Nikon's new 400mm sports lens is lighter weight, but heavy on price
Maximum aperture of f/2.8 offered
Nikon has introduced a new super-telephoto lens to its Nikkor range. With a focal length of 400mm, it is aimed at sports and wildlife photographers.
It features Nikon's new SPORT Vibration Reduction (VR) mode, has a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and, according to Nikon, has a completely new optical design. The new design features 16 elements in 12 groups. Nikon's anti-reflective Nano Crystal Coat is employed to help reduce ghosting and flare.
Lighter than its predecessor, the lens features two fluorite lens elements which are designed to help enhance performance and reduce weight for better handling.
Its durable construction also means it can withstand outdoor use, while a fluorine coating means that it can repel water, dust and dirt. The lens also boasts a meniscus protective glass and is supplied with an neautral color (NC) filter. A drop-in filter holder is located at the back of the lens.
The new Sport VR mode is designed to make it possible pan fast-moving subjects with improved clarity, giving a stable viewfinder image.
Reduced weight
The new fluorite elements have reduced the weight of the lens to around 3800g, while other ergonomic improvements include those made to the tripod collar ring, which now includes bearings to ensure smooth switching between horizontal and vertical orientation. The integrated tripod foot now faces the front of the lens, offering improved balance and more comfortable transportation when the lens is attached to a tripod, and a monopod foot is supplied with the lens.
Additionally, the one-piece hood can be flipped and reversed allowing it to remain attached to the lens during transportation.
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Get even closer
Launching alongside the lens is the AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III, which is designed to increase the focal length of selected Nikkor lenses by 40%.
The AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR price will be £10,399.99, while the AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III will be £449.99. Both will be available from August.
Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.