Designed for professional sports and wildlife photographers, the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, is two pounds lighter but more rugged than its predecessor. It offers a fast maximum aperture that they say delivers pleasing Bokeh, and its low-light capabilities are claimed to be increased by four stops thanks to an advanced Nikon VR technology. Yes, you can actually hand-hold this lens in some situations, although we always recommend a monopod or tripod for long lenses. 

Nikon has added a new mode specifically for shooting Sports and Action, while a specialized electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism achieves consistent exposures when shooting at high frame rates. The lens's autofocus can be seamlessly overridden by spinning the lens barrel to change focus manually. 

The lens is constructed of lightweight fluorite lens elements (as well as two Extra-Low Dispersion glass elements) and a magnesium alloy die-cast lens barrel, making the new lens about two pounds lighter than its predecessor, the AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR-and when shooting sports or wildlife, pros know that every pound counts. Since wildlife and action often mean harsh conditions, the lens also features professional grade dust- and moisture-resistant sealing and a fluorine coated meniscus protective glass element at the lens front. Nikon says the lens's elements are engineered to nearly eliminate chromatic aberration even at f/2.8.