The Nikkor Z 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 Full Review - A New Contrast King?

In this video I review and test the NIkkor Z 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3

Discover the unmatched versatility and performance of the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3 lens, a powerhouse for wildlife, sports, and action photography. This telephoto zoom lens is engineered to deliver exceptional image quality and reach, allowing you to capture distant subjects with stunning clarity and precision.
Designed for Nikon's Z-series mirrorless cameras, the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3 lens offers an expansive zoom range, making it the perfect tool for photographers who need flexibility in the field. Whether you're photographing majestic wildlife in their natural habitat or freezing the action at a sports event, this lens ensures you never miss a moment.
Key features of the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3 include its advanced optical construction, featuring Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) and Super ED glass elements that minimize chromatic aberrations and ensure sharp, vibrant images across the entire zoom range. Nikon's renowned Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat effectively reduce ghosting and flare, even in challenging lighting conditions.
The lens's autofocus system is both fast and accurate, thanks to its stepping motor (STM) technology, which provides smooth and silent focusing – ideal for capturing video as well as stills. The Vibration Reduction (VR) system offers up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization, ensuring sharp, blur-free shots even at slower shutter speeds.
Built to withstand the rigors of outdoor photography, the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3 features a robust, weather-sealed construction, protecting it from dust and moisture. Its ergonomic design, with customizable control rings, allows for intuitive operation, giving you complete control over your shooting experience.
Elevate your photography with the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/5.6-6.3 lens – a perfect blend of reach, flexibility, and optical excellence. Capture the world in stunning detail and bring your creative vision to life with this exceptional telephoto zoom lens.

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Nikon Z9
Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S
Nikon Z30
Nikkor Z 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6
Davinci Resolve
Adobe Lightroom Classic
Luminar Neo
Apple Studio M1 Max
Apple Studio Display

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Content:
00:00 Lens Introduction
01:04 Impressions/Construction
03:28 Field Test
07:14 Test Image Review
08:58 Real Image Review
16:48 The Verdict

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#photography #nikon #cameraman #camera #wildlife #cameralens

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𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑵𝑵𝑬𝑳 𝑩𝑰𝑶
I'm ZWade the ZWade in ZWade Photo and I pride myself on having the most honest, no BS photography content on my channel where you can laugh, learn, consume photography in live photoshoots, get the latest news in informative yet comedic format, or maybe fill that itch to see a review for or watch before you buy photography tech such as cameras, lenses, and photography accessories.

𝑺𝑶𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑳𝑺 𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑻𝑨𝑪𝑻

[bneil]

I picked up a used copy yesterday at my local camera store. Mark Smith’s review sold me on it, his focus performance was outstanding in his comparison.

[Photojouralist]

❤❤my favorite!!!’ Amazing lens thanks Zwade one of the few lens made in Japan

[gregschulz]

I have this lens and my copy is very sharp. Ive even used it with both teleconverters. There is some loss of sharpness with each of the tc's. Thanks for your review. I enjoy your channel.

[johnfromconnecticut]

Nice, useful lens but I think I'll keep my 180-600; just seems to meet my needs better.

[Honkus]

I really enjoy this lens for landscape. Its image quality is quite impressive. I haven't had the best luck with wildlife for this, as it doesn't quite have the reach I think I'll need. Luckily, that isn't my jam.

Are your presets available for Capture One?

[csc-photo]

Fantastic lens but someone would really have to convince me to bypass Tamron’s 50-400 for this native 100-400. Now that the 50-400 is Z mount. And I’ve never said that before (leaning 3rd party over native).

[jackjericho]

Nothing wrong with the lens in the 2nd pidgeon photo, it’s a case of shooting a long necked bird (which Subject Detect has troubles with compared to the regular-necked birds), and you’re shooting over water on a bright, harsh day, which will introduce atmospheric disturbances/mirage/shimmer, which impacts sharpness/detail. Add to that, shooting against a very busy background. All that combined, the deck is stacked against pretty much any camera/lens.

[segercliffhanger]

This isn't a full review of the great 100-400. This is a surprised reaction. Still, thank you. The 100-400 is a grenade.

[fixitright]

Great video covering the primary concerns any of us have buying a new lens, Too much contrast in the lens can affect the highlight rolloff, It's like Nikons old 17-35 f2/8 The lens was sharp but lacked contrast But yet the lens could create some beautiful images and as far as your 'White pigeon' goes you'll give that great egret Identity issues, ha ha ha, But anyway thanks for the video

[t.k.]

Your comments pretty much reflect my experience as well. In certain circumstances, this lens performs great and there is an intangible quality about the images that I love. But then I try to take pictures of a cousin of your pigeon at my local pond in reasonably good light, and I find myself thinking: You paid 3, 000€ (I'm in Germany where we love overpaying for stuff compare to the US and Asia), WTF were you thinking?! Not giving up yet, but if Nikon starts issuing second generation versions of their Z-mount lenses, this is one they should start with (note to Nikon: make it internal zoom and give it more powerful AF-motors, please. I overpaid once and will likely do so again.).