Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S FX Autofocus Lens for Z-Mount, Black {95} with Tripod Foot

Nikon's lightest 400mm prime built for handheld reach

At 2.7 lb and 234.5mm long, this 400mm f/4.5 sits in a category by itself among Nikon super-telephoto primes. The weight distribution is engineered with the center of gravity shifted toward the camera body, so tracking erratic subjects over extended periods doesn't punish your arms the way heavier glass does. A 95mm front thread means standard circular filters attach directly, no drop-in adapter required.

The S-Line optical formula runs 19 elements across 13 groups, incorporating Super ED, ED, and SR glass to control chromatic aberration at the kind of high-contrast edges that trip up lesser telephoto designs. Built-in VR delivers up to 5.5 stops of shake compensation on Z-mount bodies, with 6.0 stops available on bodies supporting Synchro VR. The STM stepping motor drives autofocus with enough speed and quiet operation to work in situations where noise matters, from perched shorebirds to sideline press areas. Pair it with the TC-1.4x teleconverter and you're shooting at 560mm f/6.3 without changing lenses.

At the minimum focusing distance of 2.5 meters, the 400mm focal length compresses backgrounds aggressively while the optical design maintains smooth out-of-focus rendering. For shooters who need serious reach without committing to a tripod-dependent setup, this lens represents a tradeoff between aperture and portability that holds up in the field.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers working from blinds or on foot will appreciate the 2.5m minimum focus distance, which lets you fill the frame with smaller subjects without backing up. Bird photographers benefit from the quick, quiet STM autofocus that won't spook subjects at close range. Traveling sports shooters get a 400mm prime that fits in a standard backpack at 2.7 lb, making access between venues realistic. Aviation photographers shooting airshows or flight operations gain the reach and up-to-6.0-stop VR combination needed to track fast-moving aircraft in variable light.

Key Features

• 400mm f/4.5 prime on Nikon Z mount
• 2.7 lb with optimized weight distribution for handheld work
• 19 optical elements with Super ED, ED, and SR glass
• VR up to 5.5 stops, 6.0 with Synchro VR compatible bodies
• STM stepping motor for fast, quiet autofocus
• 95mm filter thread for standard circular filters

FAQ

How does the 400mm f/4.5 compare weight-wise to other Nikon super-telephoto primes?

At 2.7 lb, this is the lightest and smallest 400mm Nikon has ever made. It's designed specifically for handheld work where traditional super-telephotos demand tripod support or serious arm endurance.

What's the autofocus performance like for wildlife and sports?

The STM stepping motor drives focus with speed and near-silent operation, making it suitable for skittish subjects and situations where noise matters. It's accurate enough for fast-moving birds and aircraft at distance.

Can I use standard filters on this lens?

Yes, it has a 95mm front thread, so circular filters screw directly on without requiring a drop-in adapter or additional equipment.

How much vibration reduction does this lens provide?

You get up to 5.5 stops of VR on standard Z-mount bodies, or 6.0 stops on cameras supporting Synchro VR. That's enough stability for handheld shooting at usable shutter speeds even in lower light.

What happens if I pair this with Nikon's teleconverters?

With the TC-1.4x converter, you shoot at 560mm f/6.3. The TC-2.0x pushes it to 800mm f/9. Both are viable without swapping lenses in the field.

How close can you focus with this lens?

Minimum focusing distance is 2.5 meters, which gives you reasonable working distance while still compressing backgrounds aggressively at 400mm.

What optical elements are in this lens design?

The S-Line formula uses 19 elements across 13 groups, including Super ED, ED, and SR glass to control chromatic aberration and color fringing at high-contrast edges where telephoto designs typically struggle.