Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400MM F/4.5-5.6 VR S
With its exceptional range, is this variable-aperture zoom worth the price?
BUILD AND HANDLING
It comes as no surprise that this pro-level Nikkor lens appears to be well-constructed and feels every bit like a high-grade model. It is aligned in build quality with the latest pro Nikon Z-Series cameras, such as the Z 9 and Z 7II. It isn’t a lightweight piece of kit, as there is a lot of glass inside, but compared with its DSLR equivalents, you feel the advantages of going mirrorless. One slight niggle is that the placement of the zoom ring at the front of the barrel makes it a little hard to reach, given the length. We would have preferred the zoom and focus rings to be reversed, as the latter is likely to be used far less often.
PERFORMANCE
Optically, the glass is very good. Resolution, contrast and colour are all at the highest level and users will be able to get the most out of the sensors in the Z-Series cameras. There isn’t really anything to complain about here, even wide-open. The VR mechanism is phenomenal. Even shooting on the Z fc, which lacks IBIS, we were able to handhold shots as low as 1/13sec. AF was instant and accurate in our tests too and the close-focusing ability is a welcome addition to the lens’ versatility.
VERDICT
There’s no doubt this is an exceptional optic for sports and action photographers, providing almost everything they could want. It is questionable whether a lens with a variable aperture is worth the price, which is likely to be an indicator of Nikon economics, rather than its overall competitiveness. If you have the money though, then why not?