Nikon has just introduced the Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens, a super telephoto lens sold at a fraction of the price compared to other lenses in its class. With a focal length capable of stretching up to 1,200mm (with a teleconverter), this is likely to be a favorite among sports and wildlife photographers.
What’s New About this Nikon 600mm Lens?
Light and Affordable
With a focal length of 600mm, a lens of this kind typically comes at a considerable weight. For context, Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens — which was released November 2022 — weighs around 115 oz. This new lens offering from Nikon weighs just 51 oz. On top of that, it costs under $5,000 — a fraction of price of Nikon’s other 600mm lenses.
So, how did Nikon achieve a lens this long at such an affordable price? Well, the lens maintains a compact profile courtesy of its Phase Fresnel lens element. This is Nikon’s second PF (Phase Fresnel) lens in the Z series, alongside the previously released Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S.
Short, Balanced Design
At just 11 inches long, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens is intended to fit in most backpacks and carry-on luggage. Its compact design is sure to be an important consideration for travelling wildlife or sports photographers who need to hold their gear for a long period of time.
Nikon also designed this lens to have its center of gravity shift toward the camera to provide more control to the user when panning or making swift motions.
Stable and Silent
The lens has up to six stops of vibration reduction when used on cameras with Synchro VR. For all other Nikon Z series cameras, the lens can reach up to 5.5 stops. The lens’ autofocus is powered by Nikon’s Stepping Motor (STM) so you can capture in near-silence — especially helpful for bird photographers working with sensitive subjects.
Even more so, Nikon claims that focus breathing will be heavily suppressed with no mechanical noise when using Continuous AF. You can also save a focus position using the lens’ Memory Set button and snap into saved position using Fn or Fn2 buttons.
Weather-Sealed
The lens is made with specialized ED and SR lens elements and coated with a Nano Crystal Coat (N) to reduce ghosting and glare. Its advanced weather sealing includes rubber gaskets intended to keep dirt and moisture from harming the lens.
You can add a Z series teleconverter to the lens to reach up to 1,200mm — think long-range shots common in wildlife photography on safari. Switching to DX Crop Mode in camera will provide an extra 1.5x boost as well.
Who Should Try This Nikon 600mm Lens?
There’s no doubt this lens will be used by wildlife, bird, action, and sports photographers. The super telephoto range, mixed with its f/6.3 aperture, will benefit those capturing fast subjects from far away.
On top of that, the price of this lens is simply insane. For context, Nikon’s previously 600mm f/4 lens was offered at around $15,000. Nikon has found a way to offer similar specs, in a smaller and lighter form factor, at a significantly lower price.
