Expert Pick #07
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S.
S-line super-telephoto with VR and weather sealing. Pairs naturally with the Z9 for stadium sports and field wildlife.
The Verdict.
8.8/ 10
Gavler Meta-Score
“Z-system wildlife zoom of choice. Editorial verdict pending Curator authoring.”
The Gavler Verdict
Precision Engineering
S-Line Build Quality
Magnesium alloy barrel with full weather sealing — drop-rated for field use.
Sharp at 400mm Wide Open
ED and aspherical elements maintain sharpness wide open at 400mm — rare in this class.
Technical Specifications
Focal Length100-400mm
Aperturef/4.5-5.6
MountNikon Z
Weight1,355 g
The Scoreboard
Expert Consensus90%
Community Rating89%
Sharp wide open, fast AF on the Z9 — though the Z 180-600 challenges it on value. Curator content pending.
Cast Your Vote
Do you think Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S deserves the #7 spot in Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses?
Best Price Availability.
Prices checked April 2026
Global Critique
“The Z9's natural companion.”
Nikon Rumors
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