Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR 28-400mm

The Nikon Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is a ridiculously versatile travel lens that squeezes a huge zoom range into a compact, stabilized body. It's sharp enough for most shooters and a joy to carry, but the slow f/8 max aperture at 400mm seriously limits its use after sunset.

We've put the 28-400mm through our full set of benchmarks, and the numbers back up the "do-it-all" hype. Versatility sits at the 99th percentile, because there simply isn't another lens on the market that covers this kind of spread and still fits in a small bag. Stabilization is at the 98th percentile, making it one of the absolute best at keeping your shots steady. You'll nail sharp images at 1/30th of a second at 400mm if your subject isn't moving. Optical quality ranks in the 97th percentile, which translates to crisp, contrasty shots straight out of camera, though pixel-peepers might notice corners aren't quite at prime-level sharpness.

Autofocus grabbed an 88th percentile ranking, meaning it's snappy and reliable for most uses, but we did notice it can hunt a bit when shooting through tree branches or busy foregrounds. Macro performance is above average at the 80th percentile, and the close focus is useful for detail shots at the wide end. Bokeh isn't this lens's strong suit, coming in at the 64th percentile — it's fine, but don't expect dreamy backgrounds. The aperture speed is a dead giveaway of the compromise here: a 57th percentile score puts it squarely in average territory, and you'll feel that in low light. For video work, it scrapes by with a 73.4 score, so vloggers might want something faster.

The most obvious rival is Nikon's own Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. That lens is smaller, lighter, and a bit brighter at the far end, but you lose half the reach. If you shoot mostly urban scenes or wider landscapes, the 24-200mm might be the smarter buy. For wildlife, though, the 28-400mm is in a different league. Canon users have the RF 24-240mm f/4-6.3, but that lens tops out at 240mm, so Nikon has a clear advantage if super-telephoto matters to you.

Sony shooters get the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6, which is faster but shorter and, unfortunately, not available for the Z mount. If you're on Nikon and want speed, you'd need something like the Z 24-120mm f/4 paired with a longer prime, but then you're carrying two lenses. The 28-400mm's whole pitch is that you don't need two lenses, and for the right person, that's a winning argument.

Pricing for this lens is all over the map. We've seen it as low as $1,147 and as high as over $2,400 depending on the retailer, so definitely shop around before you buy. At the low end, it's an excellent value for anyone who wants to leave the lens bag at home. It outperforms its price point in versatility and stabilization, and it's the only native Z-mount option that reaches 400mm without weighing a ton. That said, if you rarely need more than 200mm, the Z 24-200mm saves you a couple hundred bucks and gives you a wider 24mm starting point and a slightly faster f/6.3 at the long end.

If you've ever wanted to carry just one lens that can handle everything from sweeping landscapes to backyard birds, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR is basically the answer. It zooms from 28mm all the way out to 400mm on full-frame Z cameras, and it weighs a little over a pound and a half. That kind of range in a lens you can actually hike with is almost ridiculous. You'll find it at a wide range of prices, but the best deal we've seen sits around $1,147, which is a steal for this much flexibility. For travel photographers and anyone who hates swapping glass in the field, it's a strong contender.

Image quality is better than you'd expect for a superzoom. We're talking 21 elements with 3 aspherical and 4 ED lenses inside, and in our testing the optical performance landed in the 97th percentile. Sharpness is solid through most of the range, with a little softness creeping into corners at 400mm. The STM autofocus is quick and quiet, racking up an 88th percentile score in our database, so it keeps up with wildlife and kids alike. Stabilization is best-in-class too, giving you around 5.5 stops of VR that makes handheld shooting at 400mm genuinely possible in decent light.

But there's a catch, and it's a big one. The maximum aperture drops to f/8 by the time you're zoomed all the way in. That means once the sun starts dipping, you'll be pushing your ISO higher than a kite. Still, if you're after a one-lens solution for daytime travel, this thing is a marvel.

Skip this lens if you frequently shoot in low light, need constant f/2.8 or f/4 aperture for events, or rely on heavy cropping that demands pixel-level sharpness. Video shooters will also feel the drag, as it's weak for cinema work. Instead, grab the Z 24-120mm f/4 for a constant aperture walkaround, or pair a fast prime with a dedicated telephoto. If your heart is set on 400mm but with better subject isolation, you'll want to save up for something like the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S.

If your photography lives in the daylight and you hate changing lenses, the Nikon Z 28-400mm is an easy buy. It's the most versatile full-frame zoom you can get right now, and the image quality holds up well enough to print or share without fuss. The stabilization is phenomenal, and the weight won't drag you down on a 10-mile hike.

Where it stumbles is in dim conditions. The f/8 aperture at 400mm means you'll be ramping up ISO or reaching for a tripod more than you'd like, and if your work demands creamy bokeh or top-tier sharpness for heavy cropping, this lens will frustrate you. For travel, walkaround, and casual wildlife in good light, it's a gem. For low-light events or professional-grade detail, look elsewhere.