Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S

The newest super-tele: Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S

Another Supertele for the Z system!

Nikon’s latest addition to their telephoto line is the Z 600mm F6.3 VR S lens. At US$4800 it’s definitely in the supertele range.

There already are some complaints (there always are…) that this lens is a f6.3, and not f5.6 – which is 1/3 of a stop difference. On the other hand it’s just 1 1/3 stops slower than the US$15,000 Z 600mm f4 TC lens and it is outright compact for such a lens.

Weight and size sets this lens apart from anything else – perfect for hand holding!

Why the 600mm f/6.3?

Thanks to the PF lens elements Nikon was able to keep the weight at just under 1.5kg, just a bit heavier than the Z 70-200mm f2.8. At 27.8cm it is only about 5cm longer as well. This makes for a truly portable 600mm f6.3 lens, and it can be easily used handheld. Add a 1.4 tele converter and it goes all the way to 840mm!

Yes, one can get the Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 at a much lower price of US$1700, but this zoom comes in at 2kg and adds another 5cm to the length. Close-up distance and therefore magnification is better on the zoom as well, but for many the price will likely be the deciding factor. If you’re on a budget – if one puts a $1.7k lens in that category – then the zoom is the obvious choice.

Sharpness – it can’t get much better than this, can’t it?

Choices

This is Nikon’s 7th long telephoto lens; within a short time the Z system evolved into perhaps the best wildlife/sports option available these days. Pick your choice according to price, size and capability!

Here’s the total long telephoto line-up so far:

Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S (launch price US$2,700)
Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S (launch price US$3,250)
Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S (launch price US$14,000)
Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR (launch price US$1,700)
Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S (launch price US$4,800)
Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S (launch price US$15,500)
Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S (launch price US$6,500)