Nikon Z 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6 VR S
Portability and Versatility
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Making the jump into the super-telephoto category can seem very intimidating. Large, heavy lenses can be challenging to manage, especially for long days in the field.
The Nikon Z 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6 VR S is a manageable super-telephoto zoom lens that delivers performance, portability, and versatility.
Focal Length Range and Use Cases
With a wide focal length range from 100 to 400mm, this lens is an excellent choice for:
• Sports photography
• Wildlife photography
• Nature photography
I consider this lens a secret landscape lens as well. A super-telephoto zoom lens may not be the first grab for landscape photography, but it can isolate distant subjects and simplify compositions by removing clutter.
Close Focusing and Macro-Like Performance
This lens borders on macro territory with a close focusing distance of 2.46 feet and a magnification of 0.38x (1:2.6), making it perfect for:
• Butterflies
• Lizards
• Other small wildlife that you can get reasonably close to
Bird Photography and Teleconverter Compatibility
This lens is an excellent transition into bird photography. For smaller birds, you can add the Nikon Z TC-1.4x teleconverter, extending the focal length to an impressive 140–560mm with little impact on sharpness.
The teleconverter reduces the maximum aperture range to f/6.3–8, so you will need to remove it as the sun sets.
Build Quality, Handling, and Filters
While not exactly budget-friendly, this lens delivers:
• Excellent build quality
• Incredible sharpness
• A weight that is light enough to handhold all day without tiring
The 77mm filter size also makes it the perfect lens to pair with other lenses that use the same 77mm filter, like the Nikon Z 24–120mm and Nikon Z 20mm, for a streamlined travel pack.
Lens Foot Upgrade
The long-broken record plays, as with all Nikon lens feet; I replaced the factory lens foot with the Kirk LP-70, which is more substantial and offers much better performance in the field.
Portability and versatility sum up this excellent super-telephoto zoom.
I only recommend equipment that’s proven itself through early mornings, challenging weather, and my tendency to wander off trail for “just one more shot.”
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