Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens Review
Nikon's 28-400mm lens offers an insane zoom range in one package, but its slow variable aperture is a major trade-off. Is it the ultimate travel lens or a compromise too far?
Overview
Nikon's NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a wild lens. It packs a massive 14x zoom range into a single barrel, letting you go from wide-angle to super-telephoto without swapping glass. That's a huge deal for shooters who hate carrying multiple lenses or missing a shot while fumbling in their bag.
It's a full-frame lens for Nikon's Z-mount cameras. The specs tell a clear story: incredible range, solid build at 726g, and a 77mm filter thread. But that f/4-8 variable aperture is the big trade-off you need to know about upfront.
Performance
Optically, this lens is a star, landing in the 98th percentile. That means sharpness is excellent across most of its range. The 5.5-stop VR stabilization is also top-tier, sitting in the 89th percentile, which is crucial for handholding at 400mm. The autofocus, however, is just okay, scoring in the 47th percentile. It's not the fastest or quietest, and the variable aperture means you lose light fast as you zoom in, which can slow AF down in dim settings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong optical (98th percentile) 98th
- Strong stabilization (89th percentile) 93th
- Strong macro (73th percentile) 85th
Cons
- Below average aperture (29th percentile) 29th
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 400 |
| Focal Length Max | 400 |
| Elements | 21 |
| Groups | 15 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/22 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Format | Full-Frame |
| Weight | 0.7 kg / 1.6 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 77 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 200 |
| Max Magnification | 1:2.86 |
Value & Pricing
At $1147, it's not cheap. But you're paying for that insane convenience factor. If you're a photographer who needs one lens to do it all—from landscapes to distant wildlife—this is your tool. For everyone else, the price and the slow, variable aperture might be hard to justify.
Price History
vs Competition
This lens is in a class of its own for range. Competitors like the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7 or Meike 55mm f/1.8 Pro are prime lenses. They're smaller, cheaper, and offer much faster apertures for low light and better bokeh, but you give up all zoom flexibility. The Nikon is the opposite: ultimate versatility with a slower, darker lens. If you need speed and shallow depth of field, get a prime. If you need one lens to cover every focal length, this is your only real option.
| Spec | Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens | Meike Meike 55mm F1.8 Pro Full Frame AF STM Lens High | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm F1.7 Lens, X Mount 35mm F1.7 Auto | Nikon Nikon S-Line Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens | Panasonic Panasonic LUMIX G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 II | Fujifilm VILTROX 25mm F1.7 f/1.7 AF Lens for Fuji X Mount, |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 400mm | 55mm | 35mm | 35mm | 14-140mm | 25mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | f/1.8 | f/3.5 | f/1.7 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | Micro Four Thirds | Fujifilm X |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 726 | 201 | 301 | 371 | 27 | 400 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | STM | STM | — | STM |
| Lens Type | Telephoto | — | — | Zoom | Telephoto | — |
Verdict
Buy this if you're a Nikon Z shooter who values having every focal length at your fingertips over having a fast, bright lens. It's perfect for travel photographers, hobbyists who want a single-lens kit, or anyone who hates changing lenses. Skip it if you shoot in low light often, need creamy background blur, or are on a tight budget.