Approaching The Scene 213: Nikon’s 400 4.5 S Test & Comparison

I ordered the 400/4.5 when it was first available, And received it even before my Z9 came. I had buyers remorse because I also have the 500 PF. I had planned to return it, but then I opened up the box, and when I picked it up I was instantly hooked. I cannot believe how lightweight it is-I almost believed that I had a dummy lens :-). Incredibly sharp, great focus speed, and well balanced. Now I have to convince myself to sell the 500 mm.

Thank you for your very positive attitude and for speaking so highly of your mother-in-law, children, and your wife! It means a lot to see positive statements about relationship being shown even in a video that is focused on the technical aspects of a photographic lens. So much of photography is about relationships, relationships between people, and relationships between people in their environment, as well as the wonderful flora and fauna that are related in complex ecological systems. Your work is made even more special by your positive statements about primary relationships in your life!

I pre-ordered the 400 mm f/4.5 S from Shutterbug in Portland, OR. I'm still waiting for my copy. Thank you for the detailed review. Your 14-24 mm, 24-120 mm, 100-400 mm, and 800 mm set-up is excellent. Especially, minimizing the number of step-down rings you need for the 120 mm Kase filter. I went with a slightly different route. Mine is with the 14-24 mm, 24-120 mm, 70-200 mm, and the 400 mm f/4.5 S. I would like a prime lens for wildlife shooting. I just couldn't make myself buy the 800 mm pf and the 400 mm f/2.8 S for just a hobby.

Hudson, as usual, a no-nonsense straightforward review and video. Lots to think about. From across the 'pond', have a great 2023. Many thanks, Richard

Hudson - Just received my 400/4.5 and wow, beautiful photos and can't believe how light and easy it is to carry around. Can't wait to use it in Antarctica. Thanks for putting out awesome tutorials this year on YT.

Thanks, great comparison. I ordered the 4.5 for 3 reasons, weight, weight, weight. And I am always at the furthest mm. Will use the 70-200 2.8 with the 2.0 tele for landscapes that I never shoot!😁 And for trips with you…

Thx so much for an absolutely fabulous review & real world take on the application of the 100-400 vs 400 f4.5

Great video!! Always enjoy the thoughts on the kit.

Outstanding descriptions of how versatile the 100-400 is in your kit! Thx

Really love that falls photo with the birds!

This was a great video, answered my questions about this lens, Thanks.

Thanks, great run down of the lens and the other options for us folks. I stayed with the 24-70 and 70-200 2.8's more for the flexibility of the DOF I can get creatively and the low light when needed. The 400 4.5 is showing up next week and will take that to Aspen to try out as I have both TC's already. Hopefully that killer kit will pay off for me on that trip. Will be interesting to see when they release the 200-600mm what I'll do, but for now, I'm happy with those 3 options and the workhorse 24-200mm when I'm lazy.

Randy Bocksnick(Montana)- Hudson this was awesome video and on 6-9-2022 I got my Z 100-400 5.6, the only draw back I have to shoot on my Z6II ,I don't get the Best out of my lense with this camera! I took photos of the Bison in the National Bison Range and they were alright! Thanks for your incredible comparison of the two lenses!

Great video and fantastic images.

Thanks for this candid discussion. I’m trying to decide between the 400 4.5 and the 100-400. The zoom’s versatility is hard to deny. Will be able to hold them both this weekend at a dealer event.

now I HAVE to rent one of these. My more generalist style doesn't merit a telephoto prime - but I'm renting one of these to satisfy my curiosity if nothing else! Great review Hudson, It covers all I needed to know, I've got the 2x tele already for use on me z70-200mm f2.8 that I'm really pleased with. update: rental arrived. what a great lens! I have it for 2 weeks, so it'll get a lot of use!

Hello Hudson, This is one more of your very timely videos. I ordered my 100mm-400mm in December 2021 so I have been waiting? Now this 400mm f4.5 comes out and I was about or thinking about just getting the 400mm. But hearing what you say and watching your video (taking out the Youtube compression) I will stick with my order for the 100mm-400mm and the 1.4 converter. I think the why you summed up the 400mm f2.8 is just about right and if and when I need that extra quality I will try and hire one for that job. Keep well, keep safe and enjoy family life.

I understand you are busy. I appreciate your help. I’ll figure it out. Have fun. Paul

Another great informational video. I have the 100 - 400s, 500PF and the 800PF which round out my Kit very well for my photography. I've been on the fence with purchasing the 400s PF and now I think I'll pass on that lens. Perhaps Nikon will eventually build the 200 - 600s which would be great option.

I have shot with the Z 100-400mm for about 6 months now and I have been very happy with it. I have been transitioning to Z glass and the only F mount lens I had left was the excellent AF-S 500mm PF. I have had the Z 800 PF on order since it was first introduced and sold my AF-S 600mm f/4D lens in anticipation of receiving it. In the mean time, a Z 400mm f/4.5 came into my camera shop and I jumped on it. This lens has far exceeded my expectations, it is incredibly light, works extremely well with both the 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, and although it is only 2/3 of a stop faster aperture wise than the 100-400mm, it does make a noticeable difference in lower light situations, and creates a more pleasing bokeh. I also find it is slightly faster in acquiring focus, especially with the 2x tele attached, but that both are quite good. I find they really have different purposes, and are quite complementary, so for now, I have decided to keep them both of them. If I am out shooting wildlife or sports, I tend to favour the Z 400mm prime, but as a allrounder, I love the versatility of the Z 100-400mm zoom. PS, After shooting the Z 400mm, the AF-S 500mm PF seemed heavy and a bit ungainly, crazy, as I remember first shooting with it and being amazed at how small and light it was, lol!