Build Quality

For a standard zoom, this is one of the bigger options in Nikon’s lineup. It weighs 725 grams (1.6 pounds) and measures 14cm long (5.6 inches). Of course, no one expects a pancake form factor from a 14.3x superzoom. Given the number of lenses that it could replace in your bag, I’m willing to cut it some slack.

Like all superzooms that I know of, the Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 extends as you zoom in. At 400mm, it’s about 25 cm long (9.8 inches). To prevent unintentional extension during transport, the lens can be locked at 28mm.

The Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 has a standard 77mm filter thread on the front. What isn’t standard is the shape of the lens hood. Nikon chose a fairly wide rectangle that is going to be most effective at 28mm, but still better than a circular shape at the longer focal lengths.

Handling

The Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a very sparse lens with few handling features of note. It has the usual zoom and focusing rings, but no additional control ring. The lens lacks a manual/autofocus switch, let alone things like a distance limiter or custom function buttons. In fact, the only switch on the entire lens is to lock the focal length at 28mm while you travel.