
Attention, Nikon Z mirrorless shooters! Your wide-aperture, super-telephoto dreams have been answered with the release of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens. This previously announced lens features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, giving it an effective focal length of 560mm.
The new lens features Nikon’s top-of-the-line S-Line optics equipped with Nikon’s best-ever anti-reflective coatings—the Meso Amorphous and ARNEO Coatings. The Silky Swift VCM2 autofocus, of course, is blazing fast and nearly silent, and the optical VR (Vibration Reduction) system gives 5.5 stops of stabilization. When used with the Z 9, Synchro VR combines the in-body and in-lens VR stabilization for maximum stability.
For maximum flexibility and intuitive user experience, the new Z 400mm has ergonomically placed, programmable Fn buttons, a new Fn ring, and Memory Set button for recalling focus position, control ring, manual focus ring, and teleconverter settings.
Are you excited for this new super-telephoto for the Nikon Z camera line? Let us know your thoughts, or ask us questions in the Comments section, below!
4 Comments
Olympus put a built-in teleconverter in its super-telephoto pro lens. What exactly distinguishes a built-in, non-removable TC from a variable zoom lens? When one engages the TC, the effective focal length increases by 50%, and the effective aperture closes by 1 stop. Do I have that right? These aren't like drop-in filter chambers on long lenses where one can pull the unneeded glass out of the optical path.
My ancient-yet-trusty Sigma 28–105mm f/3.8–5.6 UCiii is a decent kit zoom. If I started calling it a 28–70mm ƒ/3.8 with a "built-in teleconverter," I'd get some eye rolls.
HI Artie,
Good questions.
You are correct. A 1.4x teleconverter will multiply the focal length by 1.4x but also cost the lens a full stop of light. A 2x teleconverter will double the focal length and cost you 2 stops of light.
The built-in teleconverters are exactly what you would think they are. Canon has done this as well and you can see on their lenses, and this new Nikon, the (unsightly?) bulge near the rear of the lens with a switch that lets you place that teleconverter in the light path, or move it off to the side.
So, your trusty 28-105 won’t ever have a built-in teleconverter to create eye rolls, and, if you put an add-on teleconverter on a mid-range/all-purpose zoom, I might roll my eyes! :)
Best,
Todd
Ah. I hadn't noticed that bulge on the Nikon or Olympus, so I hadn't realized the 1.4x optic could slide into/out of the optical path. I thought all the elements were full-time players. Your explanation makes sense. Thanks.
Truth be told, I was/am not super clear on how it works, and the web is pretty quiet on this as well, but I looked closely at the design and how there is a physical switch for the teleconverter to put my educated hypothesis together!
If someone wants to buy me one of these lenses, I will gladly get back to them on how it works!
:)