Used Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens

2025-07-04T08:15:58

Let me be clear, this is not the sharpest lens on the planet. That being said it is plenty sharp enough for me and my needs. Paired with the Nikon Z5 I had a focus that was sharp only about 15% of the time shooting wildlife at 400mm, paired with the Z5II the hit rate increased to around 85% and was tack sharp 28-400mm. Even with the original Z5 shooting landscape, this lens hit the mark almost all the time. It can easily generate a solid quality 11x14 print I can be proud of. The lens is shockingly good from 28-70 or so. Above that it is more than adequate and at 400 it is weaker than others, but it is still good for my current needs. You won't be picking birds out of the shadows with it, but that is not in my requirements and I don't think it can be done for the price point either. I bought this lens as a single lens solution for a trip tp the Arctic

JOHN S.

2025-02-26T08:17:36

I am using this lens on a Nikon Z6iii and a Nikon Z50ii and it performs very well on both cameras. I'm particularly impressed with its telephoto reach on the crop censored Z50ii. I was able to capture nesting birds a great distance away at 400mm (35mm effective equivalent of 600mm). Even with significant cropping in post the images are very sharp.

Paul M.

2025-02-14T07:37:46

High dynamic range with modern sensors and astonishing de-noising software (like DxO), acquiring very large, heavy and expensive fast aperture lenses have become far less desirable for me as a hobbyist. The zoom range and versatility of this lens simply cannot be matched. Mounted on a Z6III or Z50II, it handles well, it's extremely portable, and relatively speaking, the image quality is quite excellent. 28-400 on a full frame or 42-600(!!) on a crop sensor in such a small package is just incredible. VR is effective, even at 600mm equiv. on an IBIS-less Z50 II. It's a keeper.

THOMAS J.

2025-02-11T16:02:10

Great lens. What other lens will allow you to shot wildlife and then turn around and shoot a landscape. Sure it's a little slow but crank up the ISO and fix it in post.

Bowdon H.

2025-02-11T10:30:10

I am totally happy with this lens.

ROBERT W.

2025-02-11T09:28:54

Great versatile lens! I've enjoyed this lens, as I use it while hiking in the mountains - having one lens for 28-400 is game-changing.

SUE R.

2025-02-09T08:27:28

Mounted to a Nikon Zfc this lens gave me what I wanted. A useful lens for wildlife, with a 35 mm equivalent focal length longer that 400 mm, a lens weight about or lower than 750 g, and sharp images.

ALVIN J.

2025-01-15T13:39:33

Over the winter holidays I went to South America and was excited to bring my Nikon z8. My significant other was not so excited; she loathes my toting a large camera and futzing around to take pictures, so it was important that I minimize both the amount of stuff and the futzing required. This lens was the perfect compromise. The image quality seemed great to me and the speed wasn't a major issue (auto-iso and good de-noising can help when light isn't abundant). It is also a great first lens so you can figure out which focal lengths you use the most, before investing in faster lenses with a narrower zoom range or a prime.

Stephen M.

2024-12-17T15:10:18

Overall, this is an excellent multipurpose single solution lens for travel or when carrying multiple bodies is not feasible. It is light weight, portable, and produces very good to excellent results in most circumstances (except perhaps in low light at certain focal lengths or when freezing motion in less than perfect conditions). The lens works well for indoor flash photography, too. For me, this replaced a Nikon Z 24-200 f/4-6.3 and there was no looking back. It did not replace my Z 24-70 f/2.8 or Z 70-200 f/2.8 S lenses for more specialized purposes, but works well on Z6ii and Z6iii bodies. In at least one instance, I was able to obtain better images hand held inside a theatre with this lens at 400mm f/8 as compared to a AF-S 200-500 f/5.6 at the same focal length and aperture on a D780 due to significantly less fatigue. Although I was apprehensive at first, this lens is really great for "doing everything" if you are realistic about its limitations. Definitely buy a copy!

ROBERT M.

2024-10-03T08:00:29

So far, very easy to use, lightweight, great zoom capabilities, highly recommend for an overall everyday lense.

THERESA P.

2024-09-11T08:30:40

Love the size / weight of the lens and the lock (to prevent the zoom from opening up while carrying). I'm now able to grab a single bag and be ready for 90% of the shooting types I do. Picture quality seems more than adequate for my taste.

DALE W.

2024-07-19T04:44:16

I'm quite happy with this lens. It has become my primary lens since it is small enough and light enough to carry while hiking. The zoom range covers almost everything I need.

LINDA S.

2024-07-11T12:44:51

It is going to be a great one-lens for travel so don't have to change lenses in wet or dusty weather. Acceptably sharp and focuses quickly. Has a lock at 28mm but doesn't travel when carrying it at other focal lengths. Not too heavy on a Nikon Z6iii. Only used it in bright light so far so the f.4-8 hasn't been an issue.

HARRY K.

2024-07-10T11:59:18

Excellent camera, I am just a novice but my y pictures have improved remarkablely.

SCOTT F.

2024-07-04T15:39:16

If you are looking for a lens for sports photography this is not the lens for you. However it is a great lens for almost everything. The lens is sharp, focuses quickly and is very versatile. It will not replace my faster sports lenses, but it will be on my cera continuously when I am not working. I am very pleased with the lens. It will make anyone a great travel or walk around lens.

Lon A.

2024-07-04T05:12:49

Haven't used it extensively but has worked well at local lake for 28mm vista and at 400mm for picking out details. Was able to track a flying heron at 400mm. Close ups when it landed at various focal ranges. Zoomed smoothly and no creep when hanging on neck strap. So far haven't had issue with the f-stop range as was bright outside so haven't tested in poor light situations. I'm not a pixel-peeper so all shots were acceptably sharp. A good one lens for travel.

HARRY K.

2024-06-05T05:11:51

The lens more than lives up to its advertised purpose, which is to take sharp pictures over a long range of focal distances, as long as light is abundant. I took pictures of a soccer scrimmage on a bright spring day and I really enjoyed the versatility and was impressed with the quality. I mainly bought it as a travel lens. My wife hates it when I stop to change lenses on trips. Now I'll just bring this lens (and my 40mm f/2 prime for any indoor shots).

PAUL B.

2024-05-30T09:22:57

Handsome and useful lens which serves as a walk around.

H.S G.

2024-05-10T08:34:08

I ordered mine the day the announcement came out for this lens. I am finding it very sharp throughout the zoom range considering the large zoom range on the lens. I bought it because my wife and I will be doing some international travel over the next couple of months and find this lens will cover almost everything I would want to shoot. The only reason why I did not give it 5 stars is it is not as sharp corner to corner as my Nikon Z 24-120 f/4 S.

DONALD A.

2024-05-02T05:58:00

Good all-round lens. Coupled with the Nikon Z8 camera, it provides a good lightweight combination for grab&go photo opportunities.

ELLEN J.

2024-05-02T02:46:18

Best all around lens I have. If you only can get a be lens or travel with just one lens, this is the one. Love it

Joy J.

2024-04-23T10:18:45

I've only spent a weekend with it and I am absolutely happy with this purchase. I was really excited about being able to replace the f-mount 28-300. This is so much lighter, and much more compact without the FTZ adapter. I actually got a chance to test it out immediately. My wife had a work event where I was able to grab some great shots. I was also able to shoot at my niece's horse show. Granted, I'm still very new to this and am only a hobbyist at best. But, for my purposes... I think this lens performs great. I did notice that it's a bit darker than usual indoors, even at the wide end. So, I would recommend LOTS of natural light, or a flash. But outdoors... this lens is a one stop shop! This is going to make for a phenomenal travel lens. I found the AF to have all the speed it needs throughout the focal range. I was shooting at wide open across the range at 1/1000 sec and Auto-ISO, Auto-Area AF on the Z7.

MICHAEL S.

2024-04-19T12:20:38

I just received this new Nikon 28 to 400 MM Z-mount lens and took a few pics by the side of the road to see how well it works. 400, 200, 70, and 28mm shots. ISO-500, F9, at 1/320 of a second. All very quick batch edit in Lightroom, so everything is the same. The build is very solid but I think it is a little pricy and for the money Nikon should have put at least one function button on the lens. Performed better than I thought it would. This will make a nice travel lens.

CURT K.