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

This Nikon Z zoom covers 28–400mm on full-frame cameras. The broad range suits travel and family days that move between streets, people and distant wildlife. You can change framing without changing lenses when the scene develops quickly.

Nikon introduced it in 2024. The main trade-off is light gathering: the maximum aperture narrows from f/4 to f/8 across the zoom. Bright conditions help when distant action needs a fast shutter speed. A wider opening can be useful for frequent work in dim light.

The lens weighs 1 lb 9.6 oz (725 g) and measures 5.57 in (141.5 mm) long when retracted. It is 3.33 in (84.5 mm) across. The barrel extends as you zoom, so leave room ahead of it when working near a window or other object.

Screw-in filters must match the 77mm front thread to attach directly.

At 28mm, you can include more of a street or landscape from one position. The middle settings suit people with their surroundings. At 400mm, a distant bird or building detail becomes larger. How much of the frame it fills still depends on distance.

The maximum aperture changes from f/4 at the wide end to f/8 at the long end. In shade or fading light, you may need a higher ISO to retain enough shutter speed. A still subject gives more freedom to slow the shutter when the camera is steady.

Closest focus is 0.7 ft (20 cm) at 28mm, measured from the sensor. Maximum magnification reaches 0.35x at that setting, useful for flowers and everyday objects. The minimum distance is longer at 400mm. Leave room ahead of the front glass and avoid shading a nearby detail.

A close subject can have a soft background even at f/8 when there is enough space behind it. Branches directly behind an animal may remain distracting. Where you stand determines perspective; zooming changes how much of the scene you include from that position.

VR stabilization reduces camera shake and steadies the view at long settings. It helps with still subjects at slower shutter speeds. A flying bird still needs enough shutter speed for its movement. Firm support is useful for long waits and slow exposures.

Dust and moisture resistance help outdoors. Use cover in persistent rain. The front glass lacks a fluorine coating, so it lacks that specific help with water and oily marks. Remove loose grit before cleaning.

A zoom lock prevents the barrel extending during transport. Release it before changing focal length. Keep the lens supported when carrying the camera between locations.

Three aspherical elements help correct distortion and spherical aberration, which can bend lines or soften detail. Four ED elements help reduce coloured fringes along high-contrast edges, such as branches against bright sky.

Internal focusing keeps barrel length unchanged while focus moves.