All AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm images courtesy of Nikon USA.
Among the events lined up by Nikon for this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the announcement of its new AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E C1.4 FL ED VR super-telephoto zoom lens. Designed to be suited for sports and wildlife photography, the professional FX-format lens promises to be more versatile than ever with the latest NIKKOR lens technologies. Nikon’s first ever built-in teleconverter and advanced optical formula are part of the updates made to enhance performance and minimize weight.
The new pro-level super-telephoto zoom lens was made to be extra versatile with its extended wide range of 180-400mm. With a maximum aperture of f/4, capturing subjects even in challenging lighting is made easy. As the first NIKKOR lens to have a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, photographers can seamlessly switch to a 252 – 560mm (FX-format focal range) with just the flick of a switch. Using the lens on the Nikon D500 and other DX-format DSLRs will also result in an equivalent focal length of 270-600mm (378-840mm with teleconverter engaged).
Nikon mentioned other features and new technologies that make the new NIKKOR lens perfect for fast-paced sporting events and distant wildlife subjects. These include enhanced AF tracking algorithm of the motor drive and advanced 153-point AF system (which will be available with a firmware upgrade for D5, D850, and D500 by March 2018).
The lens also uses a fluorite element and a durable magnesium alloy construction to improve balance and minimize weight. Its optical formula, meanwhile, has eight Extra Low Dispersion (ED) elements, twice as much ED elements as that of its predecessor; the NIKKOR 200 – 400mm.
The new AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E C1.4 FL ED VR will be available in March 2018 for a suggested retail price of $12,399.95.
Here are the full technical specifications of the new AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E C1.4 FL ED VR super-telephoto zoom lens:
Product Name: AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR
Mount Type: Type E AF-S lens with built-in CPU and F mount (1.4x Teleconverter built-in)
Focal Length Range: 180-400mm (With built-in TC 252-560 mm)
Zoom Ratio: 2.2x
Maximum Aperture: f/4 (With built-in TC engaged, f/5.6)
Minimum Aperture: f/32 (With built-in TC engaged, f/45)
Format: FX/35mm
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format): 9°
Minimum Angle of View (DX-format): 4°
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) with built-in Teleconverter: 6°20′
Minimum Angle of View (DX-format) with built-in Teleconverter: 2°50′
Maximum Angle of View (FX-format): 13°40′
Minimum Angle of View (FX-format): 6°10′
Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) with built-in Teleconverter: 9°50′
Minimum Angle of View (FX-format) with built-in Teleconverter: 4°30′
Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.25x (at 400 mm), 0.36x (at 560 mm)
Lens Elements: 27
Built-in Teleconverter Lens Elements: 8
Lens Groups: 19
Built-in Teleconverter Lens Groups: 5
Compatible Format(s): FX, DX
VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization: Yes
Diaphragm Blades: 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Distance Information: Yes
Nano Crystal Coat: Yes
ED Glass Elements: 8
Fluorite Elements: 1
Fluorine Coat: Yes
Super Integrated Coating: Yes
Autofocus: Yes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor): Yes
Internal Focusing: Yes
Minimum Focus Distance: 6.6 ft. (2.0 m) from focal plane
Focus Mode: Manual, Manual/Auto, Auto/Manual
E-type: Yes
Filter Size: 40.5mm
Accepts Filter Type: Drop-in filter
Dimensions (Diameter x Length): Approx. 5.0 in. (128.0 mm) x 14.2 in. (362.5 mm) — Distance from camera lens mount flange; Based on CIPA Guidelines
Weight: Approx. 7 lbs. 11.4 oz. (3,500 g); Based on CIPA Guidelines
Lens Type: Zoom
Lens Category: People & Events, Sports & Action, Nature & Wildlife