Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 VR S

This Nikon Z telephoto zoom spans 100–400mm on full-frame cameras. It suits wildlife and outdoor sport where subjects stay distant and their distance changes. You can tighten the view or leave more surroundings from one position. Nikon introduced it in 2021.

The main trade-off is light gathering. The maximum aperture narrows as you zoom, so bright conditions help when action needs a fast shutter speed. Its weight also calls for a carrying and support arrangement that suits the length of the session.

Airshows and distant landscape details also suit the range. The short end helps when a large subject moves closer or when you want to include more of its setting.

The lens weighs 2 lb 15.8 oz (1355 g) without its tripod collar and measures 8.74 in (222 mm) long and 3.86 in (98 mm) across. A monopod or rest can take the weight during long waits. Screw-in filters must match the 77mm front thread.

At 400mm, a distant animal or player appears larger than at 100mm from the same position. The narrower view can make a fast-moving subject harder to find. Starting at a shorter setting helps you locate it before tightening the framing.

The maximum aperture changes from f/4.5 at 100mm to f/5.6 at 400mm. In shade or at dusk, you may need a higher ISO to retain enough shutter speed for movement. A still subject gives more freedom to slow the shutter when the camera is steady.

Closest focus is 2.5 ft (75 cm) at 100mm, measured from the sensor. The minimum distance is longer at 400mm, where maximum magnification reaches 0.38x. A nearby subject may become too close to focus as you zoom in. Leave room ahead of the glass.

At long settings, a nearby subject can have a soft background even at f/5.6. More space behind an animal helps that separation. Branches directly behind it can remain distracting, so a different viewpoint can be useful when the location allows.

VR stabilization reduces camera shake and steadies the view while you frame. It helps with still subjects at slower shutter speeds. Small hand movements have a greater effect on the image at 400mm. A flying bird still needs enough shutter speed for its movement.

Dust and moisture resistance help outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. Fluorine coating helps water and oily marks wipe away from the front glass. Remove loose grit before cleaning.

A gravity-resistant zoom mechanism helps prevent the barrel moving under its own weight when you point the camera up or down. This supports changes of framing without a separate locking step.

Six ED elements and two Super ED elements help reduce chromatic aberration, the coloured fringes that can appear along high-contrast edges. A bird against bright sky is one place those fringes can show. Internal focusing keeps barrel length unchanged while focus moves.