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Home → Reviews → Cameras and Lenses → Nikon 400mm f/2.8G VR Review

Nikon 400mm f/2.8G VR Review

By Nasim Mansurov 53 Comments
Last Updated On July 2, 2020

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Table of Contents

  • Overview and Specifications
  • Optical Features
  • Lens Comparisons
  • Summary and Recommendations
  • More Image Samples
  • Reader Comments
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53 Comments
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Jesse
Jesse
June 6, 2025 11:05 pm

Do you have any advice? My lens is stuck on MF mode even when I toggle the a/m switch

0
Reply
Brent
Brent
February 18, 2024 7:57 pm

I’m watching these drop in price for use with my D500. Maybe someday…

0
Reply
Jigar Shah
Jigar Shah
Reply to  Brent
April 20, 2024 10:20 am

Look at buying used from KEH, MPB, or B&H. I don’t think the price of such lens will ever drop.

0
Reply
David
David
Reply to  Brent
May 6, 2024 2:13 pm

I purchased this Lens last year and after reading this review purchased the teleconverters.It works fantastically on the D500.

0
Reply
Hannes Rossouw
Hannes Rossouw
December 12, 2022 7:50 am

Hi Nasim, will this lens work with FTZ and Z9?

2
Reply
James Low
James Low
June 11, 2020 9:49 pm

Thanks Nassim for the thorough review. It is always a delight reading your articles despite the gear involved are not the latest in the market. There was a point you made on the heaviest lens that Nikon has ever produced. I think it is not the 600 f/4G, but the AF-I 400mm f/2.8D which weighs a whopping 6.3kg.
Cheers!

0
Reply
Mansur A
Mansur A
January 13, 2018 5:03 pm

Hi Nasim
Nice article, well it depends on your type of photography

I prefer the 400mm 2.8 , I have the Canon 400mm 2.8 but now prefer the Nikon D3 and lenses now, personal choice
The 200 to 400mm is great for zoo shots depends on the close focus distance too
Regards
Mansur
Lone Star State

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Alun
Alun
September 28, 2013 7:05 am

Thanks very much for the comprehensive and very detailed review. I am leaning towards the 500 F4 due to weight and size and the extra reach without TC’s. In your opinion would the 500 F4 with TC20E iii IQ quality be poor even though it should focus on a D800E?

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alok
alok
August 6, 2013 1:17 am

Very impressive review Nasim. I am hoping that you come out with a review on Nikon 200-400 vr II soon.

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Shawn Fitzpatrick
Shawn Fitzpatrick
February 3, 2013 5:43 pm

Hi Nasim,

After reading your entire review, I must say that I am most impressed with how thorough you’ve been. I find the information to be highly useful. I just bought the 400mm 2.8 Nikkor VR and am actually returning it for a replacement, immediately upon taking possession, I opened to inspect (as one would), and sadly, the very first thing I noticed is the obvious ding in the housing close to the rim. Also, upon connecting it to my D3S, I noticed that the lens emits a high-pitch whistling as it seeks focus. Is this normal? To me, it would seem that it goes against the concept of a “super-quiet” lens. However, I am most impressed by the couple of sample images that I took (hand-held), out my kitchen window. Even through the window panes and being hand held, it managed very sharp images! I can’t wait to get my hands on the NEW new lens, and get out there for some real samples. Thanks again for the fantastic review!!

0
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david leung
david leung
November 17, 2012 2:27 pm

My only comment is you should take the jackets off the 300mm and the 200-400mm lens in the image so they look like they are from the same family.

0
Reply
Veronica Edwards
Veronica Edwards
June 29, 2012 3:54 am

I have a 400mm and 200mm nikon Lenses for sale. please contact me via [email protected]

-1
Reply

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