A Super Zoom that You Can Actually Carry
Hands-on with the Nikkor Z 28-400mm zoom lens
The specs seem almost too good to be true. The Nikon zoom has a focal length range of 28-400mm, yet it's compact and light. On the Z8, Z9, and Zf, it features Synchro VR, enabling 5.5 stops of stabilization. It has weather-sealed construction and close focusing. And it costs $1,296.
When I mounted the brand new NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens on the Nikon Zf with SmallRig grip, I was surprised at how balanced the zoom felt on the camera. I could easily hold and shoot with one hand. The lack of bulk seemed unimaginable when considering that the focal range goes from a wide 28mm to a very long 400mm. If you're outside exploring the world, it's the only lens you would need that day.
Specs and Features
Let's start by taking a look at the specs.
Full-Frame Coverage | f/4-8 to f/22-45
STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization with Synchro VR on Zf, Z8, and Z9; 5 stops with other Nikon cameras.
Zoom lock switch prevents unintentional lens extension
21 Elements in 15 Groups
9-bladed diaphragm creates flattering bokeh
Weather-Sealed Construction
77mm Filter Thread
Compact square lens hood (included) reduces ghosting and allows zooming operation when inverted
7.9" minimum focusing distance at 28mm
5.6" long at wide angle and weighs just 1.6 pounds
Focusing
The STM stepping motor is very quiet and focuses quickly in good light. In low light, it's a tad slower. But, then again, no one considers this a low-light lens.
Build and Handling
Amazing well balanced on a full-frame camera. When racking out the telephoto, lens extends to double its original length at 400mm.
The Zoom Ring is nicely damped and large making it easy to grip. It's so large in fact that when the lens hood is reversed, there's still plenty of operating room.
I really like the lock switch that prevents accidental extension of the lens barrel. The metal mount and weather sealing are excellent. The Control Ring is easy to find without having to look, and it can be programmed for a variety of functions including manual focusing, exposure compensation and aperture control.
Image Quality
Again, surprisingly good for a lens of this range. I tested at f/8 with settings of 28, 35, 50, 70, 105, 200, 300, and 400mm. I then viewed the Jpegs and RAWs at 100 percent in Capture One Pro.
Center sharpness was excellent at all focal lengths. Some corner softness at extreme telephoto settings. Mild vignetting appeared at 105mm for the RAW files, but was not present in the Jpegs. There was no noticeable CA. Overall, very strong performance.
Close Focusing - A Plesant Surprise
If you’re going to walk around with just one lens all day, it would be nice if it could shoot tight as well. And indeed the 28-400mm Nikkor can do just that with 7.9" minimum focusing distance at 28mm, and very useable distances throughout the entire zooming range.
Bottom Line
The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens is a very good value at $1,296. If you're traveling and working outdoors, it can replace every lens in your bag dramatically lightening your load.
You can keep the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 pancake in your pocket just in case you run into a low-light situation. And quite honestly, be in great shape with those two optics.
I think the 28-400mm looks great on the Zf. It's easy to operate. And if you're in good light, it's hard to beat. Highly recommended.
Inner Circle Membership Drive
I've been enjoying our Inner Circle experience so much this year, I just can't help thinking that you would too. But I know how that is... there are certain things we just never get around to doing.
So I thought I could help with that. And I think you're really going to like this. For the next two weeks, we're having the Inner Circle Membership Drive.
If you haven't joined us yet, all you have to do is click on this link to go to our Patreon page, scroll to Choose Your Membership, click on Pay Annually, and then click on the Join button. The annual membership is $54 a year.
The extra incentive is, once I see that you've joined the Inner Circle for a year, I'll send you a coupon code that will allow you to sign up for free, your choice of the Infrared Workshop in June, or the Printing Workshop in August. That's a $145 value!
This promotion is for annual memberships only. One coupon code for one online workshop per paid membership.
Plus, you will still receive all of the Inner Circle benefits including access to our exclusive space on DerrickStoryOnline and discounts for future online and in-person workshops. And you're helping to support our online community.
If you're an existing Inner Circle Member, you can still benefit from the membership drive. All you have to do is switch from monthly payments to the annual payment of $54, and you will also receive a coupon code for either online workshop. If you've left the Inner Circle and want to rejoin us, the same offer applies.
The Inner Circle Membership Drive runs from May 7, 2024 through May 22, 2024. Join us today and experience one of our online workshops.
A few years ago, a lens like this would be been unthinkable. What a technical accomplishment, and a bargain, too. Lens design is and has always been about balancing the tradeoffs between optical performance, light-gathering ability, size, weight, and cost. Anything is possible, but manufacturers have to figure out what potential customers will tolerate. The maximum aperture is obviously where Nikon made the compromise here, but for a lens designed for outdoor photography in decent light, I think they made the right choice. Pop the 26, 28, or 40mm in your bag when you need more speed, and you're off and running. Brilliant.