Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II Lens

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II is a hefty, expensive lens, but its telephoto reach and wide aperture make it a great choice for wildlife and sports photography.

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  Very sharp. Long telephoto reach. Maximum f/4 aperture throughout zoom range. Vibration reduction system. Internal zoom design. Includes carrying case, dedicated strap, and tripod collar.

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  Huge, heavy, and expensive. A little edge softness at 400mm.

The Nikon AF-S 200-400mm f/4 has been a favorite lens among wildlife photographers. Back in the 1980’s, Nikon had a manual-focus AI-S version that was in production for 5 years (1983 to 1988). Originally it was sold in the $3000 range (that was, of course, 1980 dollars).

Priced at £6200, Nikon's latest super-telephoto zoom is a serious bit of kit, with a serious price tag.

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  Superb build quality, Excellent resolution, especially when stopped down, Vibration Reduction, Supplied case, Speed and accuracy of AF, Minimum Focus Distance of 2 metres

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  Chromatic Aberrations towards edges of the frame, Price, Weight

Nikon's flagship super-telephoto zoom now sports the latest generation Vibration Reduction system and Nikon's Nano Crystal lens coating. Here Gary Wolstenholme puts it through its paces.

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  Superb build quality, Excellent resolution, especially when stopped down, Vibration Reduction, Supplied case, Speed and accuracy of AF, Minimum Focus Distance of 2 metres

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  Chromatic Aberrations towards edges of the frame, Price, Weight

Bought this lens for a trip to Africa to pair with my Nikon D5 for wildlife photography (my hobby now that retired). Fast and sharp is all I can say. Sure . . . some people think it's heavy, but I'm 57 and I hung the D5 with the 200-400mm on 1 leather crossbody strap and my other D5 with my 70-200mm...

I bought this lens after considering it for a number of years. I also have the 300 f2.8 vr2 and the 80-400 G. I know it is a lot of overlap but each lens plays a specific part. The 200-400 f4 vrii comes into its own as a very flexible lens with great sharpness and fast focus.

I received the lens last week and had my first opportunity to use it over the weekend at a indoor speed skating meet. The lens, while heavy, was still manageable to handhold and I was able to get some great close-ups of people in the crowd.

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  Great, sharp imagesSmooth operationSolid buildWell made case

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  A bit heavy

I use the previous AFS 200-400 F4 VR1 I've used this lens to cover everything from local theater productions, minor league baseball, pro rodeo and youth soccer leagues to the FEI World Cup Finals (show jumping, dressage) and this lens can't be beat when you need a fast long zoom.

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  1) Fast, 2) Zoom is invaluable when shooting many sporting events where the action moves all over the field., 3) Vibration Reduction is great for venues with poor lighting

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  1) Heavy!!!, 2) Definitely need a monopod or tripod when using., 3) Did I mention that it is heavy?, 4) Large (with the hood attached the lens is in the 20" long range)! Can be unwieldy when the action comes in close.