This is The Digital Story Podcast #944, April 23, 2024. Today's theme is "Nikon 28-400mm Lens Review - Does It Measure Up?" I'm Derrick Story.

Opening Monologue


The specs seem almost too good to be true. The Nikon zoom has a focal length range of 28-400mm, yet it's compact and light. On the Z8, Z9, and Zf, it features Synchro VR, enabling 5.5 stops of stabilization. It has weather-sealed construction and close focusing. And it costs $1,296. How does it perform? Tune in to today's TDS Photography Podcast to find out. Plus an OM System Warning and ON1 Photo Raw 2024. I hope you enjoy the show.




Digital Photography Podcast 944






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Nikon 28-400mm Lens Review - Does It Measure Up?






When I mounted the brand new NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens on the Nikon Zf with SmallRig grip, I was surprised at how balanced the zoom felt on the camera. I could easily hold and shoot with one hand. The lack of bulk seemed unimaginable when considering that the focal range goes from a wide 28mm to a very long 400mm. If you're outside exploring the world, it's the only lens you would need that day.



Let's start by taking a look at the specs.



Full-Frame Coverage | f/4-8 to f/22-45
STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization with Synchro VR on Zf, Z8, and Z9; 5 stops with other Nikon cameras.
Zoom lock switch prevents unintentional lens extension
21 Elements in 15 Groups
9-bladed diaphragm creates flattering bokeh
Weather-Sealed Construction
77mm Filter Thread
Compact square lens hood (included) reduces ghosting and allows zooming operation when inverted
7.9" minimum focusing distance at 28mm
5.6" long at wide angle and weighs just 1.6 pounds


Focusing

The STM stepping motor is very quiet and focuses quickly in good light. In low light, it's a tad slower. But this is not by any stretch of the imagination a low light lens.


Build and Handling


Amazing well balanced on a full-frame camera. When racking out the telephoto, lens extends to double its original length at 400mm.



The Zoom Ring is nicely damped and large making it easy to grip. It's so large in fact that when the lens hood is reversed, there's still plenty of operating room.


I really like the lock switch that prevents accidental extension of the lens barrel. The metal mount and weather sealing are excellent. The Control Ring is easy to find without having to look, and it can be programmed for a variety of functions including manual focusing, exposure compensation and aperture control.


Image Quality


Again, surprisingly good for a lens of this range. I tested at f/8 with settings of 28, 35, 50, 70, 105, 200, 300, and 400mm. I then viewed the Jpegs and RAWs at 100 percent in Capture One Pro.



Center sharpness was excellent at all focal lengths. Some corner softness a extreme telephoto settings. Mild vignetting appeared at 105mm for the RAW files, but was not present in the Jpegs. There was no noticable CA. Overall, very strong performance.


Bottom Line


The NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens is a very good value at $1,296. If you're traveling and working outdoors, it can replace every lens in your bag dramatically lightening your load.



You can keep the NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 pancake in your pocket just in case you run into a low light situation. And quite honestly, be in great shape with those two optics.



I think the 28-400mm looks great on the Zf. It's easy to operate. And if you're in good light, it's hard to beat. Highly recommended.



OM System Warns macOS Changes May Prevent You From Updating Your Camera

You can read the entire article on PetaPixel.com


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