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

As warmer days approach and the attraction of spring photography and summer landscapes beckon, we explore whether the Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens could be the ultimate all-in-one travel companion.

This is Nikon’s first Superzoom for their line of mirrorless Z lenses, which provides a huge 14.2x zoom range, even outgunning the excellent Z 24-120mm F/4 S. Discover whether this latest full-frame addition to the range is the perfect travel lens in our first look Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens Review, which is packed with sample images, specs and more.

How much does the Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens cost?

The Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens price is £1,399.00. This is excellent value when considering the wide angle to super telephoto range, which this full-frame superzoom lens covers. With just this single affordable Nikon Z lens you can capture anything from landscapes to portraits, wildlife, travel and more.

When was the Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR released?

Nikon launched the Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR on March 27, 2024. It’s the first superzoom for the Z system and a timely release, which follows a number of sports and wildlife options, which are explored in the Ultimate Guide To Nikon Z Super Telephoto Lenses.

Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens key features

The main draw of the Z 28-400mm lies in its zoom range, which distinguishes it from other Z mount lenses. An ability to capture wide angle shots at 28mm, right through to distant subjects at 400mm is extremely appealing for travel photographers, and other creators who need an all-in-one solution.

Key features include:

• All-in-one 14.2x superzoom lens
• Weighs just 725g, perfect for travel
• Hugely versatile 28-400mm zoom range
• Excellent close-up capabilities with max. 0.35x maximum magnification
• 5-stops of built-in optical vibration reduction (VR)
• Intuitive ergonomics with a customisable control ring
• Reliable weather sealing
• 9-blade rounded diaphragm for smooth bokeh
• 77mm filter thread

Captured with Nikon Z6 II @28mm. Camera settings: 1/400 sec. f/4. ISO 250

What are the main benefits of this Nikon zoom lens?

The Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a compact and lightweight option aimed at beginners, enthusiasts and travel photographers who want the convenience of a single Nikon zoom lens, which covers virtually every subject imaginable. It weighs just 725g, and even offers tele-macro capabilities for close-up photography.

With a maximum 0.35x magnification and 1.2m minimum focus at the 400mm super telephoto end, and just 0.2m at the 28mm wide angle end of the zoom, this is an extremely versatile lens for close-ups too. It enables you to capture beautiful details and macro-type shots of anything which captures your imagination, just like the macaron sample photo here.

Sample image Captured with Nikon Z6 II @28mm. Camera settings: 1/500 sec. f/4. ISO 800

What is a Superzoom lens for?

With a lightweight design and 14.2x zoom range spanning wide to super telephoto reach, this Superzoom is arguably the most versatile lens for Nikon. You can bring it anywhere, and although the aperture isn’t the fastest, it is supported by excellent VR, which compensates against camera shake.

While you can capture virtually anything with this single lens, the most popular genres it spans include:

• Travel
• Portraits
• Landscapes
• Street photography and candid snapshots
• Close-ups
• Sports, action and wildlife
• Everyday all-purpose

Travel photography sample image - Captured with Nikon Z6 II @28mm. Camera settings: 1/1000 sec. f/10. ISO 200

How are ergonomics and usability of the Z 28-400mm VR?

This lens features Nikon’s well known ergonomics, with a customisable silent control ring, zoom lock switch and optical vibration reduction (VR). Vibration reduction can make the difference between capturing a sharp image, or a blurry one, and if you have a camera which supports sync VR, stabilisation increases to 5.5-stops.

Nikon has also included reliable weather sealing around the mount and all of the moving parts, to help keep dust and moisture out of the barrel. This is essential for a travel and outdoor focused lens such as this, ensuring you can bring it with on holidays, day-trips and any outdoor assignment.

Captured with Nikon Z6 II @400mm. Camera settings: 1/800 sec. f/10. ISO 200

Is image quality good?

Despite weighing just 725g, the optical formula of the Z 28-400mm Superzoom is composed of 21 elements in 15 groups, including 4 ED glass elements and 3 aspherical lens elements. This renders great image quality with plenty of details when mounted on any Nikon mirrorless camera.

Other factors which contribute to image quality include the 9-bladed aperture design, which helps to render smooth backgrounds with rounded bokeh, effective VR and the Stepping motor (STM), which supports autofocus.

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

Captured with Nikon Z6 II @400mm. Camera settings: 1/2000 sec. f/8. ISO 1000

Lens Accessories

With a commonplace 77mm filter thread you can add any type of camera lens filter needed to the Z 28-400mm lens. There are countless options including circular polarisers, UV filters and ND filters for long exposures or video recording.

To maintain the best image quality it’s recommended to keep your camera lens clean, which can be done with a combination of lens blower and micro fibre cleaning cloths.

Is it the Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR the perfect travel lens?

With all of the attributes travel photographers need, the Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is the ultimate everyday superzoom. It features a lightweight design, vibration reduction and weather sealing, which are all desirable for travel photography, and cement it as one of the best general purpose Nikon Z lenses.

Reserve your Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens today and explore just how versatile this all-in-one option is for your photography.

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By Nick Dautlich on 27/03/2024