Nikon 200-400mm f/4G ED AF-S VR-II Zoom NIKKOR Lens - U.S.A. Warranty

2023-08-22T14:39:13

I truly have nothing bad to say. The best thing about it is the stellar sharpness. Some subjects seem to be rendered in 3D it is so sharp. Color rendition is nicely saturated, but not exaggerated. This lens captures subtle reflections of light and color like nothing I have ever seen. The speed of the autofocus is only hampered by my own shortcomings. If I can maintain contact with my subject with my chosen autofocus points the lens is more than capable of handling the rest Right out of the park Nikon. Thank you. Some may find the weight a bit offensive, but I do not.

Edward C.

Originally posted at

2020-05-27T20:00:01

This is a beautiful lens! Very sharp and crisp. I have used it with a Nikon D850 and a Z6 and it does great on both bodies. I would highly recommend this lens if you are looking for a mid range zoom.

dcmi

Originally posted at

2019-03-20T20:00:00

I bought this lens to take on safari in South Africa. I was concerned that it may be 1) too heavy, 2 make blurred images when shooting action in low light at max magnification. Wow, this lens is no cause for concern when shooting on the fly in low light. The images were made with a D-500 body often mated with a TC 14E II. The images are amazing; great bokeh, sharp and bright. Later when going on a fall trip to Alaska a one lens and one camera body restriction was imposed for hiking the back country. The 200-400 mated with the D-500 was the tool of choice. It was the right decision.

skiantarctica

Originally posted at

2017-04-30T20:00:00

I bought this lens after considering it for a number of years. I also have the 300 f2.8 vr2 and the 80-400 G. I know it is a lot of overlap but each lens plays a specific part. The 200-400 f4 vrii comes into its own as a very flexible lens with great sharpness and fast focus. It works well on any of the Nikon Camera's. The strength of this lens is that it is very good at close range, up to 50-60 yards. Great lens for big animals and birds at close range. I have used it for sport and perform very well. For me this lens on one camera and the 70-200 f2.8 works as a great combination. It works reasonably well with the Nikon 1.4 TC iii but really at its best as a naked lens. Many Wildlife and sport photographers use this lens and has been a game changer for Nikon.

JamesPics

Originally posted at

2017-02-16T05:24:56

I have had this lens now for little under four years. I have taken this lens every where with me from Alaska to South Africa for wild life and just got back from Tanzania yesterday Feb 15 2017. Shot over 10,000 frames in Tanzania and very happy with the results. I also shoot high school football games at night under very poor light and still get fair results but then again I have it married to the Nikon D5. I suggest you rent before you buy. I also have a Nikon 2.8 300mm lens I bought for doing the night football games. The 300 ended up sitting on the shelf at home.

FRANK H.

2016-06-18T07:44:32

Very fast focus even in low light. Yes it does have the vignetting issues you see people talking about, but is very fixable in post. Works great with Nikon AF-S TC-14E III Teleconverter with no loss but not so well with Nikon TC-20E III AF-S Teleconverter. Large lens use filters in the back and takes some getting used to. Over all it's one amazing lens. Doesn't seem (to me) to be as heavy as everyone makes it out to be. I may change my mind once the newness wears off. Yes I would recommend it. Yes I would buy it again.

KEITH C.

2015-05-10T20:00:00

For a wildlife lens, the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 zoom lens offers the best combination of resolution, contrast, flexible focal length, and manageable size on the market. Below is a photo of a male African Lion taken with a Nikon D3 camera body at a shutter speed of 1/200 of a second, an aperture of f/7.1, a focal length of 380mm, an ISO of 200, Matrix Metering, Auto White Balance, and fill flash from a Nikon SB-800.

Scripps23

Originally posted at

2014-10-28T21:00:00

This lens is acceptably sharp throughout its range. Not too heavy, compared to my 400 2.8, and reasonably compact. I'm now predominately a wild-life shooter. This lens lets me trek with two lenses, two converters (1.3 & 1.7), two bodies, tripod and monopod. Unless I know I'll need the 400 2.8 it can stay off my back. Don't get me wrong, this lens is not a substitute for the 400 2.8 when shooting at dusk and dawn or into hidden dens and nests. I don't miss the 2.8 as much as I thought I would as EXPEED4 handles higher ISOs so well. This lens does exactly what it is intended to do at reasonable heft and size.

WARREN S.

2014-10-22T20:00:00

I've been shooting with this lens for the last two years and prior to that the first version for four and a half years. It is as fine a lens as can be had for birds in flight, hand carried, as well as anything else. It's versatility is second to none. Some may complain about it sharpness but I haven't experienced that except when out at longer distances like 200 to 300 yards. Then again even the large primes have their limits and are not as versatile. I used to smile when getting on line and asking what the finest lens was for birds in flight and would always read the Canon 100-400. My shooting friends that shoot with it, now know it's not in the same class. It wasn't until two years ago that Canon finally came out with their 200-400. The lens and camera weigh 10.5 lbs. I'm not exceptionally strong being 68 years old but do hand carry it with no sling, allowing me to shoot at any angle. Getting close is the key to taking great photos and lots of practice. Don't be one that just sits and admires the lens, go out and shoot and shoot and shoot. By the way I've come to depend on three shot bursts multiple times if needed. I wish all of you happy shooting.

RonC

Originally posted at

2014-04-25T20:00:00

Just received this lens on 4/23/2014. This lens has fast focus speed, VRII works excellent. For a wildlife photographer the 70-200 F2.8 and the 200-400 F4 will cover 90% of your needs. We sold the 500mm F4 and replaced it with this lens for the added capabilities of the zoom range. Just got back from photographing Mt Goats and this lens works excellent hand held with VR. Have not tried the 1.4 tele-converter but hope it works as good as it did with the 500mm.

Dennie

Originally posted at

2014-02-23T19:00:00

It's a great lens with smooth & fast focus & the VRII working perfect the most best thing in this lens you can go between the normal zoom 200mm to the super tele zoom 400mm I use it to photograph birds with the TC-14E II the focus will be little bet slower with the teleconverter the only problem is the wight of lens you will need a tripod to help you with it.

Raid

Originally posted at

2013-08-12T20:00:00

Il est un peu lourd et avec le pare-soleil il est tres encombrant (longueur) Ne peut s'utiliser à main levé comparativement au 300 mmf/2,8 Malgré tout c'est une exellente lentille pour le sport et la nature surtout les oiseaux

zipgate

Originally posted at

2013-01-04T19:00:00

I primarily shoot larger animals from less than 100 yards away; the flexibility of this zoom lens has helped me capture images that I would not otherwise have been able to get. The VR system works great, I have been able to get sharp shots at 400mm with a SS of 1/30th of a second. The two things I dislike most about the lens are how heavy it is and that it can be awkward to handle, especially inside a car. I also wish that Nikon would manufacture the tripod foot to already be notched for the "Arca-Style" tripod heads (just about every "professional" tripod head utilizes this style), it drives me crazy that after spending this kind of money on a lens that I now have to go out and purchase either a lens plate or replace the foot with an after-market version just so I can use my tripod.

TRAVIS G.

2012-12-04T19:00:00

I owned the VRI edition for seven years which I sold for the VRII edition. It's my main wildlife lens and I love it. It's sharp, versatile and fast. In the very beginning I had some issues regarding sharpness on long distances but that happened to be human error. Nowadays I use it on a D800E with the TC2.0III at F/8 and it is absolutely stunning.

Ducky

Originally posted at

2012-12-04T19:00:00

I have owned this lens for a few months now. I still am amazed at how clear and crisp the pictures are. I have had the wonderful opportunity of photographing NFL teams, many local high school teams, and the United States Olympic Wrestling Trials in Iowa. The clarity of the pictures made me look so good. Weight is only a problem if you don't use a monopod or tripod. I look forward to the photographic opportunities when I can use this amazing lens. I have now attached a 2x teleconverter and have taken simply amazing pictures of the moon. Very graphic and detailed. I can't wait for the next adventure when I get to use this lens.

Springfield J.

Originally posted at

2012-09-09T21:00:00

I had deliberated whether to purchase this lens or not because of its price point and some negative comments on the internet. I wish I had not waited because I love the 200-400. I've been a Nikon owner since my college days back in the sixties at IU and have always been satisfied with Nikon. I get a real kick out of this lens. It is sharp but a little heavy but I can easily shoot air shows and football with a monopod. I use a tripod with a gimbal mount when the situation permits it. I had owned the 80-400 Nikkor, but it doesn't touch this lens. I purchased the lens from Adorama in New York. I must say that these folks got the lens to me fast with no hassle.

JERRY L.

2012-05-28T20:00:00

The 200-400mm is sharp, fast to focus and great vr. Many people say that it is heavy, well is heavy, but not too heavy that made impossible carry in a hand hold. I walked 6 km with this lens on my hand, also in a rainforest, here in Brazil and don´t get any problem. I have a tripod for the 200-400mm, because the wildlife photography have some moments that you stay in a place for several hours, and this is a sittuation to use the tripod.

Victor-BRA

Originally posted at

2012-05-06T21:00:00

This lens is fast focusing and sharp. I am able to hand hold it and get track Ospreys in flight and diving. It is large and fairly heavy. Using a shoulder mount of chest support will make it usable for anyone who finds it too large or heavy by itself. A tripod with a gimble mount is another great way to use this outstanding lens. It is expensive but, in this case, you get what you pay for.

Arthur J.

2012-01-12T19:00:00

I find it interesting to read the other reviews. :) Sharper than its predecessor by far. I have put this lens through its paces for more than a year now on both a D700 and a D300s and it rocks. For both sports and wildlife an excellent choice. I shoot on a monopod with a ball head most of the time. Although having shot hand held when necessary. The results are sweet. I did have issues with deep crops and the 1.7 teleconverter at long distances with the D700 (I did not try this combination on the D300s). With the 1.4 teleconverter no issues at all on the D700 or the D300s. Remember at apertures above 5.6 on any body you may have focusing issues. Although with the D4 out now it appears that is no longer an issue, at least with the D4. There is so much that goes into getting the shot. Deep crops are always tough especially at long distances, as guaranteeing your focus point without it being locked on a tripod is very difficult. If you are shooting an elk at 500 yards the smallest movement can change your focus lock from the elk to the grass or tree. Therefor at distance I do not recommend that you hand hold this beast. With the DOF on a crop sensor being less than on an FX sensor the focus point becomes all that more important. I recommend a good solid support when shooting with this piece of glass. Alas per my wife you need a small Sherpa to carry this lens.

artizen65

Originally posted at

2011-11-28T19:00:00

Great lens! Just returned from Churchill shooting polar bears. Could not have gotten the shots without the focus speed and reach of this lens. Large aperture really makes subjects pop. Tack sharp and great resolution. Shooting with a full frame camera, and enlargements are superb. A little heavy, but a monopod works just fine.

PAUL B.

2011-11-23T19:00:00

If you are going on safari don't go without this lens. It's fast and give you great zoom. Perfect for flying birds and lions that are 20 feet away. A must lens for any wildlife photographer.

John W.

2011-11-20T19:00:00

The image quality is excellent. The lens a little on the heavy side, but again if you want great quality, you need glass and not plastic. The VR works great, much improvement from the previous version.

NatureGuy

Originally posted at

2011-05-04T20:00:00

Not for the faint of heart. This lens is the REAL deal, and takes getting used too. However, once you dial it in and realize you CANNOT shoot like you normally do. WOW...what results. Worth the Cost, weight and every other negative people may say. Just a FANTASTIC lens! Great job Nikon!!!!!!

Photo-Junke

Originally posted at

2011-04-23T20:00:00

this is an expensive and heavy lens and for the price its' performance should be stellar. should be. if you use it at relatively close ranges (ie under100m) it is a decent lens. but how often will you use a lens of this range at close range? i do surveillance work and it is always at long range. it is quite soft when you try to do really large crops with it. i was not pleased with the quality. i talked to others online who have (had) the lens and they experienced the same problems with it. so it is obviously a design problem. it is fine for shooting birds and such at close range, but pretty much worthless at long range. my 300 2.8 blows it out of the water even with a 2x attached to it. i no longer have the lens for obvious reasons.

mick7

Originally posted at

2011-04-14T20:00:00

I'm sorry to say in all the years I have used Nikon equipment I have never had any problems until I received the 200-400 lens. I sent the lens back to Nikon to have them look at a focus problem and Nikon did a minor repair with a major part. The lens did work better but when I received it back from Nikon it arrived with two dents on the shade holder ridge which Nikon said I sent in that condition..The lens also produces a soft image at all f stops.

Ed

Originally posted at

2011-04-13T20:00:00

Sometimes no one can explain how a lens turns out great. All the gods smile on a manufacturer and everything turns out right. That is what happened with this lens. Incredible detail, flexible. Shoot with a D3s and it just becomes an animal. The only downside is that it is heavy, but you need the work out anyway, right?

CalifDude

Originally posted at

2011-04-13T20:00:00

I own a lot of Nikon lenses but the 200-400 F4 is the greatest of them all. For absolute sharpness it is the best. It is not as heavy as I would have expected and in emergency situations where the action was happening and I did not have time to get my tripod out, I have handheld it and had great results. The case it comes in adds great protection. I wish Nikon would include such a case for all their larger lenses. The lens is very expensive but I have no regrets in getting it.

NikkorNut

Originally posted at

2011-04-13T20:00:00

So far it has been great. It is large and heavy so a monopod or tripod with a good head makes it easier to handle. You can shoot it handheld though. Photos are sharp and the focus is quick and dead-on. With double the reach of my 70-200 I'm looking forward to better wildlife shots. Even the lens case is incredible. Nikon quality throughout!!!

mac

Originally posted at

2011-02-05T19:00:00

It has been my pleasure to use my Nikkor 200-400 mm VRII for action photography of Para-gliders and aircraft at Air shows in B.C., Canada. This lens is ultrafast in focussing and I believe it is one of the sharpest zoom Nikkor lenses I have used in the 42 years that I have been a Nikkor shooter. I absolutely love this lens for bird photography and anywhere there is action. The fit and finish of the lens is superb and second to none.

Professor J.

Originally posted at

2011-02-01T19:00:00

A truly outstanding lens. I immediately took it to Lake Coeur d' Alene, ID for the annual Amer bald eagle presence of the salmon runs. The weather was very cold, windy and within two trips I had photography which will sell! I do a great deal of aviation, military and bird life photography around the country and I have desired this type of a lens for a very long time. While a heavy item, the rapid response and quality results makes it a winner. If you are a back country photographer using an ATV or a pack animal, take this lens with you! I look forward to future adventures with this outstanding technological. It's smooth, rapid focus and VR II technology is second to none. Way to go Nikon!

Jerry