N-photo verdict

The Z 100-400mm is a fabulous lens that combines rapid AF and highly effective 5.5stop VR with superb image quality. All-round performance is top-drawer, while handling is enhanced by customizable function buttons and an additional ‘de-clicked’ control ring. Ultimately however, buying a Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S ‘trinity’ zoom plus a Z 2x teleconverter isn’t much more expensive than buying the Z 100-400mm on its own, and gives greater shooting versatility.