In this blog, we dive into the photography world using Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S. When it comes to capturing stunning photographs, it’s our eye combined with the right settings that makes the difference. While I’m a believer the best lens is the one in your hands, I’m incredibly happy this one is!
How does it perform?
Let’s take a look at image quality, flexibility, and a few technical specs. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an avid enthusiast, this lens is sure to ignite or re-ignite your passion for photography.
Below: A sunset moment from the Smoky Mountains captured with Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S. The moment was all about color and lines. The trees in the foreground were excluded in the original composition as it detracted from the flow of shifting blue hues.
Note: This lens was my first mirrorless lens purchase a year ago. Since that time, the 24-120mm f/4 S, 14-24mm f/2.8, and the 400mm f/4. 5 lenses are also in my arsenal. Check out my review of Nikon’s 24-120: Nikon 24-120mm f/4 S: Proven Performer. The 14-24mm and 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens reviews are coming soon.
Using Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens is a portable powerhouse when it comes to capturing spur of the moment to well-planned, mesmerizing shots. This lens offers exceptional versatility across photography genres, including wildlife, sports, street, flowers, landscapes and more.
Within seconds, I go from photographing birds, wildlife to landscapes and other subjects where I want a tighter feel.
Flexibility
One of the greatest strengths of Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens lies in its flexibility. The versatile focal length range allows handles various shooting situations without the need for frequent lens changes. From capturing distant wildlife to framing and isolating landscapes, this lens keeps us focused on our subjects versus changing our lenses.
Thanks to its image stabilization technology, confidently shoot handheld, even at longer focal lengths. This feature proves invaluable when photographing action-packed scenes or when working in low-light environments.
Plus, the lens’ autofocus system is easy to work with, providing quick and precise focusing, even in challenging lighting conditions.
With Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens, the broad focal length range combined with image quality captures lovely images without compromise.
Note: In low light, I still prefer to shoot with a tripod as it also helps me a bit more deliberate in evaluating my composition.
Examples of Flexibility
With its zooming capabilities ranging from 100 to 400mm, it allows you to get up close and personal with your subjects, capturing exquisite details.
For bird photography, it’s quite easy and fun to work with. The lighter weight allowed me to shoot for about seven hours straight while at Tawas State Park during bird migration season. Take a look at the white-crowned sparrow in the featured image above. Below is the blackburnian warbler offering a quick pose before flitting to the next branch. .
Or, if shooting landscape photography, bring beauty from the distance as a stronghold in your composition. A big boring sky? Too much flat to ‘nothingness’ in the foreground? Capturing a vibe? This lens range brings flexibility in narrowing in on what’s interesting and avoiding distracting clutter. The seagulls and waves on a chilly, harsh day. Tightening the focal distance hones in on texture and color.
We strive for our photos to tell our story. This lens makes it easy to capture the essence of the moment.
Image Quality of Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
When it comes to image quality, Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens delivers time and time again. The lens’ large aperture of f/4.5-5.6 allows for exceptional control over depth of field, beautifully separating your subjects from the background.
Whether you’re shooting portraits, wildlife, or landscapes, the lens consistently produces images with terrific detail and color rendering. Capture expressions, actions and emotions of birds and wildlife. Separate subjects from the background. Emphasize overall beauty of a moment, lighting and intricate patterns of a flower petal.
The early winter camellia in South Arkansas at the shift of golden to blue hour.
This lens captures sharp and well-defined images. Designed for mirrorless, its advanced optical design keeps the Nikon mirrorless reputation of no to very little chromatic aberrations and distortion performance.
In short, our subjects are rendered with delightful accuracy combined with our own creativity.
A Few Technical Specs
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the technical specifications of Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens:
- Field Flexibility with focal length range and reach: 100mm – 400mm
- Lens weight is very portable, even for longer hours. Partially due to the variable aperture. The largest aperture is 4.5. (A variable aperture lens has the maximum aperture at its widest focal length. Maximum aperture is f/4.5 at 100mm, f/5.6 at 400mm. Minimum aperture is f/32 at 100mm, f/40 at 400mm).
- Lens Construction: 25 elements in 20 groups
- Minimum Focus Distance varies across zoom position – range starts at 2.46 ft at 100mm and increases to 3.22 ft at 400mm
- Image stabilization is solid. The guide of seconds to mm (ie 1/400 sec at 400mm) still applies, however, I still get solid image quality a 1/200 sec at 400mm in lower light situations.
- Filter Size: 77mm, the same as the 24 – 120mm. If you used other Nikon lenses with this filter size, the shelf life of your filters continues.
- Weight: 47.8 ounces without tripod collar, 50.6 ounces with tripod collar. This lens is well balanced, easy to hold for long periods of shooting time.
With these specifications, the Nikon 100 – 400f/4 S lens is a reliable, high-performing lens for any photographer looking to elevate their craft.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens is a true gem in delivering image quality and exceptional versatility. Whether you’re a professional wildlife photographer or simply enjoy capturing beautiful moments that arise in the field, this lens quickly exceeds expectations.
This lens is an indispensable tool in my photography arsenal. With Nikon’s 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens, images that stand out are a shutter snap away.
So, go ahead and indulge in this lens love affair. Unlock your creative potential with the Nikon 100 – 400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens and enhance your photographic journey.
