Nikon Z System. The Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S was designed specifically for cameras in Nikon’s full-frame Z-mount system. Z-mount lenses only work with Z-mount cameras, and Z-mount cameras are only natively compatible with Z-mount lenses.

Fast-Aperture Super-Telephoto Prime. The 400 f/2.8 TC VR S’s super-telephoto length makes it perfect for sports and wildlife photographers, and anyone else who needs an extra-long reach. Its fast f/2.8 aperture offers some shallow depth of field, while allowing you to keep shooting even when the lights get dim. Its built-in 1.4x teleconverter lets you switch to an effective 560mm f/4, giving you even more reach. While this lens was designed for FX-format cameras, you can also use it with DX-format cameras on which it’ll provide a 267mm equivalent focal length—374mm with the teleconverter engaged.

Need Even More Reach? Sometimes, even the extended 560mm focal length afforded by the built-in 1.4x teleconverter won’t quite cut it. Luckily, this lens is compatible with the Nikon Z TC-1.4x and TC-2x teleconverters, which will further extend your maximum reach to 784mm and 1120mm, respectively.

Vibration Reduction. The built-in vibration reduction provides up to five stops of correction for minimizing camera shake at slower shutter speeds and producing sharper results when shooting hand-held. When you pair this lens with compatible cameras that have sensor-shift vibration reduction, you can use Synchro Vibration Reduction, which combines in-body vibration reduction with optical vibration reduction for improved results.

Voice Coil Motor Autofocus System. This lens’s autofocus system is based around a Voice Coil Motor that uses magnets to give you fast, smooth, accurate, and nearly silent performance that’s particularly suited to video applications. You shouldn’t use this lens if you have a pacemaker or other medical device that could malfunction due to exposure to magnets. You also get full-time manual focusing for precision adjustments, while the internal-focusing design means that the lens maintains its length during focusing. An 8.2 foot minimum focusing distance and 0.17x maximum magnification (0.23x with the teleconverter) lets you get in pretty close.

Advanced Optics. The 400mm’s 19-group/25-element optical system includes 2 fluorite elements, 1 short-wave refractive index element, and 2 extra-low dispersion elements. A new Meso Amorphous coating on the lens elements offers superlative anti-reflection performance, while the ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings also help keep ghosting, reflections, and flares at bay. A fluorine finish on the front and rear elements helps prevent smudging.