CameraReview
CompareCamerasLensesAction CamerasGuides
Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR
—
UNSCORED
Nikon · 28-400 mm · f/4 · Nikon Z mount

Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR

From $1,296.95 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
Announcement dateMar 2024
Released2024
Production started2024
Production statusIn Production
What We Like
+Exceptional 14.3x zoom range (28-400mm) covers landscapes to wildlife in one lens
+Remarkably compact and light at 725g, fitting into small camera bags despite 400mm reach
+Impressive close-focusing capability with 0.35x magnification at 28mm for macro work
+Effective 5.0-5.5 stop optical VR enables handheld shooting even at 400mm
+Quick and accurate STM autofocus performs well for moving subjects across the zoom range
+Excellent value proposition and price-to-performance ratio for travel and versatile shooting
Worth Knowing
−Variable aperture f/4-f/8 limits low-light performance, particularly at f/8 telephoto end
−Softer optical performance than faster prime or pro zooms, especially at 100% pixel view
−Significant barrel extension (from 5.6 to 9.8 inches) requires careful handling when zoomed
−Front-focus/back-focus issues possible in low light at 400mm despite good focusing speed

General

Brand
Nikon
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Mar 2024
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Production started
2024
Production status
ⓘ
Current status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued).
In Production
Read our notes on general
Nikon's Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a hyperzoom with a 14.3x zoom range that brings impressive versatility in a lightweight 725g package. The enormous 14.3x zoom range in a compact package features optical image stabilization that supports handheld shooting at 400mm focal length. After testing, reviewers came away pleasantly surprised—it doesn't set performance records, but it's better than expected.

Optics

Aperture Progression
f/4 at 28mm, f/5.6 at 50mm, f/6.3 at 89mm, f/8 from 190mm
Zoom Ratio
14.3x
Lens Elements
21 elements in 15 groups
Special Elements
4 ED elements, 3 aspherical elements
Min focal length
28 mm
Max focal length
400 mm
Focal range
ⓘ
Shortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end )
28-400 mm
Zoom lens
ⓘ
Zoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups
Yes
Max aperture wide
4
Max aperture zoom
8
Autofocus mode
Yes

Autofocus

AF Motor
STM (Stepping Motor)
Focus Speed
0.72 seconds (bright light, tested)
Minimum Focus Distance (28mm)
0.2m (0.66 ft)
Minimum Focus Distance (400mm)
1.2m (3.94 ft)
Maximum Magnification
0.35x (at 28mm)

Image stabilization

VR Type
Optical Vibration Reduction
VR Stops
5.0 stops (optical only)
Synchro VR
Up to 5.5 stops (with compatible Z cameras)

Build

Length (Retracted)
141.5mm (5.6 inches)
Length (Extended at 400mm)
~25cm (9.8 inches)
Barrel Material
Plastic
Mount Material
Metal
Lens Hood
HB-114 (square/rectangular shaped)

Diaphragm

Blade Count
9 blades

Compatibility

Camera System
Nikon Z-mount (full-frame FX and DX format)
DX Format Equivalent
42-600mm

Physical

Lens weight
725 g
Front filter size
ⓘ
Diameter of attachable filters.
77 mm
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Nikon Z

Features

Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes