Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Super Telephoto Lens Released

Lens News

by Jeff LochApril 8^th, 2022

Nikon recently released a new super-telephoto lens for its mirrorless cameras: the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S. This pretty lightweight and very long prime lens is part of Nikon’s S-Line premium lineup of glasses, and it offers sports and wildlife content creators new creative options. So let’s take a closer look at it!

In January, Nikon launched the Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a stellar super-telephoto prime lens at a premium price.

In the footsteps of Canon, which recently launched the RF800mm f/5.6 L IS USM and RF1200mm f/8 L IS USM lenses, Nikon has unveiled its NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens, which is now the company’s longest focal length available for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S features

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is a long lens at 5.5 x 15.2″/14 x 38.5 cm, but it is relatively light at only 5.2 lb/2.3kg!

This super-telephoto lens covers full-frame sensors and is part of the S-Line, Nikon’s premium NIKKOR Z lenses. This 800mm prime lens has built-in image stabilization up to 5 stops. In addition, if you combine it with the flagship Z 9 mirrorless camera, you’ll have access to Synchro VR image stabilization which combines the in-lens and in-camera systems for up to 5.5 stops stabilization.

If this lens is not long enough for you, the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is compatible with the TC-1.4x and TC-2x teleconverters. Furthermore, if you combine it with the Z 9’s 2.3x crop factor, you can record in 4K/120p with the angle of view of a 1840mm.

On the lens itself, you’ll find an AF/M autofocus switch, a focus limiter switch, a large focus ring, a user-assignable control ring, and two Fn function buttons. You can use these function buttons to save focus positions.

Lens design

The lens design of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S consists of 22 elements in 14 groups, including three ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements and one Short-Wavelength Refractive lens to reduce axial chromatic aberrations. Also, there is a Phase Fresnel element to minimize ghosting.

The internal elements feature a Nano Crystal Coat to eliminate internal reflections and cross-lighting. Talking about coatings, you’ll find a fluorine-coated front element to reduce fingerprints and repel dust/oil/water droplets. The aperture diaphragm consists of nine round aperture blades. The minimum focusing distance is 5m/16.4ft.

You can’t attach filters directly to the massive front element, but there is a 46mm drop-in filter slot at the back of the lens. Last but not least, sealing around all moving parts keeps dust and moisture from entering the lens.

Price and availability

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S will start shipping this month for $6496.95. The lens comes with a tripod collar, a lens hood, strap, case, and front/back caps.

For more information, please visit Nikon’s website here.

What do you think about this new Nikon NIKKOR super-telephoto lens? Do you often shoot with such long lenses? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!