which is very easy to engage and disengage with a flip of a lever on the side of the lens. The teleconverter is specifically tuned for each 180-400mm lens, providing the best possible performance in terms of both sharpness and autofocus performance. Read the full Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Review by Photography Life.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| * Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area | |
| Lens Type | Zoom Lens |
| Focal Length | 180-400mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | Full Frame / APS-C |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | Yes |
| Zoom Ratio | 2.2x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.25x (at 400 mm), 0.36x (at 560 mm) |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | Yes |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/4 (with built-in TC f/5.6) |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 (with built-in TC f/45) |
| Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 9° (with built-in TC 6°20') |
| Minimum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 4° (with built-in TC 2°50') |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 13°40' (with built-in TC 9°50') |
| Minimum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 6°10' (with built-in TC 4°30') |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 27 |
| Lens Groups | 19 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (Rounded) |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 8 |
| Nano Crystal Coat | Yes |
| Super Integrated Coat (SIC) | Yes |
| Fluorine Coating | Yes |
| Fluorite Elements | 1 |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Silent Wave Motor (SWM) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 6.6 ft. (2.0 m) from focal plane |
| Electronic Diaphragm | Yes |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 40.5 mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Drop-in Filter |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Dimensions | 5.0 in. (128.0 mm) x 14.2 in. (362.5 mm) |
| Weight | 123.4 oz. (3,500 g) |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
| Supplied Accessories | LC-K103 Slip-On Front Lens Cap, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, HK-41 Slip-On Lens Hood, NC 40.5 Neutral Color 40.5mm Filter, LN-2 Lens Strap |
Lens Construction
MTF Chart
Image Samples
I’ve used the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR for nearly a year now. I shoot predominantly wildlife. Simply put, it is a fantastic lens. Attached to either my D850 or D500, the renderings it produces are amazing. So much so that it’s my go to lens 90% of the time. Yes, it is expensive, but if you can afford it you won’t go wrong in buying it.
On a scale of 1-5, it rates a 5 !!
I have used the 180-400 for more than a year now. It has made my 300/2.8 VRII totaly obsolete in terms of sharpness and colour rendering. i am also in the lucky postion to own a 400/2.8 FL lens. This is in no way a scientic thing, but my gut feeling is that the the 400/2.8 produces more beautifull pictures, a combination of bokeh, colour rendering, vignetting etc…than the 180-400. The margins are perhaps negliable and if i had the 180-400 prior to the 400/2.8 i probebly wouldn’t hav bought the last one. Is there any negative about the lens…yes besides price, vignetting is a real issue sometimes. Nikon has issued 140-400 software upgrade and i suggest you use it.
Can’t wait to see all the amazing Winter Olympics 2018 press photos that will be taken with this!
Too Expensive