Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 VR Lens: First Look

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Published on November 2, 2022
Austin James Jackson
Adorama ALC

The brand new NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens is set to expand Nikon’s super telephoto lenses for Z mount. This lens comes in addition to the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens, which was released earlier this year.

Nikon has spared very few features with the release of this lens. Users can expect top-notch image quality in a focal length that really delivers when it comes to sports, wildlife, and aviation photography. This lens joins the likes of Nikon’s S-Line lenses, which is an indicator of premium quality with the most advanced optics, smooth bokeh, weather sealing, and superior resolution. Let’s take a look at some of the new features of the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens.

Features of the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens

  • S-Line premium optics
  • 600mm super-telephoto prime
  • 840mm 1.4x teleconverter built-in
  • f/4 maximum aperture
  • VR image stabilization (5.5 stops)
  • Dustproof, splashproof, weather resistant
Photo from Nikon

Built-In 1.4x Teleconverter

For those times when you need a little extra reach, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S comes with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. This means that you can easily go from 600mm to 840mm at f/5.6 without taking your eyes off the subject. Best of all, there is no loss of image quality or auto focus performance. This lens is even compatible with an external teleconverter, allowing you to reach even greater lengths. With the 2.0x teleconverter for Z Mount, you can reach an astonishing 1680mm at f/11 without losing image quality.

Photo from Nikon, taken with the 600mm lens

Lighter, Faster, Sharper

Nikon continues the quality and sharpness that we have come to know and expect from Nikon Z mount lenses. The NIKKOR Z 600mm is almost 15 percent lighter than its counterpart for Nikon F-mount, even with the built-in teleconverter. Rubber gaskets are used to keep dust, dirt, and moisture out of all moving parts. Magnesium alloy is used to keep the lens lightweight, yet still incredibly strong. This lens has excellent ergonomics with a center of gravity at the tripod ring for smooth panning on a tripod or monopod and more stable handheld shooting.

Photo from Nikon, taken with the 600mm lens

5.0 Stops of Image Stabilization

The NIKKOR Z 600mm comes with a whole 5.0 stops of image stabilization. That’s one stop higher than its predecessor. This makes it easier than ever to capture handheld or monopod photos that still maintain sharpness. When paired with a camera using Synchro VR, you get 5.5 stops of image stabilization. Nikon has included a sport mode, which allows you to shoot in continuous mode without resetting the stabilization after every shot. This means that you’ll be able to compose more accurately in the middle of a burst.

Photo from Nikon

Specialized Lens Coatings

Nikon has used numerous different coatings on this lens to prevent glare and ghosting. Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat gives you the highest level of anti-reflection performance ever seen in NIKKOR history. Their Nano Crystal Coat prevents internal reflections and cross-lighting when shooting under the lights at sporting events.

Photo from Nikon, taken with the 600mm lens

Chromatic Aberration Reducing Elements

Multiple elements have been used to reduce chromatic aberration, including one short-wavelength refractive, two extra-low dispersion, and one SUPER ED, as well as two different coatings to counter lens flare. As you can see, no coating was spared to ensure the absolute highest image quality on this lens.

Advanced Autofocus System

Nikon has used their Silky Swift VCM autofocusing system that delivers high speed, higher accuracy, and an incredibly quiet operation. This kind of AF performance is unprecedented on a heavy lens like the NIKKOR Z 600mm. This focusing system is paired with an ABS encoder that provides 20 times the precision compared to conventional systems. With this autofocusing system and ABS encoder, Nikon delivers a top-of-the-line autofocus system.

Photo from Nikon

No-Look Controls

Professional photographers know how important it is to never let your eye off the subject. Nikon has specially designed this lens, button, and ring placement to allow you to quickly and easily change between the built-in teleconverter as well as adjust the Fn-Ring, Focus Ring, and Control Ring without ever taking your eyes off the viewfinder.

The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens is sure to be a hit among super telephoto users on the Nikon Z-Mount. With the built-in teleconverter, this lens truly is like getting two lenses in the body of one. Nikon really left no features behind, and this is a lens that you will truly have to see to believe.

Austin James Jackson
Austin James Jackson is a landscape photographer and outdoor enthusiast based out of Portland, Oregon. He loves teaching others how to photograph landscapes and leads workshops in the western USA.