Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR, a 'superzoom' lens with an incredible 14.2x zoom range.
As we know, the 'zoom trinity' consists of the 15-35mm, 24-70mm and the 70-200mm. Of course the pro models of these lenses are usually a constant f/2.8, while the prosumer lenses are f/4.0.
The question is – could you supplant the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm lenses for this one lens? In a nutshell – no. But lets remember that the Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 is $4,149.00, and the Nikkor 70-200mm retails for around $4,699.00.
This lens comes in at quite reasonable $2,199.
Of course the major disadvantage is that this lens is a variable aperture. While 28mm is a fairly respectable f/4.0, but by the time you get to 35mm it drops to f/4.5, 50mm is f5.6, and by 200mm it's already f/8. This means shooting action in low light will be at rather high ISO's.
The 28-400mm f/4-8 is made up of 21 lens elements in 15 groups, which includes three aspherical and four ED lens elements, alongside nine aperture blades. It has a close focus distance of 0.2m at 28mm and 1.2m at 400mm, and uses a 77mm filter thread.
The lens also includes Nikon's vibration reduction (VR) technology, which offers 5 stops of image stabilisation at 400mm, and up to 5.5 stops using Nikon's Synchro VR technology when paired with select Nikon cameras, including the Z8 and Z9, that feature in-body stabilisation. Additionally, a stepping motor powers the AF, and manual focus includes support for a linear focus response.
The lens weighs 725g, and is 85mm in diameter and 142mm long in its closed form. It's also dust and drip-resistant.
The Nikkor Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR is available for pre-order now, and will set you back $2,199. You can find out more on the Nikon website.
