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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR Review

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR

Main Features

  • 200-400mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 3275g.
  • Diameter: 124mm
  • Length: 358mm
  • Min Focus Distance:2m
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Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR Overview

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Super Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with Nikon F (FX) mount cameras.

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR was replaced with Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II. Follow the link to read our comparison of these lenses:
Compare Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II

What type of photography is the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeVery Good
SportsVery Good
PortraitFair
TravelPoor
StreetPoor
WeddingFair
Walk AroundFair
VloggingPoor
LandscapeFair

Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II
Compare
35mm FF 3360gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR Lens

Here, we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization
Weather Sealed
Autofocus
Distance Scale
DoF(Depth of Field) Scale
Compatible with Nikon Teleconverters
Hood supplied
Tripod Collar
Full-time Manual Focusing
Internal Focusing
Fast Aperture at Tele end
Constant f4 aperture throughout the range
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades
400mm reach great for Wildlife Photography
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Buy Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Heavy
Pricey

Lens Mount

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is compatible with cameras that have Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has a maximum diameter of 124mm and total length of 358mm. It weighs 3275g / 115.5 oz.

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has a filter thread of 52mm.

Focal Range

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR has a focal range of 200-400mm and 2.0X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 300 - 600mm.

Teleconverter Compatibility

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is compatible with the Teleconverter lenses below:

  • Nikon AF-S TC TC-20E III for F-Mount
  • Nikon AF-S TC TC-17E II for F-Mount
  • Nikon AF-S TC TC-14E III for F-Mount


Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Model Coverage with TC Aperture with TC Street Price
Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III Lens Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III 400 - 800mm F8 Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II Lens Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II 340 - 680mm F6.8 Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III Lens Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III 280 - 560mm F5.6 Amazon B&H Photo

Weather Sealings

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is a weather sealed lens which provides an extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have an effective protection, you have to pair the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR with a weather sealed camera body such as Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D850.

Optical Image Stabilization

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.

Tripod Collar

With a total length of 358mm and a weight of 3275g, the Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.

Zoom Method

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR features Rotary (internal) zoom method where the length of the lens doesn't change while you are zooming in or out. Even though this design has a size disadvantage in general compare to extending designs, it has the benefits of better sealing against dust and moisture, no zoom creep and no weight balance shift while zooming.

Aperture

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f4 from 200mm all the way to the 400mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
200mm F4 F32
400mm F4 F32

Optical Formula

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR's optical formula consists of 24 elements in 17 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • 4 ED glass elements
  • one detachable protective lens

Lens Hood

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos. The model number of the hood is HK-30.

Body Colour

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR is available in Black color.

Popular Comparisons of Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II
Compare
35mm FF 3360gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm F4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm F4E TC1.4 FL ED VR
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35mm FF 3500gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
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35mm FF 2300gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 200-500mm F5-6.3 Di LD IF Lens Tamron SP AF 200-500mm F5-6.3 Di LD IF
Compare
35mm FF 1237gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG Lens Sigma 200-500mm F2.8 EX DG
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35mm FF 15700gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
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35mm FF 2860gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD
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35mm FF 1951gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G VR
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35mm FF 745gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

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**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR Alternatives in Nikon F (FX) Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED VR II
Compare
35mm FF 3360gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm F4E TC1.4 FL ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S Nikkor 180-400mm F4E TC1.4 FL ED VR
Compare
35mm FF 3500gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Nikon 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR Detailed Specifications


General
Brand Nikon
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF
Focal Range 200-400mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour Black
Zoom Method Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No Zoom
Zoom Lock No Zoom
Zoom Ratio 2.0X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F4.0
Min Aperture F32.0
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 9
Optics
Optical Elements 24
Optical Groups 17
Special Elements 4 ED glass elements and one detachable protective lens

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 2m
Max Magnification unknown
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal
Distance Scale Yes
DoF Scale Yes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 3275g
Diameter 124mm
Length 358mm
Materials metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 52mm
Filter Notes Screw in rear attachment filter
Hood Supplied Yes
Hood Code HK-30
Tripod Collar Yes
Optional Accessories Lens Case CL-L2
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR
is the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR a Weather Sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR
is the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR
Does Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR have Image Stabilization?
Does Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f4G ED-IF VR have Aperture Ring?
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