Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Super-Telephoto Prime Lens Released

Lens News

by Jeff LochOctober 13^th, 2023

Nikon has just released a new super-telephoto prime lens for Z-mount cameras: the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S. This massive S-line lens has built-in image stabilization up to 5.5-stops in Normal mode and 6-stops when combined with a compatible camera body. It is dust and drip-resistant, has many user-assignable buttons, and fast autofocus performance thanks to an STM motor. So, let’s take a closer look at this lens!

Nikon continues to release new NIKKOR Z lenses at a very constant pace, which is impressive. Indeed, after the recent announcement of the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, Nikon is already back with the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S that fills a gap in their lineup of super-telephoto prime lenses between the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S – features

With a total length of only 27.8cm/10.94in and a weight of 1.4kg/3.08lbs, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is one of the lightest and most compact super-telephoto lenses in the Nikon S lineup. As usual with this kind of super-telephoto lens, it covers full-frame/FX image sensors.

On the lens body, you’ll find a silent control ring that is user-assignable and can adjust the focus, aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation. Also, you’ll find a focus switch and focus limit switch with two positions: full from infinity to 4m/13.1ft and limited from infinity to 10m/32.8ft.

On the lens, you’ll discover a total of four Fn2 buttons, each customizable to serve various functions. Furthermore, there is an extra lens Fn button near the lens barrel. Lastly, there is a memory recall function button to recall a precise focus position that you define in advance.

Like all Nikon NIKKOR S-line lenses, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is designed to resist dust and moisture, featuring multiple sealing gaskets around the lens. The front element has a fluorine coating to reduce fingerprints and repel dust/oil/water droplets.

If 600mm is a little bit short for you and you need extra range, you can use the lens with the TC-1.4x and TC-2x teleconverters. The TC-1.4x teleconverter will turn the lens into an 840mm prime, but you’ll lose one stop of light, while the TC-2x will give you a 1200mm hyper-telephoto lens if you can sacrifice two stops of light.

On the inside, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S features a stepping motor (STM) for “fast and quiet autofocus performances,” according to the company. Also, the lens has built-in image stabilization (VR) with up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization and up to 6 stops when combined with a compatible Nikon Z camera, thanks to the Synchro VR mode.

Lens design

The lens design of the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S consists of a whopping 21 elements in 14 groups, including two ED elements, one SR element, and one PF element. According to Nikon, all elements have a Nano Crystal coating to reduce unwanted ghosting and lens flares.

The minimum focus distance is 4m/13.1ft. The aperture diaphragm consists of nine rounded blades. Lastly, the front filter diameter is 95mm.

Price and availability

The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is available to pre-order now for $4,796.95/€5799 and will start shipping on October 26th. The lens comes with front and rear caps, the HB-105A lens hood, and the CL‑C6 lens case.

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

What do you think about this new lightweight and compact super-telephoto prime lens? Do you often use super-telephoto prime lenses? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!