Nikon Nikkor AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Lens
The Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR is a 400mm f/2.8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $2,936.58 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
Key Features — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
400mm f/2.8 Prime: A fixed f/2.8 maximum aperture at 400mm delivers fast shutter speeds and strong subject isolation, critical for sports and wildlife shooting.
Nikon F Mount: Designed for Nikon's F-mount DSLR system, ensuring full compatibility and communication with a wide range of Nikon professional bodies.
Full-Frame Coverage: Covers the full 35mm sensor area without vignetting, making it suitable for use on Nikon's full-frame DSLR bodies.
Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in VR (Vibration Reduction) system compensates for camera shake, allowing for sharper images when shooting handheld or from a supported position.
ED Glass Elements: Extra-low Dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration, producing sharp, color-accurate images even at the widest aperture.
AF-S Silent Wave Motor: Internal Silent Wave Motor delivers fast, quiet autofocus operation well-suited to shooting subjects that react to sound, such as wildlife.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 400mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Manual, Auto |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR is a prime super-telephoto lens designed for the Nikon F mount and optimized for full-frame DSLR cameras. With a fixed 400mm focal length and a wide f/2.8 maximum aperture, it provides photographers with both impressive reach and the ability to work in lower light conditions. The lens features optical image stabilization, which helps maintain sharpness when shooting handheld or with minimal support at such an extreme focal length.
Both autofocus and manual focus modes are supported, giving users control over how focus is acquired in the field. The 52mm filter thread accommodates standard accessories. At 4,620g, this lens is a serious commitment in terms of physical demands, and most users will rely on tripod or monopod support during extended shoots.
It is a dedicated tool for photographers working in sports, wildlife, or any scenario that requires a fast, long prime on a Nikon F-mount DSLR platform.
Pros — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
- ✓Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture provides strong subject separation and low-light capability
- ✓Fixed 400mm focal length with full-frame coverage ensures consistent, predictable framing
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps reduce the impact of camera shake
Cons — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
- ✗Weighing 4,620g, this lens is among the heaviest in its class and demands dedicated support equipment
- ✗Prime focal length at 400mm offers no zoom flexibility, requiring repositioning to reframe
- ✗Nikon F-mount compatibility limits use to DSLR bodies; mirrorless shooters require an adapter
Reviews — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
- Nikon 400mm f/2.8G VR Review
Photography Life · unknown - Nikon 400mm f/2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR Nikkor Review
Imaging Resource · unknown - Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S & TC-1.4x vs. 500mm f/5.6E PF VR & 400mm f/2.8G VR | Goodbye F-mount?
Geoff Cooper - 400mm f/2.8? | DSLR Version Good Enough? | 400mm f/2.8G ED VR Vs Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S | Matt Irwin
Matt Irwin Photography
Videos — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
Nikon 400mm Utimate Lens Comparison — Wildlife Inspired w/ Scott Keys
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount, making it compatible with Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras. It covers the full-frame format, so it is suitable for both full-frame and APS-C Nikon DSLR bodies.
Does this lens support autofocus?+
Yes, the lens supports autofocus as well as manual focus. Shooters can switch between the two modes depending on their shooting requirements.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, optical image stabilization is included in this lens. This helps reduce the effects of camera shake, which is especially useful given the long 400mm focal length.
How heavy is this lens, and do I need a tripod?+
The lens weighs 4,620g, which is quite substantial. While handheld use is possible for short periods, most photographers will want to use a monopod or tripod for extended sessions to manage the weight effectively.
What filter size does this lens use?+
The lens has a 52mm filter thread, allowing for the use of compatible 52mm screw-in filters.
Is this lens a zoom or a prime?+
This is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 400mm. It does not zoom, so framing adjustments require physically moving closer to or farther from your subject.