Nanton, Alberta is abuzz with excitement as photographers test out Nikon’s latest innovation, the Nikkor Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR lens. This groundbreaking full-frame zoom lens offers an impressive 14.2 times zoom capability in a lightweight design. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this lens will revolutionize the photography world or if it comes with compromises that are too great to overlook.
In a market saturated with superzoom lenses, Nikon has taken a bold step with the 28-400mm f/4-8 lens for Z photographers. The DSLR era saw the popularity of superzooms, but the transition to mirrorless full-frame cameras left a void in long-reaching lenses. Nikon’s new offering fills that gap, providing photographers with an extensive zoom range rarely seen in the mirrorless world.
During a road trip to Nanton, Alberta, a photographer tested the pre-production sample of the Nikkor Z 28-400mm lens. Despite its lightweight construction, the lens extends significantly when zoomed, offering versatility in a variety of shooting scenarios. The lens’s focusing capabilities, powered by STM motors, proved smooth and reliable, particularly in the wide to normal range.
One of the main challenges with superzoom lenses is maintaining image quality across a wide focal range. The 28-400mm impressed with its sharpness and minimal distortion, even at the extremes of its zoom capabilities. While the aperture range may not suit all photographers, the lens’s ability to deliver excellent results in various shooting conditions makes it a compelling choice for many.
Moreover, the lens’s close-up capabilities allow for creative shots with different perspectives, adding to its overall versatility. The Nikkor Z 28-400mm proves to be a jack-of-all-trades, suitable for a wide range of photographic subjects, from landscapes to close-up portraits.
Overall, Nikon’s latest superzoom lens offers a good balance of performance and convenience, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. While it may not satisfy the most demanding professionals, the lens’s ability to cover a wide range of focal lengths with impressive image quality makes it a standout option for enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.