The Extra 100mm: How the 100-400mm Lens Outperforms the 28-300mm for Event Photography

Investiture Ceremony Honorable J. Elizabeth McBath [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 6400, 1/250, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 400)]

If you are an avid photographer who loves to capture events, you may have already come across lenses with varying focal lengths. Two of the most popular lenses used for event photography are the 100-400mm and the 28-300mm lenses. While both lenses are versatile and can be used in various situations, the extra 100mm on the 100-400mm lens can make all the difference when capturing high-quality images at events.

The difference in focal length between the two lenses may not seem significant at first, but it can make a world of difference when photographing events. In addition, the extra 100mm on the 100-400mm lens provides a substantial amount of reach that can come in handy in various situations.

Investiture Ceremony Honorable J. Elizabeth McBath [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 9000, 1/250, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 400)]

First and foremost, the extra reach provided by the 100-400mm lens allows you to capture images of your subjects from a greater distance. This can be particularly useful in situations where you may not be able to get too close to your issues, such as at concerts or sporting events. In addition, with the extra 100mm, you can zoom in and capture details that would have been impossible to capture with the 28-300mm lens.

John Swofford, the commissioner for the ACC, speaks to the media on Sunday, October 26, 2008, in Atlanta. [NIKON D3, 122.0-300.0 mm f/2.8, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 6400, 1/640, ƒ/2.8, (35mm = 300)]

In addition to the increased reach, the 100-400mm lens provides better image quality. The optics on the 100-400mm lens are designed to give sharper images with less distortion, which is essential when capturing detailed shots at events. The lens also has a wider aperture, which allows more light to enter the lens and provides better low-light performance.

Another advantage of the 100-400mm lens is that it allows you to blur the background more effectively. This is especially useful when photographing portraits or capturing action shots at events. In addition, the lens’s longer focal length helps compress the background, making it easier to create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background.

Of course, it’s worth noting that the Nikon 100-400mm Z lens is generally about the same weight as the Nikon 70-200mm ƒ/2.8 Z lens, making it easier to carry around all day.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan delivers a powerful keynote speech at the Investiture Ceremony for Honorable J. Elizabeth McBath, celebrating her appointment as a federal judge at Richard B. Russell Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Atlanta. [NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 14400, 1/250, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 400)]

In conclusion, while the 100-400mm and the 28-300mm lenses are versatile and can be used for event photography, the extra 100mm on the 100-400mm lens can make all the difference when capturing high-quality images. The extra reach, improved image quality, and better background blur make the 100-400mm lens a must-have for any event photographer looking to take their photography to the next level.