Nikon introduces 180-400mm telephoto zoom with built-in teleconverter

Nikon has announced a new telephoto zoom with a focal length of 180 to 400mm, which can be increased to 252 to 560mm with the built-in 1.4x teleconverter. The lens will cost 11,999 euros.

With the AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR, Nikon is targeting professional users for capturing sports moments or wildlife photographers. When the teleconverter is used, the f/4 lens loses one stop of brightness; the maximum aperture then becomes f/5.6.

Designed for Nikon’s FX mount for full-frame cameras, the 180-400mm lens is Nikon’s first lens with a built-in teleconverter. On cameras with an aps-c sensor and the DX mount, such as the Nikon D500, the focal length is 270-600mm, or 378-840mm with a magnification of 1.4.

The optical construction consists of 27 lens elements in 19 groups. Nikon uses eight Extra-low Dispersion elements and the diaphragm consists of nine blades. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of two meters, measured from the sensor plane. Furthermore, the lens has a fluorite lens element to save weight, among other things, and 40.5 mm plug-in filters can be used.

Nikon has used a magnesium alloy in the construction of the lens, which, according to the manufacturer, has saved weight, and the lens is sealed against dust and moisture. Nikon has also applied a fluorine layer for weather resistance. The telephoto zoom weighs 3.5 kg.

The aperture can only be set electrically via the camera settings. According to Nikon, the autofocus motor’s tracking algorithm has been improved so that fast objects and subjects can be better captured. The lens has VR image stabilization, which must compensate up to four stops. The lens will be available from March 8, for a price of 11,999 euros.