Nikon 180-400mm f/4: $12,400 for Nikon’s First Built-In Teleconverter
Nikon has announced the new Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR lens, the successor to the Nikon 200-400mm f/4. It’s Nikon’s first-ever lens that features a built-in teleconverter.
Inside the lens is a 1.4x teleconverter that allows it to be turned into a 252-560mm lens at the flip of a switch. Mount it to a crop sensor DX-format camera, and the lens is the equivalent to a 270-600mm lens normally and 378-840mm lens with the teleconverter engaged.
The lens features an electromagnetic diaphragm that’s optimized for shooting at fast burst speeds, capturing consistent exposures even at a high fps. Nikon has also improved the motor drive’s AF tracking algorithm to help the lens lock focus on fast-moving subjects better.
On cameras with Nikon’s 153-point AF system — bodies such as the D5, D500, and D850 — this lens uses the outer row of AF points as cross-type sensors to improve autofocus coverage throughout the frame.
For stabilizing shots, the lens features a new removable, rotatable ball-bearing tripod collar ring that helps you effortlessly switch between shooting horizontal and vertical.
There’s a VR (vibration reduction) system that features normal and sports mode, providing up to 4 stops of compensation from shake.
Other features include an optical formula with 8 Extra Low Dispersion (ED) elements (twice as many as found in the Nikon 200-400mm), a Silent Wave Motor with internal focusing, and a Nano Crystal Coat that reduces ghosting and flare.
Here are some official sample photos captured using this lens:
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR lens will be available starting in March 2018 with a price tag of $12,400.
