Question 1

Can I use the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 G ED VR II with a 2x teleconverter?

Accepted Answer

Yes — pairing this lens with a Nikon 2x teleconverter gives you an effective 800mm focal length. From the f/2.8 base you lose two stops with a 2x TC, landing at f/5.6, which still allows autofocus on most Nikon F-mount bodies that support TC combinations. It's a popular setup among wildlife photographers who need serious reach without carrying a second lens.

Question 2

Is the autofocus on the 400mm f/2.8 G ED VR II fast enough for sports?

Accepted Answer

The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) in this lens is designed for exactly that job. It locks on quickly and quietly, and tracking moving subjects across a frame is where this lens earns its reputation. For sideline sports or birds in flight, the f/2.8 maximum aperture gives you a decisive light advantage over slower telephoto alternatives — more light means faster shutter speeds and more usable frames per sequence in tough lighting conditions.

Question 3

How heavy is the Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8 G ED VR II?

Accepted Answer

It weighs 4,400 g — that's substantial, and you'll want a sturdy monopod or tripod with a gimbal head for extended shoots. Handheld use is possible for short bursts, but most sports and wildlife photographers mount this lens rather than carry it freely. Factor in the weight of your camera body too, which adds to the total kit.

Question 4

What cameras is the Nikon 400mm f/2.8 G ED VR II compatible with?

Accepted Answer

It uses the Nikon F mount, so it works with Nikon F-mount DSLR bodies and will autofocus on bodies that support AF-S lenses. The SWM in the lens handles focusing even on entry-level bodies without an in-body AF motor, so AF still works. It does not natively fit Nikon Z-mount mirrorless bodies without the FTZ adapter.

Question 5

Is buying a used Nikon 400mm f/2.8 G ED VR II worth it?

Accepted Answer

For most photographers, buying this lens used or second-hand is the most realistic route to owning it. A pre-owned copy in good condition, with a minimum 12 months warranty and professionally inspected before sale, gives you the same optical performance at a far lower cost. As a mechanically robust professional lens, used examples typically hold up well.

Question 6

Does the 400mm f/2.8 G ED VR II have a drop-in filter system?

Accepted Answer

Yes — because the front element is too large for a conventional screw-on filter, Nikon uses a drop-in filter slot at the rear of the lens barrel. The drop-in filter diameter is 52 mm, so you can use standard 52 mm drop-in filters for polarisation, ND, or gel filtration without any front-of-lens adapters or holders.

Question 7

How does the 9-blade aperture affect image quality on this lens?

Accepted Answer

Nine aperture blades produce a rounded aperture opening, which translates into smooth, circular bokeh highlights rather than the angular shapes you get from 7-blade designs. At f/2.8, backgrounds dissolve cleanly — useful when you want a subject to pop sharply against a blurred crowd or treeline. It's a practical advantage for portrait-style wildlife shots as much as for pure action work.

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Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VR

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About the Nikon AF-S 400mm f/2.8 G IF-ED VR

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