New Nikkor AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens and Nikon AF-S TC-14E III teleconverter

Nikon recently announced a new version for its 400mm f/2.8 super tele. This new version is lighter and more rugged than its predecessor, and uses a fluorine coated front meniscus glass element to protect the optics. Optics that make use of two fluorite and two ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements to ensure minimal chromatic aberration.

Next to the new AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens, Nikon also announced a new version of the 1.4 teleconverter. This new Nikon AF-S TC-14E III is slightly smaller and has improved optics when compared to the previous TC II version.

See below for a comparison of the old and new models of the lens and teleconverter.

While the new teleconverter will be available at basically the same price ($500/€550), the new 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR will be (much) more expensive than its predecessor (±$12,000/€12,500).

Old and new versions of the 400mm lens compared

Feature	New: AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR	Old: AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
Focal length	400 mm	400 mm
Maximum aperture	f/2.8	f/2.8
Minimum aperture	f/22	f/22
Lens construction	16 elements in 12 groups (Including 2 fluorite and 2 ED glass elements plus meniscus protective glass and Nano Crystal coat). 2 aspherical lens elements, and lens elements with a Nano Crystal Coat.	14 elements in 11 groups (with 3 ED glass elements and one Nano Crystal Coat) and one meniscus protective glass element
Angle of view	6°10' (4°00' with DX-format camera)	6°10' (4°00' with DX-format camera)
Minimum focus distance	2.6m from focal plane	2.9 (AF), 2.8 m (MF)
Maximum reproduction ratio	1/6.9	1/6.3
No. of diaphragm blades	9 (rounded)	9 (rounded)
Filter attachment size	40.5mm (drop-in)	52mm (drop-in)
Diameter x length (extension from lens mount)	Approx. 159.5 x 358 mm	Approx. 159.5 × 368 mm
Weight	Approx. 3800 g	Approx. 4620g
Supplied accessories	Slip-on front lens cap, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, HK-38 Lens Hood, 40.5 mm screw-in NC filter, CT-405 Lens Case, LN-2 Strap, Monopod collar	Slip-on Lens Hood HK-33, Trunk Case CT-404, 52-mm screw-in filter, Strap LN-1, Monopod collar

Old and new versions of the TC1.4 compared

Feature	New: TC1.4E III	Old: TC1.4E II
Lens construction	7 elements in 4 groups	5 elements in 5 groups
Minimum focus distance	Same as that of a prime lens	Same as that of a prime lens
Maximum reproduction ratio	Approx. 1.4x that of a prime lens	Approx. 1.4x that of a prime lens
Diameter x length (distance from camera lens mount flange)	64 x 24.5mm	66 x 24.5mm
Weight	190g	200g