Nikon Z 400 mm f4.5

[Activert]

Hi everyone. I would like to know, from those who has tried or own this lens, what it is your thoughts and impression about it for wildlife photography. I have the 600 tc for birds and I am looking for something at 400 mm. Your comments are very appreciated. Thank you .

 

[EricBowles]

It's a very good alternative to the 400mm f/2.8. It is very sharp and compares well with the 500mm PF but is short of the 400mm f/2.8. Comparisons to the 100-400 at 400mm give the edge to the prime - and you would expect that compared to the 180-600. It is quite sharp with the 1.4 TC. Weight and size are similar to the 70-200 f/2.8.

One of the big advantages is the lens produces very nice out of focus backgrounds.

400mm is a little short for small birds. I'd prefer 600mm for birding. But as you can see below, it's fine for occasional use, and is very light so it's easy to use for casual birding.

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This was with the 1.4 TC

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400mm f/4.5 + 1.4 TC

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[arbitrage]

Good casual walk around lens. Could substitute for a 500PF when you use the 400 with 1.4TC although I think you will be giving up some sharpness compared to just using the 500PF. 400mm is often too short for birds. Although sometimes 400mm is ideal for larger owls and close approaching swallows. I use 600mm most for birds so if the 400 was my only lens it would see too much use with 1.4TC. But if it was a secondary, lightweight, casual birding lens then it would be in addition to something longer.

It worked well for me when used in appropriate situations....


March 26, 2023-2.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
March 26, 2023-2.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
March 26, 2023-2.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
March 26, 2023.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
April 01, 2023-2.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
April 01, 2023.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr

 

[Activert]

It's a very good alternative to the 400mm f/2.8. It is very sharp and compares well with the 500mm PF but is short of the 400mm f/2.8. Comparisons to the 100-400 at 400mm give the edge to the prime - and you would expect that compared to the 180-600. It is quite sharp with the 1.4 TC. Weight and size are similar to the 70-200 f/2.8.

One of the big advantages is the lens produces very nice out of focus backgrounds.

400mm is a little short for small birds. I'd prefer 600mm for birding. But as you can see below, it's fine for occasional use, and is very light so it's easy to use for casual birding.

View attachment 63950

View attachment 63953

This was with the 1.4 TC
View attachment 63951

400mm f/4.5 + 1.4 TC
View attachment 63952

Thanks Eric! your photos are amazing. I am glad that you shared them with us. I have the 600 tc for birds and I am looking for something that it is sharp with nice bokeh at 400 mm for closer subjects. I also want to be able to carry it in my bag with the 600 tc. Very grateful for your comments

 

[Activert]

Good casual walk around lens. Could substitute for a 500PF when you use the 400 with 1.4TC although I think you will be giving up some sharpness compared to just using the 500PF. 400mm is often too short for birds. Although sometimes 400mm is ideal for larger owls and close approaching swallows. I use 600mm most for birds so if the 400 was my only lens it would see too much use with 1.4TC. But if it was a secondary, lightweight, casual birding lens then it would be in addition to something longer.

It worked well for me when used in appropriate situations....


March 26, 2023-2.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
March 26, 2023-2.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
March 26, 2023-2.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
March 26, 2023.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
April 01, 2023-2.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr
April 01, 2023.jpg by Bird/Wildlife Photos, on Flickr

Wow! Beautiful shots. Very sharp and beautiful bokeh, two things are important to me. Thanks arbitrage for your comments. It helps a lot

 

[MatthewK]

It’s a sweet lens, very small and compact, and so lightweight that it’s a joy to carry around. No complaints about IQ whatsoever.

I have one for sale at the moment since I mostly photograph small birds, and it just didn’t work out for my use case, but that takes nothing away from the lens at all. I go back and forth on keeping it though, as it is great with the 1.4 TC and casual outings or occasional travel.

 

[JoPoV]

It worked well for me when used in appropriate situations....

Those are 400 mm ?

 

[arbitrage]

Those are 400 mm ?

Yes

 

[JoPoV]

Yes

it seems you're good at targeting fast ! (the first 4).
Nice shots !

 

[abc123brian]

Thanks Eric! your photos are amazing. I am glad that you shared them with us. I have the 600 tc for birds and I am looking for something that it is sharp with nice bokeh at 400 mm for closer subjects. I also want to be able to carry it in my bag with the 600 tc. Very grateful for your comments

I think it will be a perfect complementary lens. It is currently my favorite lens, but not always long enough which won’t be an issue since you have the 600mm TC. It is very sharp, quick to focus, and very lightweight. It is very similar in size to the 500mm PF and Z100-400mm, but lighter. Should be able to pack alongside the 600mm.

 

[ninog]

It is a lens, as they said, very sharp, even with TC 1.4... and very versatile. I use as my main target a 600 F4 G..which I love beyond the fact that its weight is limiting on occasions, but in general I manage very well and it never stays at home..But I always have in my car ready Z9 mounted With the 400 next to the tc for photos that require a quick reaction... and very happy. Replaced a 300 F2.8, beautiful too but heavier. Eagle 400 mm and colludite 560 mm

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[EricBowles]

I think it will be a perfect complementary lens. It is currently my favorite lens, but not always long enough which won’t be an issue since you have the 600mm TC. It is very sharp, quick to focus, and very lightweight. It is very similar in size to the 500mm PF and Z100-400mm, but lighter. Should be able to pack alongside the 600mm.

That's similar to how I use my 400mm f/4.5. I have the 70-200 f/2.8 and the 800mm PF, so the 400mm f/4.5 pairs well with either. There is also enough of a difference that I have a clear preference depending on what I expect to photograph.

Where birding is a priority or for leading bird walks, I use the 400mm f/4.5 with the 1.4 TC instead of binoculars. It's very light and is easily handheld or carried for long distances.

 

[Activert]

It’s a sweet lens, very small and compact, and so lightweight that it’s a joy to carry around. No complaints about IQ whatsoever.

I have one for sale at the moment since I mostly photograph small birds, and it just didn’t work out for my use case, but that takes nothing away from the lens at all. I go back and forth on keeping it though, as it is great with the 1.4 TC and casual outings or occasional travel.

Thanks a lot for your feedback . I live in Montreal and Nikon Canada won’t support any Nikon product bought in US or other countries. if you are outside of Canada, the duty is very high to get something here specially when the product is made in China. That is what I learned. i am sure that you will sell it quickly And too bad for me.

 

[Activert]

It is a lens, as they said, very sharp, even with TC 1.4... and very versatile. I use as my main target a 600 F4 G..which I love beyond the fact that its weight is limiting on occasions, but in general I manage very well and it never stays at home..But I always have in my car ready Z9 mounted With the 400 next to the tc for photos that require a quick reaction... and very happy. Replaced a 300 F2.8, beautiful too but heavier. Eagle 400 mm and colludite 560 mmView attachment 63960View attachment 63961

Thank you so much for your reply. I am very happy to see how good and sharp your photos with the 400 mm. But at the same time your must be an excellent photographer because without a good photographer, even the best lens can’t deliver.

 

[Activert]

I think it will be a perfect complementary lens. It is currently my favorite lens, but not always long enough which won’t be an issue since you have the 600mm TC. It is very sharp, quick to focus, and very lightweight. It is very similar in size to the 500mm PF and Z100-400mm, but lighter. Should be able to pack alongside the 600mm.

Thank you! it so good to hear how people are happy with this lens. It help me make my decision. Your comments are very helpful

 

[John Navitsky]

i love my 400 4.5. if a 400 prime fits your needs you aren’t going to better unless you spring for the 400 f/2.8 tc

 

[Activert]

i love my 400 4.5. if a 400 prime fits your needs you aren’t going to better unless you spring for the 400 f/2.8 tc

Thank you John. I am glad that you love this lens I think I will do too. the 400 mm f2.8 is amazing, but travelling with it and the 600 mm makes it impossible.

 

[John Navitsky]

Thank you John. I am glad that you love this lens I think I will do too. the 400 mm f2.8 is amazing, but travelling with it and the 600 mm makes it impossible.

if you are adding it to your 600mm when traveling, it's even MORE awesome due to it's small size and weight

 

[fcotterill]

Yes, it's a wonderfully light and versatile prime, the image quality and rendering is superb including with ZTC14. Checking back into the database of what's been discussed/compared......

First photos Z9 + Z 400 f4.5 VR S

My good friend Andrew received his Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S yesterday but has too many commitments over the next few days and wouldn't be able to take advantage of the lens. So, he told me to take it and get some photos to share with everyone. After some very minor arm twisting, I relented and...

bcgforums.com

Nikkor Z 100-400 vs the Z 400mm F/4.5 VR for wildlife photography

Hello. I'm thinking about buying Z lenses for a Nikon Z9 which I have on order. Does anyone have a view on the Nikkor Z 100-400 F/4.5-5.6 VR S vs the Z 400mm F/4.5 for wildlife photography? I mostly shoot handheld rather than with a tripod/monopod thank you!

bcgforums.com

400mm f/4.5

First impressions are WOW. This lens is in a league of its own. Mamma-Mia! The quality is breathtaking, and with the 1.4TC its like the little brother of the 400/2.8 TC just allot more affordable, light weight and sharp. Shabbos is coming up, gotta shut my phone. Will post some first shot...

bcgforums.com

Nikon Z 400 f4.5 with 1.4x TC vs 500 pf questions!?

Hi folks, I currently own a Nikon 500 pf that I pair with Z9. I am considering switching to Z 400 f4.5 with 1.4x TC after selling the 500PF. A few Youtube reviews that I have seen suggest that the 400 f4.5 with 1.4x tc in place is considerably sharper than the 500 pf with the added benefit of...

bcgforums.com

Nikon 400 F/4.5 lens announced

Hot off the presses. 1,160 grams (about 2.55 lbs), $3.250. Not yet listed on NPS https://nikonrumors.com/2022/06/29/nikon-nikkor-z-400mm-f-4-5-vr-s-lens-announced.aspx/#more-171459

bcgforums.com

 

[Activert]

Yes, it's a wonderfully light and versatile prime, the image quality and rendering is superb including with ZTC14. Checking back into the database of what's been discussed/compared......

First photos Z9 + Z 400 f4.5 VR S

My good friend Andrew received his Nikon Z 400 f4.5 VR S yesterday but has too many commitments over the next few days and wouldn't be able to take advantage of the lens. So, he told me to take it and get some photos to share with everyone. After some very minor arm twisting, I relented and...

bcgforums.com

Nikkor Z 100-400 vs the Z 400mm F/4.5 VR for wildlife photography

Hello. I'm thinking about buying Z lenses for a Nikon Z9 which I have on order. Does anyone have a view on the Nikkor Z 100-400 F/4.5-5.6 VR S vs the Z 400mm F/4.5 for wildlife photography? I mostly shoot handheld rather than with a tripod/monopod thank you!

bcgforums.com

400mm f/4.5

First impressions are WOW. This lens is in a league of its own. Mamma-Mia! The quality is breathtaking, and with the 1.4TC its like the little brother of the 400/2.8 TC just allot more affordable, light weight and sharp. Shabbos is coming up, gotta shut my phone. Will post some first shot...

bcgforums.com

Nikon Z 400 f4.5 with 1.4x TC vs 500 pf questions!?

Hi folks, I currently own a Nikon 500 pf that I pair with Z9. I am considering switching to Z 400 f4.5 with 1.4x TC after selling the 500PF. A few Youtube reviews that I have seen suggest that the 400 f4.5 with 1.4x tc in place is considerably sharper than the 500 pf with the added benefit of...

bcgforums.com

Nikon 400 F/4.5 lens announced

Hot off the presses. 1,160 grams (about 2.55 lbs), $3.250. Not yet listed on NPS https://nikonrumors.com/2022/06/29/nikon-nikkor-z-400mm-f-4-5-vr-s-lens-announced.aspx/#more-171459

bcgforums.com

Thank you fcotterill for all the database. I ´ve should checked before I put this thread. I did not that they were this many discussion about it. I will go through them.

 

[fcotterill]

Thank you fcotterill for all the database. I ´ve should checked before I put this thread. I did not that they were this many discussion about it. I will go through them.

No worries, some threads are hard to find using standard searching. I maintain bookmarks because it saves frustrations to try and find stuff, inclduing links to comparisons, reviews etc etc. And this is besides the wealth of experiences shared here.

One recent review by Brad Hill might not have be included there... although his Long Lens Talk might have been

Nikon Long lenses - Talk by Brad Hill Wed. Jul. 27

fyi Nikon's Long Lenses - A Rapidly Evolving Landscape - Wed. Jul. 27 Nikon's telephoto and super-telephoto lenses have undergone rapid evolution over the past few years. Along the way many long-held generalizations and assumptions about how Nikon's long lenses perform have been challenged or...

bcgforums.com

Natural Art Images: Brad Hill: Stuff I Use Part II: Lenses

Camera gear and related accessories regularly used by Brad Hill in the field. Part II - Lenses I currently use or have used.

www.naturalart.ca

 

[Activert]

No worries, some threads are hard to find using standard searching. I maintain bookmarks because it saves frustrations to try and find stuff, inclduing links to comparisons, reviews etc etc. And this is besides the wealth of experiences shared here.

One recent review by Brad Hill might not have be included there... although his Long Lens Talk might have been

Nikon Long lenses - Talk by Brad Hill Wed. Jul. 27

fyi Nikon's Long Lenses - A Rapidly Evolving Landscape - Wed. Jul. 27 Nikon's telephoto and super-telephoto lenses have undergone rapid evolution over the past few years. Along the way many long-held generalizations and assumptions about how Nikon's long lenses perform have been challenged or...

bcgforums.com

Natural Art Images: Brad Hill: Stuff I Use Part II: Lenses

Camera gear and related accessories regularly used by Brad Hill in the field. Part II - Lenses I currently use or have used.

www.naturalart.ca

Thank you thousands time! So nice of you to share all this stuff. I appreciated a lot

 

[Activert]

Thanks for everyone. My photo dealer yesterday told that he still had 2 lenses. So I went to pick up one. Now I have the 400 4.5 and I can’t believe how light it is, even it is lighter than my 70 -200 f2.8. I am really happy with it. I am going to the Botanical Garden, hoping to find some birds. If there is no wildlife, then I will try photographing flowers from a distance.
I am really grateful to all of you, for sharing your amazing photos and your experience with it. Your comments are appreciated and helped me take my decision to buy it.

 

[Roy]

Hi everyone. I would like to know, from those who has tried or own this lens, what it is your thoughts and impression about it for wildlife photography. I have the 600 tc for birds and I am looking for something at 400 mm. Your comments are very appreciated. Thank you .

I have the older 600 f4 AFS and although I love it I tend to grab the 400mm f4.5 first.
Its just such an easy practical lens - and even for handheld video ...

 

[Activert]

I have the older 600 f4 AFS and although I love it I tend to grab the 400mm f4.5 first.
Its just such an easy practical lens - and even for handheld video ...

Thank you! This lens, the 4.5 is really very light specially when we don’t wNt to use tripod !