Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S FX Autofocus Lens for Z-Mount, Black {Drop-In 46mm Filter Holder}

Nikon's 400mm f/2.8 S-Line prime with built-in 1.4x teleconverter.

A 400mm f/2.8 is already a statement lens, and Nikon's Z-mount version adds something most super-telephotos don't offer: a built-in 1.4x teleconverter that flips you to an effective 560mm f/4 without touching your bag. That's a meaningful second focal length on demand, and it matters most when the action moves fast or your subject closes distance unpredictably. The S-Line optical construction is Nikon's highest standard, meaning the glass is engineered to hold up against the resolving power of high-megapixel Z-mount bodies.

Vibration Reduction is built in, which does real work at these focal lengths where even minor camera movement compounds into blur. The drop-in 46mm filter holder keeps a full-size filter accessible at the rear of the lens, a practical solution for a front element this large. Autofocus is native Z-mount, taking full advantage of the system's subject-detection and tracking capabilities without any adapter penalty.

At this aperture and focal length, you're getting subject separation that no slower telephoto can match. Wildlife shooters gain cleaner backgrounds against dense foliage; sports photographers work with shutter speeds that freeze motion without pushing ISO into noise territory. This lens is built for demanding, high-frequency use, and its specifications back that up at every stop.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers shooting in low-contrast or low-light environments benefit directly from the f/2.8 aperture, which buys shutter speed without sacrificing ISO headroom. Sports photographers covering indoor or stadium events will find the 400mm reach paired with f/2.8 gives them options other telephoto primes don't. Photojournalists working unpredictable schedules get the built-in 1.4x teleconverter as a genuine backup focal length, not an afterthought. Bird photographers in particular will cycle between 400mm and the effective 560mm depending on how skittish the subject is, without swapping glass mid-session.

Key Features

• 400mm f/2.8 super-telephoto prime for Nikon Z mount
• Built-in 1.4x teleconverter delivers effective 560mm f/4 on demand
• Vibration Reduction compensates for magnification-induced camera shake
• S-Line optical construction optimized for high-megapixel Z-body sensors
• Drop-in 46mm rear filter holder eliminates unwieldy front filter rings
• Native Z-mount autofocus leverages system subject detection and tracking
• Engineered for sports and wildlife with subject separation unmatched by slower telephotos

FAQ

What's the practical advantage of the built-in 1.4x teleconverter over carrying a separate converter?

You get a second focal length (560mm f/4) instantly without swapping glass or losing AF performance. In fast-moving situations - wildlife behavior changes, sports action shifts position - that speed matters more than the extra stop of light you'd lose with an external converter.

How does VR perform at 400mm and 560mm?

VR is critical at these focal lengths. Camera shake is magnified proportionally with magnification, so Nikon built stabilization into the lens itself rather than relying on body-based correction. You'll see the difference in keeper rates, especially in lower light or when panning.

Why a drop-in rear filter versus a traditional front filter?

The front element is too large to thread a standard filter ring onto practically. A rear drop-in holder keeps you from buying a massive ($500+) front filter, and you can swap filters at the back of the lens without breaking your shooting flow.

Does this lens work with Z-mount teleconverters too?

You can use external Z-mount TCs, but you're doubling up optical elements, which introduces additional losses. The built-in converter is optimized into the optical design, so that's your primary tool for reach extension.

What Z-mount bodies does this lens pair best with?

Any Z body works, but you'll see the optical potential unlocked on high-resolution sensors like the Z9 or Z8. The S-Line construction is engineered to resolve detail that slower lenses can't deliver, so matching it with 45MP+ bodies gets you the most out of the glass.

Is this lens weather-sealed?

Nikon doesn't publish a formal weatherproofing spec for this lens, but S-Line construction typically includes robust sealing. Check current Nikon documentation or contact them directly for precise environmental ratings.

What's the minimum focus distance?

Nikon's official specs don't list a published minimum focus distance for this model. Contact Nikon support or check the optical specifications sheet for precise macro performance details.