Nikon 400 F/4.5 lens announced

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So its a FL or something that makes it so light or does it have full glass ?
Someone with more tech expertise than I would have to say what full glass is. Here is what Nikon says about first the 400 f/4.5 and then the 400 f/2.8 elements in every lens that is not called out spefically. They read a lot alike the 2.8 mentions flourite elements that the F4.5 does not.


 
Someone with more tech expertise than I would have to say what full glass is. Here is what Nikon says about first the 400 f/4.5 and then the 400 f/2.8 elements in every lens that is not called out spefically. They read a lot alike the 2.8 mentions flourite elements that the F4.5 does not.

Thom explains the design of this lens pretty thoroughly in his review that's already linked in the posts above (just read the whole 'What is it?' paragraph): https://www.zsystemuser.com/z-mount...lens-reviews/nikon-400mm-f45-lens-review.html
 
Thom explains the novel design of this 400 rather well, I thought. Kudos to the engineers who perpetuate Nikon's prowess in engineering, going back decades.

We discussed the optics some weeks above - Page 4. And somewhere above I shared this interview, which should translate in Chrome, but I've appended it anyway. The engineers state they considered a PhaseFresnel design but opted for their no less novel solution to trim weight and length: exploiting Z mount architecture and Nikon's Super ED and their new SR glass


to quote the machine-translated text:

Interview with the developer of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S, which combines high optical performance and portability​

Shamelessnikon
Liang Shuang 2022-07-22


"Next, the developer of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S introduced the development concept of this lens in detail. The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S continues the design philosophy of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens to combine "lightweight, small size for handheld use" and "high optical performance". The lens adopts an f/4.5 aperture to better control the size and portability of the lens body. The weight of 1,160 grams can achieve high flexibility and reduce the fatigue of long-term handheld shooting. At the same time, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S has an excellent focusing speed comparable to that of the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, satisfying those who love airplanes, wild animals, birds, sports and other subjects The needs of photography enthusiasts to help them capture decisive moments.
After the introduction, there was a question-and-answer session between the media and developers about the product:
Question: Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is a F4.5 lens, why is it set to F4.5? In the past, such lenses were usually F4.0.

Answer: When we design this 400mm lens as F4, the size and weight will increase significantly, and the price will also increase. Considering the balance of the product, we set it as F4.5 to ensure its portability.

Question: How fast is the lens focusing?

Answer: Although the specific data cannot be disclosed here, the Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is comparable to the speed shooting of the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S.

Question: This lens and lenses such as 100-400mm have repeated focal lengths. How big is the actual difference for users?

Answer: The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S combines the high resolution and soft bokeh typical of a bright fixed-focus super telephoto lens, and is suitable for enthusiasts who value the portability of the lens. The NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is suitable for users who need a wider focal length range.

Question: Does the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S use the development idea of the Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S?

Answer: Like the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, the design concept of this 400mm lens is also an ultra-telephoto lens that combines "lightweight, small size for handheld use" and "high optical performance". Regarding operability, the setting position of the operating parts is the same as that of other NIKKOR Z super telephoto prime lenses. Anti-slip rubber is placed on the left-hand grip for a more comfortable grip; the design of details such as its touch feel (such as small dents, etc.) is designed to assist operations without relying on vision.

Question: Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S are some of the differences between these traditional lenses. The advent of this Nikon product actually draws a brand new market, aimed at telephoto users who need light weight and relatively cost-effective Market, will it be a new market segment? Will there be more similar products to support?

Answer: In terms of product development concept, we pursue the portability and cost performance of this lens, which is the same concept as the Z 800mm lens. The idea of a 500mm lens for the NIKKOR F mount is also realized in the NIKKOR Z series, so it cannot be said to be a new market segment. While we can't reply to you with specifics about future plans, we hope to meet our users' expectations.

Question: If the PF lens is used, can this lens achieve F4.0?

Answer: In fact, during the research and development, we tried to use PF lenses, and carried out basic design research such as F4.0, but in order to realize the product concept of "small size, light weight, and easy to use", we finally chose the optimal lens. Solution of F4.5.
 
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Field Review

Thanks for posting this review of the Z 400mm f4.5. I confirms my impression of just how good a lens it is.
The lens I use the most for my wildlife photography is the 100-400, because of it's versatility, but I am very glad to also have the 400 f4.5 when I only need the 400mm range, especially when adding a teleconverter to the lens. The 400 f4.5 is clearly superior to the 100-400 when using a teleconverter.
 
Thanks for posting this review of the Z 400mm f4.5. I confirms my impression of just how good a lens it is.
The lens I use the most for my wildlife photography is the 100-400, because of it's versatility, but I am very glad to also have the 400 f4.5 when I only need the 400mm range, especially when adding a teleconverter to the lens. The 400 f4.5 is clearly superior to the 100-400 when using a teleconverter.
I am still waiting for my wife to let me use "ours" it has not left her Z50 since "we" bought it :LOL:
 
Have been using the 400mm 4.5 now for a while now and really like it. Having used the 500mm pf previously, I prefer the 400mm. I prefer the rendering/bokeh . Images have a more 3d pop type look akin to the 300mm 2.8 I used to own. Really flexible lens when paired with the 1.4 TC which works really well.

It works nicely as a pair with the 800mm pf. Plenty of options.
 
In general, a 600mm on FX is better to frame smaller birds, unless they are relatively tame. Often a 800mm is optimal, particularly on smaller passerines exemplified by warblers. 1000mm or 1120mm using TC125/TC14 is often very useful.
These are generalizations obviously.
As with the 500 PF, the lighter weight of the 400 f4.5 is often a big advantage to capture fleeting moments, and have the camera to hand. This may often include birds.
The excellent image quality of the 400 f4.5S + ZTC14 is yet another bonus.
 
So the 400 f4.5 is an excellent lens fro mammals. But will fall short for avian subjects.
That's a pretty broad statement. Depends on how large the avian subjects are and/or at what range they're being shot and what sensor format is being used. Many people shoot birds with the 100-400 and are quite happy. But, yes, conventional wisdom says 400mm is a bit short for a birding lens.
 
i have to say, i'm kind of falling in love with this lens

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not at all. I prefer zooms, but I rented the 400 4.5 for a trip to Spain last December and it was brilliant tracking swallows ( or swifts?) on my old Z6 ! Surprised me how well the X6 performed as well.
Our old cameras are often better than we think, especially when you put on brilliant glass.

The Z6, Z6II is an amazing camera and the files colour etc carry that amazing Nikon signature............its an excellent camera and even better on good glass.

Small and light often brings joy and more use, often less is more.

As my ornithologist friend said, the D500 on a 300 PF and 1.4 got him 27 out of 30 bird species where previously on a 500 F4 and D810 only 12. He is in his 80s from memory.

Only an opinion
 
@EricBowles Good summary.

My wife and I represent two different needs and approaches.

One benefit for us is we are both using Z bodies and all Z mount lenses so we can mix and match.

My wife is 73 105lbs and has arthritic hands and back issues she needs light and easy to hold.

Her basic kit is simple and light. Z50 with Z400 f/4.5 her birding lens and a Tamron Z70-300 for most everything else.

We share: Z24-120, Z50 f/1.8, Z14-30 f/4, Z70-200 f/2.8, Z1.4TC

We share: Z6II with battery grip. If my wife uses it the grip comes off.

I am blessed to be quite fit at 74 180lbs with no issues that prevent me from lifting weights, doing high intesity interval training and hiking over pretty much any terrain.

My basic kit is a Z9 with Z800pf and a Z100-400 ... my wish list has the Z200-600 on it or an equivelant focal range Z mount Tamron lens. Tamron is making some great Sony mount lenses.
Sounds like you both have it well covered and really enjoy what you do, i am inspired, thank you.
 
Updated with comparisons of the latest Z Telephotos. This reference to margin of error in the MTF measurements is not elaborated upon, "Once again, the two lenses are very similar in central sharpness, within the margin of error at every aperture."...
....The Smoking gun to consider before drawing firm conclusions from these comparisons.



Field Review

 
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