Nikon announces Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S prime lens

Nikon has officially announced the Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S – a new telephoto lens for the mirrorless Z mount.

Originally teased alongside the Z 9 announcement back in October, the Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S has been designed from the ground up exclusively for mirrorless. 

The super tele's standout feature is the inclusion of a built-in teleconverter, which increases the effective focal length of the new lens at the flick of a switch to 560mm, although this will decrease the maximum aperture to f4. 

The teleconverter switch is located on the side of the lens, and allows for changes in focal length while maintaining the same position, posture and grip.

A first for the NIKKOR Z series of lenses, the AF mechanism comprises an optical 'ABS' encoder that detects the amount of changes in the movement and speed of the focus lens group, as well as a 'Silky Swift VCM' (Voice Coil Motor) for speed and accuracy.

A VCM autofocus is driven using a powerful magnetic field, and is a feature we haven't seen offered in a lens before. As noted by DPReview, Nikon aren't messing around either - the company warns against use of the Nikkor Z 400mm by anyone with a pacemaker!

In addition, the lens features in-lens Vibration Reduction (VR) of up to 5.5-stops, and adopts a new anti reflection coating - the 'Meso Amorphous Coat' delivers the highest anti-reflection performance in NIKKOR history (according to the company).

The lens is made up of 25 elements in 19 groups. This includes two ED glass elements, one Super ED element, two Fluorite elements and finally an SR (Short Wavelength refractive) element. This specifically bends blue light rays to help correct chromatic aberrations.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S will be available in late February, and will set you back a wallet-shrinking $22,999.00.