NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Launch MSRP
$2,700- Weight
- 1,355g
- Filter
- ⌀77mm
- Min focus
- 0.75m
- Max mag.
- 0.38×
- Formula
- 25E / 20G
- Released
- 2021
Specification sheet
Optical construction
- 2x Super ED
- 6x ED
- Nano Crystal Coat
- ARNEO Coat
- Fluorine Coat
- Aperture range
- f/4.5–5.6 — f/32
Physical & ergonomics
- Weight
- 1,355g
- ⌀ × length
- 98.0 × 222.0mm
- Filter
- ⌀77mm
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Aperture ring
- No
Autofocus actuator
- Stabilisation
- Optical
- Teleconverter
- 1.4x · 2.0x
- AF speed score
- 8.8 / 10
Close-up performance
- Min focus distance
- 0.75m
- Max magnification
- 0.38× (1:2.6)
Optical character
Nikon's first super-telephoto zoom for Z is an S-line wildlife and sports lens that also works as a long portrait and close-up tool. Two Super ED and six ED elements correct colour, and the lens is sharp at 400mm wide open and holds up well with the Z teleconverters (560mm and 800mm).
It focuses to 0.75m at 100mm and reaches 0.38x at 400mm, which makes it useful for insects and flowers from a distance. Nikon's Inner Balance Technology limits the shift in centre of gravity as the barrel extends, the zoom ring needs only an 80-degree turn, and VR is rated at 5.5 stops. Controls include an OLED panel, two L-Fn buttons and a focus limiter.
Reviewer consensus
Reviewers found it very sharp across the range, with only a small drop at 400mm in the extreme corners, and better than most 100-400mm zooms for mirrorless at the long end. Contrast and flare resistance are high, colour fringing is low, and it stays usable with the TC-1.4x. The dual stepping-motor AF is quick and quiet, if a step behind Nikon's VCM primes for erratic birds in flight.
The drawbacks noted are the extending barrel, the price relative to the 180-600mm that came later, and f/5.6 at 400mm in poor light. Bokeh is pleasant but can turn busy against foliage.
Owner sentiment
Owners value the versatility: a lens that handles birds, motorsport, aviation and close-up nature work in one body and is easy to hand-hold all day. Many keep it with the TC-1.4x as a 560mm option.
The most common complaints are cost and the barrel extension. Since the 180-600mm launched, some owners say they would pick it for reach, while others stay with the 100-400 for its lower weight and better close-focus performance.
Strengths, weaknesses & performance
Strengths
- +Sharp to 400mm wide open
- +Works well with Z TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x
- +0.38x maximum magnification
- +5.5-stop VR, quick 80-degree zoom throw
- +Pro controls and full sealing
Weaknesses
- −Barrel extends when zooming
- −Launch price $2,700
- −f/5.6 at 400mm
Six-axis rating
- Sharpness
- 9.0
- Bokeh Rendering
- 8.3
- Autofocus Speed
- 8.8
- Flare Resistance
- 8.7
- Build / Sealing
- 9.1
- Value / Size
- 7.6
Editorial 0–10 ratings synthesised from published reviews.
Technical specifications
| Mount | Nikon Z (FX) · full frame |
|---|---|
| Focal length | 100–400mm |
| Category | Super-Telephoto |
| Maximum aperture | f/4.5–5.6 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 |
| Construction | 25 elements in 20 groups |
| Special elements | 2x Super ED · 6x ED · Nano Crystal Coat · ARNEO Coat · Fluorine Coat |
| Aperture blades | 9 |
| Focus type | Autofocus |
|---|---|
| Drive | Stepping Motor (STM) x2, Multi-focusing |
| Minimum focus | 0.75m |
| Max magnification | 0.38× |
| Stabilisation | Optical |
| Teleconverters | 1.4x, 2.0x |
| Weight | 1,355g |
|---|---|
| Diameter × length | 98.0 × 222.0mm |
| Filter thread | ⌀77mm |
| Weather sealing | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No |
| De-clickable aperture | No |
| Release year | 2021 |
| Launch MSRP | $2,700 USD |
Sources
Specifications
- imaging.nikon.com/imaging/lineup/lens/z-mount/z_100-400mmf45-56_vr_s/
- nikonusa.com/p/nikkor-z-100-400mm-f45-56-vr-s/20106/overview
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon_Nikkor_Z_100-400_mm_f/4.5-5.6_VR_S
- bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1669885-REG/nikon_niz1004004556_nikkor_z_100_400m
Similar focal length alternatives
- VSNIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs 150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057) for Nikon Z
- VSNIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)
- VSNIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs 50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)
- TamronDi III VC VXD
150-500mm F/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD (Model A057) for Nikon Z
150–500mmF5–6.7- WT
- 1,720g
- FLT
- ⌀82mm
- MFD
- 0.60m
- MSRP
- $1,399
AFSTABWR - TamronDi III RXD
70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)
70–300mmF4.5–6.3- WT
- 580g
- FLT
- ⌀67mm
- MFD
- 0.80m
- MSRP
- $599
AFWR - TamronDi III VC VXD
50-400mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)
50–400mmF4.5–6.3- WT
- 1,180g
- FLT
- ⌀67mm
- MFD
- 0.25m
- MSRP
- $1,299
AFSTABWR
