A New Nikon Lens 180mm-400mm f/4 with built in 1.4x teleconverter

Nikon has announced a brand new telephoto zoom.  This lens has an FX focal length range of 180mm to 400mm and has a fixed maximum aperture of f/4.  

The new lens, named the AFS Nikkor 180-400 F/4E TC1.4 ED FL VR, is designed for sports and wildlife shooters and can be used on Nikon FX and DX bodies.  Nikon claims it is the first time that they have built a teleconverter directly into the lens.

This is definitely a professional level product.  It has a wider basic range than the existing 200-400 f/4 and builds on that concept with the inclusion of the teleconverter.  The folks at Canon built a 200-400 with built in teleconverter a couple of years back, so the idea has been proven in real world use.

The lens incorporates 8 ED (extra low dispersion) element groups as well as a Fluorite element for reduced weight.  The lens is dust and moisture sealed and built out of a tough magnesium alloy.  The tripod collar uses a smooth ball bearing system to simply orientation changes.  The VR provides for up to 4 stops of stabilization.  The lens has a fluorine coating to repel water and includes Nikon's NANO coating for increased durability.

When used the the company's D5, D500 and D850 cameras, all the AF points are available and the outer perimeter ones can act as cross-type points.

Availability is targeted for March 2018 at a price of $15,549,95 CAD.