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Just notified B&H is shipping my Z 400/4.5 VR S

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Steve W

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It’s 30-Aug-2022 and I just received a notice from B&H that the shipped the new Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S prime lens and its on its way. I ordered mine at 4.25 AM EDT on June 29th. The started taking orders at 12:00 AM that day. So basically a two month wait.

Just wanted to let others know. Now I have to decide if I keep it or not. New to Nikon since this past February when I took delivery of my Z9 which I ordered in October 2021.

Also now have the AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR which I bought mint used with FTZ II and TC-14E III to use it out to 750mm.
Prior to ordering this lens I bought the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S not knowing the had a plan for the 400/4.5.

I’ve been watching all the YouTube videos and reviews comparing these three lenses trying to decide what to do and what to keep. I guess I now have a few weeks to make up my mind.

what have others done?
 
I've had the 400mm f4.5 for a few weeks and plan to keep that and the 100-400. I'm liking both lenses very much. I have the 1.4X TC attached to the 400 f4.5 to get to 560mm and love the minimum focus distance of the 100-400. I normally have both fitted to Z9's for zoos and airshows, and use a 24-120mm as an all purpose lens if I don't need the longer length. I have the 800 f6.3 on order, so will probably sell my 500 PF to partially fund that.
 
ajr images said:
I've had the 400mm f4.5 for a few weeks and plan to keep that and the 100-400. I'm liking both lenses very much. I have the 1.4X TC attached to the 400 f4.5 to get to 560mm and love the minimum focus distance of the 100-400. I normally have both fitted to Z9's for zoos and airshows, and use a 24-120mm as an all purpose lens if I don't need the longer length. I have the 800 f6.3 on order, so will probably sell my 500 PF to partially fund that.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your input. I did not plan to order the 800/6.3 but maybe I should reconsider it. That would definitely eliminate the need for a 500/5.6E PF and it’s TC to get to 750.

--

Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe! - Words to live by. Albert Einstein
 
I had the 70-200mm f/2.8S with the TC1.4x, so I skipped the 100-400mm. I didn't want to buy the 500mm PF because it's an expensive F lens, and I already own the 200-500mm f/5.6. When the 400mm f/4.5 was announced I ordered it instead, and I haven't been disappointed. It's super sharp and really convenient to carry around. Now I'm selling the 200-500mm f/5.6 and I have ordered the TC2x as well.

When I go to the zoo, I use the 70-200mm with the TC1.4x. When I go birding I use the 400mm f/4.5 with both teleconverters.
 
Well I now have the Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S in my hands and will have to start my own evaluation. I think I have read/watched every review on the 400/4.5 at this point so I’m making a list of very specific tests I will want to do for myself. Also will now have to decide the best way to use it.

For instance since I have the Z 70-200/2.8 VR S with 1.4x TC can I get lense plus’s the 400/4.5 to cover together what I woul shoot with the 100-400/4.5=5.6 s so I should or should not sell that.

We will see. Take care all.
 
Steve W said:
ajr images said:
I've had the 400mm f4.5 for a few weeks and plan to keep that and the 100-400. I'm liking both lenses very much. I have the 1.4X TC attached to the 400 f4.5 to get to 560mm and love the minimum focus distance of the 100-400. I normally have both fitted to Z9's for zoos and airshows, and use a 24-120mm as an all purpose lens if I don't need the longer length. I have the 800 f6.3 on order, so will probably sell my 500 PF to partially fund that.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your input. I did not plan to order the 800/6.3 but maybe I should reconsider it. That would definitely eliminate the need for a 500/5.6E PF and it’s TC to get to 750.
Click to expand...
700. Not 750.
 
BasilG said:
Steve W said:
ajr images said:
I've had the 400mm f4.5 for a few weeks and plan to keep that and the 100-400. I'm liking both lenses very much. I have the 1.4X TC attached to the 400 f4.5 to get to 560mm and love the minimum focus distance of the 100-400. I normally have both fitted to Z9's for zoos and airshows, and use a 24-120mm as an all purpose lens if I don't need the longer length. I have the 800 f6.3 on order, so will probably sell my 500 PF to partially fund that.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your input. I did not plan to order the 800/6.3 but maybe I should reconsider it. That would definitely eliminate the need for a 500/5.6E PF and it’s TC to get to 750.
Click to expand...
700. Not 750.
Click to expand...
My error. Thanks for catching that.
 
This gives me hope that my order will ship soon. I ordered after you but I'm NPS (didn't notice if you are or not, OP). I was hoping to have it for a recent work trip, but that has come and gone. Now I hope it shows up before the next work trip in a few weeks.

On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
 
Last edited:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
 
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
I hope we'll get to see some more photos of the nuclear pore complex. ;)
 
BasilG said:
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
I hope we'll get to see some more photos of the nuclear pore complex. ;)
Click to expand...
Haha, will use the most recent cover of the Science I happen to have lying around. So won't be the same. Also plan to include a test of VR off and on and in sport mode out of curiosity.
 
NeedMorePractice said:
This gives me hope that my order will ship soon. I ordered after you but I'm NPS (didn't notice if you are or not, OP). I was hoping to have it for a recent work trip, but that has come and gone. Now I hope it shows up before the next work trip in a few weeks.

On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
FYI, I am not an NPS member.
 
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
Will be interested in your comparison. I plan to compare my Z 400/f4.5 to my 500mm PF. Hadn't ordered a Z 2.0X TC yet but would compare it will my 500mm PF with TC-14E III at 700mm.
 
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
Will be interested in your comparison. I plan to compare my Z 400/f4.5 to my 500mm PF. Hadn't ordered a Z 2.0X TC yet but would compare it will my 500mm PF with TC-14E III at 700mm.
Click to expand...
I did a comparison of the Z 400/4.5 plus 1.4TC with the 500mm PF bare and found them to be essentially the same under the conditions I tested (handheld, distance, etc). I would think the 500mm PF plus a 1.4TC would be better than the 400mm f/4.5 plus the Z 2.0TC, most lenses take a 1.4TC very well. And one would be comparing 700mm versus 800mm, f/8 versus f/9. Enjoy your 400mm!
 
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
Will be interested in your comparison. I plan to compare my Z 400/f4.5 to my 500mm PF. Hadn't ordered a Z 2.0X TC yet but would compare it will my 500mm PF with TC-14E III at 700mm.
Click to expand...
I did a comparison of the Z 400/4.5 plus 1.4TC with the 500mm PF bare and found them to be essentially the same under the conditions I tested (handheld, distance, etc). I would think the 500mm PF plus a 1.4TC would be better than the 400mm f/4.5 plus the Z 2.0TC, most lenses take a 1.4TC very well. And one would be comparing 700mm versus 800mm, f/8 versus f/9. Enjoy your 400mm!
Click to expand...
If what you say proves out where the 500 PF and 400/4.5 + 1.4TC are pretty much identical would there be a real reason to keep the 400/4.5? The 500/PF used was $650 less than the new 400/4.5 but that difference does not take into account the $250 spent for the FTZ II needed to buy.
 
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
Will be interested in your comparison. I plan to compare my Z 400/f4.5 to my 500mm PF. Hadn't ordered a Z 2.0X TC yet but would compare it will my 500mm PF with TC-14E III at 700mm.
Click to expand...
I did a comparison of the Z 400/4.5 plus 1.4TC with the 500mm PF bare and found them to be essentially the same under the conditions I tested (handheld, distance, etc). I would think the 500mm PF plus a 1.4TC would be better than the 400mm f/4.5 plus the Z 2.0TC, most lenses take a 1.4TC very well. And one would be comparing 700mm versus 800mm, f/8 versus f/9. Enjoy your 400mm!
Click to expand...
If what you say proves out where the 500 PF and 400/4.5 + 1.4TC are pretty much identical would there be a real reason to keep the 400/4.5? The 500/PF used was $650 less than the new 400/4.5 but that difference does not take into account the $250 spent for the FTZ II needed to buy.
Click to expand...
To be honest, no real reason to keep the 400/4.5. It is my only Z lens and I haven't seen any real advantage to using it over F lenses, though others have claimed that they are much better. The 400mm allows me to remove the TC and shoot f/4.5, so some advantage for low light (ie. for photographing owls). However the 500mm allows me to put on the 1.4tc and get 700mm. The other "advantage" these days to keeping both is that if, for example my 500mm PF has to be sent in for repair (it has been used constantly for 4 years now), I have a backup (or if somehow I break the 400mm lens). But it has been only about a month with the 400mm. I did find it better for getting shots of owls flying at dusk:

https://flic.kr/p/2nGkotx
 
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
Will be interested in your comparison. I plan to compare my Z 400/f4.5 to my 500mm PF. Hadn't ordered a Z 2.0X TC yet but would compare it will my 500mm PF with TC-14E III at 700mm.
Click to expand...
I did a comparison of the Z 400/4.5 plus 1.4TC with the 500mm PF bare and found them to be essentially the same under the conditions I tested (handheld, distance, etc). I would think the 500mm PF plus a 1.4TC would be better than the 400mm f/4.5 plus the Z 2.0TC, most lenses take a 1.4TC very well. And one would be comparing 700mm versus 800mm, f/8 versus f/9. Enjoy your 400mm!
Click to expand...
If what you say proves out where the 500 PF and 400/4.5 + 1.4TC are pretty much identical would there be a real reason to keep the 400/4.5? The 500/PF used was $650 less than the new 400/4.5 but that difference does not take into account the $250 spent for the FTZ II needed to buy.
Click to expand...
To be honest, no real reason to keep the 400/4.5. It is my only Z lens and I haven't seen any real advantage to using it over F lenses, though others have claimed that they are much better. The 400mm allows me to remove the TC and shoot f/4.5, so some advantage for low light (ie. for photographing owls). However the 500mm allows me to put on the 1.4tc and get 700mm. The other "advantage" these days to keeping both is that if, for example my 500mm PF has to be sent in for repair (it has been used constantly for 4 years now), I have a backup (or if somehow I break the 400mm lens). But it has been only about a month with the 400mm. I did find it better for getting shots of owls flying at dusk:

https://flic.kr/p/2nGkotx
Click to expand...
Well I’ve started testing on my Z9, first without my 1.4x TC, and AF seems very fast, surprised me. I will have to remount the 500 PF to compare. Also with normal VR the image jumps like some other lenses. With VR in Sport mode that does not happen. Images look very sharp just viewed through the viewfinder. Will have to re-examine after loading on the computer. Currently shooting everything at f/4.5.
 
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
Will be interested in your comparison. I plan to compare my Z 400/f4.5 to my 500mm PF. Hadn't ordered a Z 2.0X TC yet but would compare it will my 500mm PF with TC-14E III at 700mm.
Click to expand...
I did a comparison of the Z 400/4.5 plus 1.4TC with the 500mm PF bare and found them to be essentially the same under the conditions I tested (handheld, distance, etc). I would think the 500mm PF plus a 1.4TC would be better than the 400mm f/4.5 plus the Z 2.0TC, most lenses take a 1.4TC very well. And one would be comparing 700mm versus 800mm, f/8 versus f/9. Enjoy your 400mm!
Click to expand...
If what you say proves out where the 500 PF and 400/4.5 + 1.4TC are pretty much identical would there be a real reason to keep the 400/4.5? The 500/PF used was $650 less than the new 400/4.5 but that difference does not take into account the $250 spent for the FTZ II needed to buy.
Click to expand...
To be honest, no real reason to keep the 400/4.5. It is my only Z lens and I haven't seen any real advantage to using it over F lenses, though others have claimed that they are much better. The 400mm allows me to remove the TC and shoot f/4.5, so some advantage for low light (ie. for photographing owls). However the 500mm allows me to put on the 1.4tc and get 700mm. The other "advantage" these days to keeping both is that if, for example my 500mm PF has to be sent in for repair (it has been used constantly for 4 years now), I have a backup (or if somehow I break the 400mm lens). But it has been only about a month with the 400mm. I did find it better for getting shots of owls flying at dusk:

https://flic.kr/p/2nGkotx
Click to expand...
Well I’ve started testing on my Z9, first without my 1.4x TC, and AF seems very fast, surprised me. I will have to remount the 500 PF to compare. Also with normal VR the image jumps like some other lenses. With VR in Sport mode that does not happen. Images look very sharp just viewed through the viewfinder. Will have to re-examine after loading on the computer. Currently shooting everything at f/4.5.
Click to expand...
Yes I also saw the jump in regular VR mode and have switched to Sport mode. If you are testing, it would be interesting to see if the camera/lens mounted on a tripod shooting for a longer exposure (ie. 1/100) is less sharp with VR on in full mode compare to off or in Sports mode.

PS. I was somewhat disappointed that one still sees this jump when the VR engages on the Z lenses. Maybe it is slightly less than the jump with the 500mm F lens? But still quite noticeable and when focussing on a small bird at a long distances, can throw the focus point off.
 
Last edited:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
Will be interested in your comparison. I plan to compare my Z 400/f4.5 to my 500mm PF. Hadn't ordered a Z 2.0X TC yet but would compare it will my 500mm PF with TC-14E III at 700mm.
Click to expand...
I did a comparison of the Z 400/4.5 plus 1.4TC with the 500mm PF bare and found them to be essentially the same under the conditions I tested (handheld, distance, etc). I would think the 500mm PF plus a 1.4TC would be better than the 400mm f/4.5 plus the Z 2.0TC, most lenses take a 1.4TC very well. And one would be comparing 700mm versus 800mm, f/8 versus f/9. Enjoy your 400mm!
Click to expand...
If what you say proves out where the 500 PF and 400/4.5 + 1.4TC are pretty much identical would there be a real reason to keep the 400/4.5? The 500/PF used was $650 less than the new 400/4.5 but that difference does not take into account the $250 spent for the FTZ II needed to buy.
Click to expand...
To be honest, no real reason to keep the 400/4.5. It is my only Z lens and I haven't seen any real advantage to using it over F lenses, though others have claimed that they are much better. The 400mm allows me to remove the TC and shoot f/4.5, so some advantage for low light (ie. for photographing owls). However the 500mm allows me to put on the 1.4tc and get 700mm. The other "advantage" these days to keeping both is that if, for example my 500mm PF has to be sent in for repair (it has been used constantly for 4 years now), I have a backup (or if somehow I break the 400mm lens). But it has been only about a month with the 400mm. I did find it better for getting shots of owls flying at dusk:

https://flic.kr/p/2nGkotx
Click to expand...
Well I’ve started testing on my Z9, first without my 1.4x TC, and AF seems very fast, surprised me. I will have to remount the 500 PF to compare. Also with normal VR the image jumps like some other lenses. With VR in Sport mode that does not happen. Images look very sharp just viewed through the viewfinder. Will have to re-examine after loading on the computer. Currently shooting everything at f/4.5.
Click to expand...
Yes I also saw the jump in regular VR mode and have switched to Sport mode. If you are testing, it would be interesting to see if the camera/lens mounted on a tripod shooting for a longer exposure (ie. 1/100) is less sharp with VR on in full mode compare to off or in Sports mode.
Click to expand...
I will have to see. Long time habits typically have me turn VR off on a tripod but it’s unfortunate there is no external switch to tun it off. Can a button be programmed to do this?
 
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
Steve W said:
Ricardo00 said:
NeedMorePractice said:
On a positive note, my 2x teleconverter showed up recently, so that has held me over while I await the 400.
Click to expand...
Just was notified from B&H that my 2X Teleconverter was shipped (been on the waitlist for several months). Guess a batch of those were shipped out by Nikon. Can't wait to try it on my Z400/f4.5 and compare to the 500mm PF plus 1.7TC.
Click to expand...
Will be interested in your comparison. I plan to compare my Z 400/f4.5 to my 500mm PF. Hadn't ordered a Z 2.0X TC yet but would compare it will my 500mm PF with TC-14E III at 700mm.
Click to expand...
I did a comparison of the Z 400/4.5 plus 1.4TC with the 500mm PF bare and found them to be essentially the same under the conditions I tested (handheld, distance, etc). I would think the 500mm PF plus a 1.4TC would be better than the 400mm f/4.5 plus the Z 2.0TC, most lenses take a 1.4TC very well. And one would be comparing 700mm versus 800mm, f/8 versus f/9. Enjoy your 400mm!
Click to expand...
If what you say proves out where the 500 PF and 400/4.5 + 1.4TC are pretty much identical would there be a real reason to keep the 400/4.5? The 500/PF used was $650 less than the new 400/4.5 but that difference does not take into account the $250 spent for the FTZ II needed to buy.
Click to expand...
To be honest, no real reason to keep the 400/4.5. It is my only Z lens and I haven't seen any real advantage to using it over F lenses, though others have claimed that they are much better. The 400mm allows me to remove the TC and shoot f/4.5, so some advantage for low light (ie. for photographing owls). However the 500mm allows me to put on the 1.4tc and get 700mm. The other "advantage" these days to keeping both is that if, for example my 500mm PF has to be sent in for repair (it has been used constantly for 4 years now), I have a backup (or if somehow I break the 400mm lens). But it has been only about a month with the 400mm. I did find it better for getting shots of owls flying at dusk:

https://flic.kr/p/2nGkotx
Click to expand...
Well I’ve started testing on my Z9, first without my 1.4x TC, and AF seems very fast, surprised me. I will have to remount the 500 PF to compare. Also with normal VR the image jumps like some other lenses. With VR in Sport mode that does not happen. Images look very sharp just viewed through the viewfinder. Will have to re-examine after loading on the computer. Currently shooting everything at f/4.5.
Click to expand...
Yes I also saw the jump in regular VR mode and have switched to Sport mode. If you are testing, it would be interesting to see if the camera/lens mounted on a tripod shooting for a longer exposure (ie. 1/100) is less sharp with VR on in full mode compare to off or in Sports mode.
Click to expand...
I will have to see. Long time habits typically have me turn VR off on a tripod but it’s unfortunate there is no external switch to tun it off. Can a button be programmed to do this?
Click to expand...
Yes I believe one can but prefer to just not deal with it, since often picking it up to catch in birds in flight, etc.
 
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