Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Nikon 400mm f/2.8E VR
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 2014-05-14
MSRP Price: $11999.95
Made in: Japan
Infrared Rating: Good
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: Lighter and more rugged than its acclaimed predecessor, the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR frees professionals and passionate shooters to capture the thrill of sports, action and wildlife with staggering clarity and precision, even when shooting handheld in challenging lighting conditions. A fast f/2.8 maximum aperture paired with Nikon VR technology delivers exciting new low-light capabilities and beautiful bokeh, while a specialized diaphragm maintains consistent exposure during high-speed shooting. Pro-grade dust- and moisture-sealing and a fluorine coated front meniscus glass element protect the lens' superb NIKKOR optics on tough assignments while Nikon's advanced lens technologies give you every advantage for catching the shots that matter.
Photography Life Review Summary: The Nikon 400mm f/2.8E FL VR represents yet another marvel of modern engineering. Thanks to the new optical formula using fluorite lens elements, Nikon was not only able to make the lens lighter than its predecessor, but also much easier to handle, thanks to the more balanced distribution of the lens elements. As a result, the tripod / monopod-only lens, which many historically dubbed “monster” of a lens due to its weight and heft became hand-holdable, which in itself is a breakthrough for many sports and wildlife photographers. And Nikon did this without compromising on sharpness – as you have seen from the previous pages of this review, the new 400mm f/2.8E FL VR is sharper than its predecessor. On top of this, Nikon included all of the latest technologies in the lens design: from the new fluorine coating to the latest generation vibration reduction technology with the new “Sport” mode. Although these features came at a price increase of $2500 over its predecessor, the weight savings alone will be worth paying the premium for many photography enthusiasts and professionals, since it opens up new opportunities for capturing action. Read the full Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Review by Photography Life.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| * Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area | |
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 400mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | FX/35mm |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | Yes |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.16x |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | Yes |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 4° |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 6°10' |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 16 |
| Lens Groups | 12 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 2 |
| Nano Crystal Coat | Yes |
| Super Integrated Coat (SIC) | Yes |
| Fluorine Coating | Yes |
| Fluorite Elements | 2 |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Silent Wave Motor (SWM) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 8.53 ft. (2.6m) |
| Electronic Diaphragm | Yes |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 40.5mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Slip-in |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Dimensions | 6.3 in. (159.5 mm) x 14.09 in. (358 mm) |
| Weight | 134 oz. (3800 g) |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
| Supplied Accessories | Slip-on HK-38 lens hood, CT-404 trunk case, Slip-in filter holder, 40.5mm screw-in NC filter, LN-2 strap |
Lens Construction
MTF Chart
Image Samples
Have shot them against each other in my eagle hide last weekend. I own the previous model since 2012 and I´m happy with it. My friend bought the new FL model to replace his 300/2.8 VR. Initial impressions of the differences between the two are that:
-New one more easily hand-holdable but the carrying strap is aligned like that of 500/4 and 300/2.8, if you carry the lens around your neck the lens hood will hit your knees a little bit when you walk with the lens. Old version didnt have this problem
-New one has noticeably faster AF, fastest I have ever seen on any lens
-New one is little bit sharper and has more contrast wide open, probably sharper than old 200/2 VR
-New one has more silent AF and VR operation
-Performance with 2x teleconverter looks little bit better with new version, sharp already at 5.6 but experience is rather limited, we didnt have too many eagle situations that day.
Here are a few 100% crops of White-tailed eagle, one with 400mm alone and two, at 800mm F:5.6, other post-processed and other straight from the camera:
akukankaanpaa.kuvat.fi/kuvat…estikuvat/
Nice eagle shots Aku.
I am think about getting the 300mm 2.8 for wildlife
I am also interested in knowing the AF performance of the 400mm f/2.8E FL with the tele-converters. Namely the TC-20E III
I am interested in knowing the AF performance of the 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR with 1.7X TC III or 2.0X TC ?