Nikon Nikkor 400mm f/3.5 IF ED AI-S
The Nikon 400mm f/3.5 IF ED is a 400mm f/3.5 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor 400mm f/3.5 IF ED AI-S
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Lens Overview — Nikon 400mm f/3.5 IF ED
Key Features — Nikon 400mm f/3.5 IF ED
400mm f/3.5 Prime: A fixed 400mm focal length with a fast f/3.5 maximum aperture, wide for a telephoto of this reach and useful for isolating subjects in challenging light.
ED Glass Elements: Extra-low Dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration, maintaining color accuracy and sharpness at the edges of the frame.
Internal Focus (IF): The lens focuses internally, meaning overall length stays constant during focus and the front element does not rotate — practical when using filters or a lens hood.
AI-S Aperture Coupling: AI-S indexing enables full metering compatibility with a wide range of Nikon F mount film and digital DSLR bodies that support manual-focus lenses.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with the full range of Nikon F mount DSLR bodies, both full-frame and APS-C, giving this lens broad usability across the Nikon ecosystem.
Full-Frame Coverage: Projects an image circle covering a 35mm full-frame sensor with no vignetting, making it suitable for Nikon's professional full-frame DSLR bodies.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 400mm f/3.5 IF ED
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 122mm |
Description — Nikon 400mm f/3.5 IF ED
The Nikon Nikkor 400mm f/3.5 IF ED AI-S is a prime telephoto lens built for the Nikon F mount, designed to cover a full-frame image circle and compatible with the full range of Nikon F mount DSLR cameras. Its 400mm fixed focal length and f/3.5 maximum aperture make it a dedicated long-telephoto tool suited to photographers who need consistent reach without compromise. Focusing is entirely manual, placing full control in the photographer's hands — a characteristic that rewards those who invest time in mastering the technique.
The lens weighs 2,950g, making support equipment an important part of any shooting setup with this glass. A 122mm front filter thread reflects the substantial front element diameter. With no image stabilization, achieving sharp results at this focal length requires disciplined shooting practice or mechanical camera support.
This is a straightforward, single-focal-length optic — 400mm, nothing else — purpose-built for photographers who know exactly what they need.
Pros — Nikon 400mm f/3.5 IF ED
- ✓Fast maximum aperture of f/3.5 for a 400mm prime telephoto lens
- ✓Full-frame coverage via Nikon F mount, compatible across a broad range of DSLR bodies
- ✓Fixed 400mm focal length delivers a dedicated, consistent telephoto perspective
Cons — Nikon 400mm f/3.5 IF ED
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support, requiring precise hand-focusing technique at 400mm
- ✗No image stabilization, making handheld shooting at this focal length challenging
- ✗Substantial weight of 2,950g demands dedicated tripod or monopod support
Reviews — Nikon 400mm f/3.5 IF ED
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