Nikon Announces Lighter, More Compact 600mm Super Telephoto Lens

Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 600mm F/6.3 VR S super-telephoto prime lens.  The newcomer represents Nikon’s efforts to make a lens that not only reaches far out into focal length but does it with lighter and more compact construction without compromising image quality.

Weighing at just 3 pounds (1390g), the Nikkor 600mm F/6.3 VR S measures just 11 inches (278mm) long making it ideal for handheld shooting out in the wild.

Image Credit – Nikon

The result is a super telephoto lens that is three pounds lighter and six inches shorter than the previous generation 600mm lens.

Image Credit – Nikon

The lens is designed with a Phase Fresnel Optic to cut down on weight, plus two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and a single short wavelength refractive (SR) element to reduce chromatic aberration and prevent light dispersion, ghosting, and lens flare.

The optics are also coated with Nikon’s Nano Crystal coating to boost sharpness and clarity with accurate color and contrast.

The lens is powered by Nikon Stepping motors and a near-silent autofocus drive system for identifying and tracking fast, erratic subjects like birds or action sports.

Focus breathing has also been effectively suppressed due to a precision electromagnetic diaphragm for smooth, step-less aperture adjustments.

Nikon has also constructed the lens with an optical vibration reduction to dampen out camera shake by up to six stops when paired with a camera that supports Synchro VR, such as the Nikon Z8 or Z9, plus the new Nikon Zf.

Other Z-mount mirrorless cameras will achieve up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization.

Image Credit – Nikon

The lens also sports two sets of assignable L-Fn function buttons, an assignable control ring, a memory set button, a focus limiter switch, and a dedicated focusing ring for manual control.

With a 600mm prime focal length, the lens can be boosted out to 840mm or 1200mm by using either the 1.4x Z or 2.0x Z teleconverters.

Meanwhile, the lens center of gravity has been shifted towards the camera body to make the lens easier to hold and to provide faster stops and accelerations while tracking and acquiring fast-moving objects while shooting handheld.

Nikon has also designed the lens with a Kensington Security Slot with the use of an optional cable lock to guard against theft.

Sealed against dust, dirt, and moisture through advanced weather sealing and fluorine coating, the 600mm super-telephoto also has a front rubber grip for stable and comfortable control and a tripod collar for shooting in any orientation. There is also a 95mm filter thread on the front.

With a lighter, more compact design, the Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S should be a popular consideration for both action and wildlife photographers looking to keep up with fast-moving subjects while out in the field.

Pricing and Availability

The Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S will be available in late October for a retail price of $4799.95 from Nikon directly and its network of authorized retailers.

[source: Nikon]

Order links:

  • Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens, Z mount (B&H)

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