NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

For me this is the perfect telephoto zoom lens. It is light and fairly compact which is why I'm able to carry it on long hikes. It's also very sharp and easy to hand hold. In the past I hiked carrying a tripod, but with the Z system IBIS and the light lenses that is no longer the case. I was also able to eliminate my 70-200 f4 because the 100-400 covers most of that range and with the newer noise reduction software the lenses do not need to be as fast. I've occasionally paired this lens with the 1.4x teleconverter and the results are surprisingly good. As a bonus, the lens is also a pretty good closeup lens and with cropping, I've managed some decent macro images.

Build quality is very nice with a balanced feel on the Z9, I have used the lens only a handful of times, tripod mounted and coupled to the 2x TC for some shots of the full moon this past week. I'm looking forward to wildlife and birding in the coming weeks, focus is fast on this lens alone and still not bad with the 2x TC. I consider this lens a replacement for my Nikkor F mount 200-500 f/5.6 and I also consider it an upgrade in build quality, weight, size and focus speed. The one thing that irks me about camera manufacturers is their use of lens feet that aren't arca swiss compatible, it's clearly the standard, integration isn't difficult from an engineering standpoint and I doubt it would increase production costs by much, signed the guy who owns a lot of third party lens feet.

I purchased my zoom lens about 5 weeks ago but I just got a chance to give it a go. I had been concerned that 400 max zoom would not be powerful enough. But I forgot that I can change my mirrorless camera from a full frame to a crop sensor which lets me get in even closer to my subject. I am very pleased with the results of the two photos I uploaded. One is a dragonfly and the other is a bird, both of which are very hard to photograph. The only thing I struggled with is that sometimes I could not find my subject because the lens is so powerful. I don't typically photograph fast moving objects even with a standard lens so it will just be a matter of getting more comfortable with using it. All in all, I am very pleased.

Way lighter than my 200-500mm lens and giving almost the same reach as the heavier 200-500mm lens next purchase will be the Nikon 2x teleconvertor

I own a lot of Nikon glass and I have to say, this is one of the best lenses I have ever owned. Sharp, light, perfect. I recently got into bird photography and I am loving it. The 100-400 is making it a joy.

I purchased this lens with the 2x teleconverter for my Z6. I was tired of my DSLR 200-500 lens owing to the weight and size. I am tremendously impressed with the quality of photos and the clarity. I would highly recommend.

I have been using the 18-300 DX 3.5-6.3 Nikkor zoom on my Z6 with a FTZ adaptor. That lens does a great job but I felt limited by the 300mm maximum zoom. I purchased the Z 100-400 to match the Z mount and make swapping my Nikkor Z 20-70 mm lens easier. As I hoped the Z 100-400 focuses better and faster in shade and dim light. I like taking pictures of birds, handheld, while on hikes and walks on a manual exposure, 1/1000, f6.3, with auto iso. The images at maximum zoom are clear and sharp requiring a lower ISO than the 18-300. Because the lens lived up to my expectations I give it 5 stars. The only downside is that the Z6 with the 100-400 is heavier than the Z6 with FTZ, 18-300 DX.

As a wildlife photographer, I can tell you that this lens is amazing. I have taken some of the best bird photos of my life in the last few months since getting it!

Just a note to say I am delighted with this lens. Its (relatively) small size and light weight make it easy to handle, and the 100-400mm zoom is very versatile. I use it with my Z6ii for bird photography. My results from a recent trip to Colombia are beautiful. I don't think anyone would be disappointed with this lens!