@Reply #3 - good point! I totally hear you on the hunting, but honestly the build quality Nikon is putting out lately is amazing! I love how they make these lenses feel so solid even if they are a bit slow. Still, if I am being 100 percent real, I have been way more focused on making sure my current kit stays safe and reliable lately. I just upgraded to the Peak Design Slide Camera Strap and the security of those anchors is fantastic! If you want a setup that feels more bulletproof for travel, maybe try these:

• Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S for better low light reliability.
• Hoya 77mm HD3 UV Filter to keep that front element safe.
• Shimoda Action X30 V2 Backpack to protect everything from the elements. I actually spent like three hours yesterday just cleaning my gear bags because I am so paranoid about grit getting into the zoom rings. It is a total obsession at this point lol. Anyway.

Late to the party but this whole thread is 💯. Glad I found it.

Saving this whole thread. So much good info here you guys are awesome.

I'm absolutely getting this lens! Honestly, the versatility is just too good to pass up for a travel setup. Some folks are stressing about f/8 at the long end, but lets be real... modern cameras handle high ISO like a champ now. Using the Nikon Z7 II Mirrorless Camera means I'm never afraid to bump the settings if the light gets a bit dim. The way I see it, this is a total game changer for long-term ownership because you basically stop needing a bag full of primes for casual trips. Weight and money savings are huge in the long run. If I'm hiking, I'd much rather have this one lens than be fumbling with caps and getting dust on my sensor. Just slap a B+W 77mm Clear Protection Filter with Multi-Resistant Coating on the front and you're ready for any weather. It's all about that practical, one-and-done approach for me. Cant wait to see what kind of wildlife shots I can grab at 400mm without carrying a massive prime!

I'm totally blown away by the performance of the 24-200mm lens - it's hands down the best in its class. And now, with the announcement of the 28-400mm, I have no doubt that Nikon will deliver another exceptional piece of glass. 😍

What really impresses me is how they've managed to pack such a versatile zoom range into a lens that's still relatively compact and lightweight. This is going to be a game-changer for travel photographers who want to capture everything from landscapes to wildlife without lugging around a ton of gear. 🏞️🦒

Plus, the price point is surprisingly reasonable considering the quality and range you're getting. Nikon is really delivering value here. 💰

I think this lens is also a strong indication that Nikon has some exciting mid-range and entry-level Z-mount bodies in the pipeline. They're clearly committed to expanding the Z system and making it accessible to a wider range of photographers. 📈

All in all, I'm super stoked about this release and can't wait to see the images that photographers create with this lens. Nikon is absolutely killing it right now!

@Reply #1 - good point! Honestly, I am a bit more skeptical about this one tho. I spent years chasing the perfect travel setup and f/8 at the long end is gonna be tough to swallow. I remember shooting with the Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR during a trip to the PNW and even that felt slow when the clouds rolled in. Just my two cents, but f/8 is basically a pinhole. Make sure to keep these technical trade-offs in mind before pre-ordering:

• That f/8 aperture means you are gonna need serious light. Be careful shooting fast action or wildlife unless it is high noon, or your ISO will be through the roof.
• Image quality often falls off at the extreme ends of these 14x zooms. I would suggest waiting for some real-world RAW files to see the corner sharpness.
• If you really need reach, you might want to consider the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR instead. It is bigger, but the glass is way better for the price. I eventually moved to the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S for my main kit because I realized sharpness and a constant aperture mattered more to me than having 400mm in one bag. I learned the hard way that superzooms always have a tax on image quality... just gotta decide if you are willing to pay it.

Just saw this thread and honestly, I have some serious reservations. Regarding what #1 said about "I'm totally blown away by the performance of" the previous glass, I think we need to be much more careful here. Buying a lens this expensive that ends at f/8 seems like a risky investment for a beginner. Unfortunately, my experience with slower lenses in the past was not as good as expected. I had issues with autofocus hunting in anything but bright sunlight and it was just frustrating to use. While some people are excited about the range and others are worried about the light, I think the cost vs. performance ratio is the real problem here.

• The f/8 aperture is a major concern for image quality. You'll likely have to crank the ISO, which leads to noisy, grainy photos.
• The price tag is quite steep for a lens with these technical compromises. It's easy to overspend on gear that doesn't actually perform in real-world settings.
• Handholding at 400mm with such a slow aperture is a recipe for blurry shots unless you're in perfect light. Basically, I'm worried this is gonna be a letdown for anyone not shooting in the desert. It's better to be safe than stuck with an expensive lens that only works well for a few hours a day. I'd suggest renting it first or just sticking to your current gear until the reviews are actually out...