Camera
Nikon announces Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S telephoto zoom
Nikon has officially announced the Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S – a telephoto zoom lens designed for the company’s Z-mount mirrorless cameras. Though this lens has been on Nikon’s Z lens roadmap for some time, we didn’t known any specifics beyond its focal range – including the aperture range – until today.
Being an ‘S’ line lens, Nikon says the Z 100-400mm is manufactured to a high standard, with extensive dust and moisture sealing (a good thing, as it’s an extending zoom design). Inside, there are a total of 25 elements in 20 groups, with 6 ED (extra-low dispersion) and 2 Super ED (super-low dispersion) elements. Nikon has also employed its Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat to elements to reduce ghost and flare in backlit situations.
Official sample images
Increasing the Z 100-400’s versatility is an impressive maximum reproduction ratio of 0.38x at maximum telephoto, with a minimum focus distance of 0.75m (2.46 ft) at the wide end and 0.98m (3.22 ft) at the tele end of the zoom. There is a built-in optical stabilizer good for 5.5 stops of correction (CIPA-rated) as standard, which expands to 6 stops on the Z9, while nine rounded aperture blades should help ensure smooth bokeh. The lens will also accept Nikon’s 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters.
The Z 100-400mm accepts 77mm screw-in filters, includes a two-position focus limiter switch and utilizes dual stepper motors for autofocus. Finally, the lens is, according to Nikon, the lightest in its class, weighing in at 1355g (2.99 lb) without the tripod collar and 1435g (3.16 lb) with the tripod collar attached.
The Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S will be available at a suggested retail price of $2699.95 and is expected to ship by the end of this year.
Press release:
NIKKOR Z LINE EXPANDS WITH TWO NEW S-LINE TELEPHOTO ZOOMS – THE NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S AND NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
Nikon Also Announces New Streamlined Mount Adapter FTZ II
MELVILLE, NY (October 28, 2021) – Today, Nikon announced new NIKKOR Z zoom lenses that let creators get closer to the action and fill the frame with astounding clarity. The NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S and the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S are Nikon’s latest S-line lenses, giving discerning photographers premium optics and ultimate versatility. Additionally, the new Mount Adapter FTZ II is a streamlined solution to seamlessly adapt F-mount lenses with the integrated vertical grip on the new Nikon Z 9.
“Our core focus will always be optical excellence, and our customers rave about the unrivaled sharpness, color and clarity from the rapidly expanding line of NIKKOR Z lenses,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “These latest telephoto zoom lenses give extended reach to all kinds of creators whether on vacation or on assignment, and each deliver on the promise of superior image quality and benefit from the technological advantages of the Nikon Z mount.”
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S – The First NIKKOR Z Super Telephoto
The new NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is a premium, S-line telephoto zoom lens with an extremely long 100-400mm range for Z mount mirrorless camera users, including the all-new Z 9. Well suited for sports, wildlife and those in the field, the lens features a great combination of focal range and wide aperture for professional photographers, advanced enthusiasts and photo hobbyists who want to dynamically capture distant subjects. This S-line lens is designed to the strictest standards, offering excellent sharpness and clarity with minimum aberration and color fringing even at the maximum aperture, throughout the entire zoom range.
This lens is the lightest in its class, weighing only 1355g1, making it easy to use handheld. It’s superbly balanced, purposely built with a small 80-degree rotation angle and new “Inner Balance Technology”2, which minimizes the weight shift caused by zooming. Content creators will appreciate the minimal focus breathing, while the 5.5 stop optical VR3 will help to provide smooth video and sharp stills.
Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
- The first super-telephoto zoom lens in the NIKKOR Z lineup that covers a focal length range from 100 to 400mm.
- Multi-focusing system that utilizes two STMs (stepping motors), enabling fast, precise and quiet AF operation for both stills and videos.
- Employs an optical vibration reduction function with an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 5.5 stops faster, which is the highest among NIKKOR Z lenses.
- While lateral chromatic aberration is optically corrected, axial chromatic aberration is also significantly reduced via the adoption of Super ED glass and ED glass elements, providing clear images across the entire frame from maximum aperture.
- Nikon’s original Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat are both adopted to effectively reduce ghost and flare effects even in backlit situations.
- With the attachment of teleconverters, the focal length can be extended to 560mm and 800mm4 while maintaining high resolution.
- Features the highest maximum reproduction ratio of 38x (at the maximum telephoto position) in its class1 that lets users shoot flowers and insects in large size, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.75M (2.46 inches) to allow users to get closer to their subjects.
- The shortest3 rotation angle of 80 degrees in its class for the zoom ring enables users to rotate the zoom ring from the wide-angle position to the telephoto position in just one motion, without adjusting lens holding.
- The click-less control ring realizes smooth operation and reduced operational sound during video recording.
- Features a design with consideration for video recording, including effectively reduced shifting of a focus position when zooming in or out and the angle of view when adjusting focus.
- Superior dust- and drip-resistant capability4, high reliability that comes from both robustness and weather resistance, and excellent anti-fouling performance via the employment of fluorine coat.
NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S – Ready to Impress
The NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S gives users an extremely useful 24-120mm range focal length and S-line optical quality. This 5x zoom lens is ideal for landscapes, events, weddings and portraits as well as for video and content creators. With a constant f/4 aperture, the lens attains beautiful rendering with large bokeh, especially in the telephoto range. The 24-120mm f/4 is the lightest lens in its class5, weighing only 630g, and combines portability and versatility to make it a great travel companion.
Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
- An optimal lens for stills and videos that covers up to telephoto 120mm focal length while attaining high optical performance throughout the entire zoom range.
- High maximum reproduction ratio of 39x at the maximum telephoto position and a short minimum focus distance of 0.35m (at the max wide-angle), letting users get close and shoot small subjects in large size.
- Multi-focusing system that utilizes two STM (stepping motors), enabling fast, precise and quiet AF operation for both stills and videos.
- Effective compensation for chromatic aberration with the employment of three ED glass, one aspherical ED glass, and three aspherical lens elements in the optical system.
- Nikon’s original Nano Crystal Coat and ARNEO Coat are both adopted to effectively reduce ghost and flare effects even in backlit situations.
- The click-less control ring realizes smooth operation and reduced operational sound during video recording.
- Features a design with consideration for video recording, including effectively reduced focus shift.
- Designed with superior dust- and drip-resistant capability6, and achieves excellent anti-fouling performance with the employment of fluorine coating.
Mount Adapter FTZ II
The Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II further improves the usability of the existing Mount Adapter FTZ by featuring a streamlined design with minimal projections, making it easier to use with the vertical grip of the Z 9. Removing the tripod socket and reducing the size makes for comfortable shooting in any direction, and enhances compatibility with a wider variety of tripod plates. Similar to its predecessor, the Mount Adapter FTZ II seamlessly adapts F-Mount lenses to the larger Z-Mount, retaining the image quality, autofocus performance7, weather sealing and comfortable handling of approximately 360 NIKKOR F lenses from AI type onwards.
Pricing and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1099.95*, the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S will have an SRP of $2699.95* and the Mount Adapter FTZ II will be available for an SRP of $249.95*. All of these products will be available within this year. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including new NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire Nikon Z series camera lineup, please visit nikonusa.com.
- Among 100-400 mm zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6 for full-frame (Nikon FX-format) digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of October 28, 2021. Statement based on Nikon research.
- A mechanism that reduces the shifting of the center of gravity as much as possible with lens groups moving in opposite directions for balance. As the front lens group moves forward, when zooming from the wide-angle to the telephoto position, part of the rear lens group moves backward.
- Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to a camera with full-frame (Nikon FX-format) sensor, with the camera’s VR function set to “NORMAL”, and when zoom is set to the maximum telephoto position.
- Focal length becomes 560 mm with NIKKOR Z teleconverter TC-1.4×, 800 mm with NIKKOR Z teleconverter TC-2.0×.
- Among interchangeable zoom lenses for mirrorless digital cameras with interchangeable lenses equipped with a 35mm film size image sensor, with a focal-length range from 24 mm at the wide-angle end to 105-120 mm at the telephoto end, and a maximum aperture of f/4 or less, available as of October 28, 2021. Statement based on Nikon research.
- Perfect dustproof and waterproof performance is not guaranteed under all conditions.
- Full AF/AE supported when using FX or DX AF-S Type G/D/E, AF-P type G/E, AF-I type D and AF-S / AF-I Teleconverters.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Camera
Pentax K-1 and K-1 II firmware updates include astrophotography features (depending on where you live)
Yesterday, Ricoh quietly released firmware 2.50 for its Pentax K-1 and K-1 II DSLRs. However, the features you can expect to gain from this update may depend on your geography.
Ricoh’s English-language firmware pages for the K-1 and K-1 II state that firmware 2.50 delivers “Improved stability for general performance.”
However, astute Pentax users noted that Ricoh’s Japanese-language firmware pages (translation) indicate that the update also includes a limited feature called “Astronomical Photo Assist,” a collection of three new features designed for astrophotography: Star AF, remote control focus fine adjustment, and astronomical image processing.
Star AF is intended to automate focusing on stars when using autofocus lenses. Rather than manually focusing on a bright star and changing your composition, it promises to let you compose your shot and let the camera focus.
Remote control fine adjustment allows users to adjust focus without touching the lens and requires Pentax’s optional O-RC1 remote. Astronomical image processing will enable users to make in-camera adjustments to astrophotography images, including shading correction, fogging correction, background darkness, star brightness, celestial clarity, and fringe correction.
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| Astronomical image processing on the K-1 and K-1 II will enable users to make in-camera adjustments to astrophotography images, including shading correction, fogging correction, background darkness, star brightness, celestial clarity, and fringe correction. |
According to Ricoh, Astronomical Photo Assist is a premium feature that must be purchased and costs ￥11,000 for an activation key (about $70 at current exchange rates).
Although these astrophotography features appear to be Japan-only for now, a Ricoh representative tells us, “Ricoh Imaging Americas confirmed that the premium firmware features for the PENTAX K-1 and PENTAX K-1 Mark II will eventually be available to US customers.”
Firmware update 2.50 for both the K-1 and K-1 II is available for download from Ricoh’s website.
As part of our twenty fifth anniversary, we’re looking back at some of the most significant cameras launched and reviewed during that period. Today’s pick was launched seven years ago today* and yet we’re only quite recently stepping out of its shadow.
The Nikon D850 is likely to be remembered as the high watermark of DSLR technology. We may yet still see impressive developments from Ricoh in the future (we’d love to see a significantly upgraded Pentax K-1 III), but the D850 was perhaps the green flash as the sun set on the DSLR as the dominant technology in the market.
Click here to read our Nikon D850 review
Why do we think it was such a big deal? Because it got just about everything right. Its 45MP sensor brought dual conversion gain to high pixel count sensors, meaning excellent dynamic range at base ISO and lower noise at high ISOs. Its autofocus system was one of the best we’ve ever seen on a DSLR: easy to use and highly dependable, with a good level of coverage. And then there was a body and user interface honed by years of iterative refinement, that made it easy to get the most out of the camera.
None of this is meant as a slight towards the other late-period DSLRs but the likes of Canon’s EOS 5DS and 5DSR didn’t present quite such a complete package of AF tracking, daylight DR and low-light quality as the Nikon did. With its ability to shoot at up to 9fps (if you used the optional battery grip), the D850 started to chip away at the idea that high megapixel cameras were specialized landscape and studio tools that would struggle with movement or less-than-perfect lighting. And that’s without even considering its 4K video capabilities.
In the seven years since the D850 was launched, mirrorless cameras have eclipsed most areas in which DSLRs once held the advantage. For example, the Z8 can shoot faster, autofocus more with more accuracy and precision, across a wider area of the frame and do so while shooting at much faster rates.
But, even though it outshines the D850 in most regards, the Z8 is still based around what we believe is a (significant) evolution of the same sensor, and its reputation still looms large enough for Nikon to explicitly market the Z8 as its “true successor.”
Nikon D850 sample gallery
*Actually seven years ago yesterday: we had to delay this article for a day to focus on the publishing the Z6III studio scene: the latest cameras taking precedence over our anniversary content.
| Photo: Richard Butler |
We’ve just received a production Nikon Z6III and took it into our studio immediately to get a sense for how the sensor really performs.
Dynamic range tests have already been conducted, but these only give a limited insight into the image quality as a whole. As expected, our Exposure Latitude test – which mimics the effect of reducing exposure to capture a bright sunrise or sunset, then making use of the deep shadows – shows a difference if you use the very deepest shadows, just as the numerical DR tests imply.
Likewise, our ISO Invariance test shows there’s more of a benefit to be had from applying more amplification by raising the ISO setting to overcome the read noise, than there was in the Z6 II. This means there’s a bigger improvement when you move up to the higher gain step of the dual conversion gain sensor but, as with the Z6 II, little more to be gained beyond that.
These are pushing at the extreme of the sensor’s performance though. For most everyday photography, you don’t use the deepest shadows of the Raw files, so differences in read noise between sensors don’t play much of a role. In most of the tones of an image, sensor size plays a huge role, along with any (pretty rare) differences in light capturing efficiency.
As expected, the standard exposures look identical to those of the Z6 II. There are similar (or better) levels of detail at low ISO, in both JPEG and Raw. At higher ISO, the Z6III still looks essentially the same as the Z6II. Its fractionally higher level of read noise finally comes back to have an impact at very, very high ISO settings.
Overall, then, there is a read noise price to be paid for the camera’s faster sensor, in a way that slightly blunts the ultimate flexibility of the Raw files at low ISO and that results in fractionally more noise at ultra-high ISOs. But we suspect most people will more than happily pay this small price in return for a big boost in performance.
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