Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR review: monster zoom range, and then some...

The Nikon Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR gives you everything from wide-angle coverage to super-telephoto reach at the twist of a ring.

Nikon Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR
(Image: © Matthew Richards)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Who needs an interchangeable lens camera when the Nikon Z 28-400mm F4-8 VR goes from wide-angle to super-telephoto in a single optic? As tempting as it is though, with its humungous zoom range and excellent performance for a ‘super-zoom’ lens, I still often prefer using the right tool for the job, which can equate to a lens with a faster aperture. Maybe that’s why I bought an interchangeable lens camera in the first place.

Pros

  • +

    Epic zoom range

  • +

    Very versatile

  • +

    Good image quality

Cons

  • -

    Slow telephoto aperture rating

  • -

    No AF/MF or VR on/off switches

  • -

    Big physical extension at long zoom

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

I’m generally a fan of ‘super-zoom’ lenses for walkabout and travel photography. They give me the ability to react to unfolding photo opportunities at the flick of a wrist, rather than swapping between lenses or carrying around more than I need. I’ve been almost universally impressed with Nikon’s Z-mount lenses, including lenses for the Z 7 II, lenses for the Z 8 and Z 9 and lenses for the Z fc, which deliver fabulous image quality and all-round performance pretty much across the board.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Mount optionsNikon Z
Lens construction21 elements in 15 groups
Angle of view75-6.2 degrees
Diaphragm blades9
Minimum aperturef/22-45
Minimum focus distance0.2-1.2m
Maximum magnification0.35x (28mm)
Filter size77mm
Dimensions85x142mm
Weight725g
Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR

At 77x114mm and 570g, the Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR is a smaller, lighter super-zoom lens that’s more travel-friendly and only costs about two-thirds as much to buy. It also has a more generous maximum viewing angle, although it naturally loses out on super-telephoto reach.

Nikon Z DX 18-140mm F3.5-6.3 VR

For DX format Z system cameras, the Nikon Z DX 18-140mm F3.5-6.3 VR is an attractive super-zoom lens that gives an ‘effective’ 27-210mm zoom range, thanks to the APS-C crop factor. It’s particularly compact and lightweight, at 73x90mm and 315g, and costs about half as much to buy as the Z 28-400mm lens.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1