Nikon just announced the newest supertelephoto lens for the mirrorless Z system: the Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S. Partly thanks to the phase fresnel (PF) lens element, the 600mm f/6.3 VR S is the smallest and lightest lens in its class – weighing the same as the 500mm f/5.6 PF F-mount lens.
Here’s what you need to know about the new Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S, plus some official sample photos from Nikon.
Specifications
- Full Name: Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
- Focal Length: 600mm prime
- Angle of View: 4°10′ (2°40′ on DX)
- Maximum Aperture: f/6.3
- Minimum Aperture: f/32
- Lens Elements: 21
- Lens Element Groups: 14
- Filter Thread Size: 95mm
- Maximum Magnification: 0.15x (1:6.7)
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 4.0 meters (13.1 feet)
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Aperture Blades: 9
- Nano Crystal Coating: Yes
- ED Glass Elements: 2
- Phase Fresnel Elements: 1
- Aspherical Elements: 0
- Short-Wavelength Refractive Elements: 1
- Fluorine Coated Front Element: Yes
- Teleconverter Compatibility: Yes (with both Nikon TCs)
- Focus Motor: Stepping motor
- Internal Focusing: Yes
- Rings: Focus and custom
- Function Buttons: Fn1 and four duplicating Fn2 buttons
- Switches: A-M switch and distance limiter (10m to infinity)
- Dimensions (Length x Diameter): 278 x 107 mm (11.0 x 4.2 inches)
- Weight: 1470 g / 3.24 lbs (1390 g / 3.06 lbs without tripod collar)
- MSRP: $4799.95
- Availability: Late October
Product Photos and Construction
Analysis
If you were hoping that the f/6.3 maximum aperture would allow for a cheap lens, you’d be wrong. The Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is launching for an ambitious price of $4800, and it’s one of only four Nikon Z lenses so far to earn the classic gold ring around the front (alongside the 400mm f/2.8, 600mm f/4, and 800mm f/6.3).
However, if you were hoping the f/6.3 aperture would allow for a lightweight lens, you’d be correct. With a weight of 1470 grams (including the tripod collar), this lens is almost exactly the same weight as the famously portable F-mount Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF – a 1460 gram lens. Considering the weight of Nikon’s FTZ adapter, the 600mm f/6.3 is ultimately the lighter combo.
As for size, Nikon has kept the 600mm f/6.3 PF relatively small at 278 x 107 mm (11.0 x 4.2 inches). This is a bit bigger than the 500mm f/5.6 PF, which measures 237 x 106 mm (9.3 x 4.2 inches). However, again taking the FTZ adapter in to consideration, the two lenses will work out to be about the same length in practice on a Nikon Z camera body.
The other comparison that immediately comes to mind is with the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. That lens costs a mere $1700 while reaching the same maximum focal length and aperture as the 600mm f/6.3. It’s also a zoom lens, allowing for more flexibility. However, the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 weighs more at 1950 g / 4.3 pounds, while also taking up a bit more space at 316 x 110 mm (12.4 x 4.3 inches). This difference could add up, especially when handholding the lens, although the real question is going to be image quality. Presumably, the 600mm f/6.3 VR S will have higher sharpness and potentially faster focusing speed than the zoom. However, I do wonder how the PF element will affect its bokeh (though the official sample photos look good in that respect).
When I talked to Libor about this lens, he made a great point that the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 will probably balance better on most gimbals, especially with a heavier camera like the Nikon Z9. The 600mm f/6.3 VR S is so light that it might be hard to balance on a gimbal and could work better as a handheld lens than anything else. This holds true with Nikon’s statement that the 600mm f/6.3 VR S “is designed so that its center of gravity is positioned closer to the body side, offering optimal balance.”
Overall, the 600mm f/6.3 VR S looks like a very enticing lens if you prioritize weight and portability in your supertelephotos. However, I expect that the high price will steer more photographers toward the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. I’m excited to test both lenses side-by-side to see their focusing speed and image quality performance in practice.
Official Sample Photos
Pre-Order and Shipping Information
The Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S will ship in late October 2023 – B&H specifies October 26th. Because of the high price and complex design, it will likely be a low-production lens. You can pre-order the lens for $4796.95 here:
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Press Release
PORTABLE, POWERFUL & PREMIUM: NIKON RELEASES THE LIGHTWEIGHT NIKKOR Z 600MM F/6.3 VR S SUPER-TELEPHOTO PRIME
The Lightest 600mm Prime in its Class Opens the Possibility of Handheld Shooting at Extreme Distances
MELVILLE, NY (October 11, 2023) Today Nikon Inc. announced yet another premium super-telephoto lens, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S. This latest S-Line prime lens is the newest addition to Nikon’s extremely popular lineup of PF lenses that deliver big reach in a surprisingly small and lightweight package.
Wildlife, aviation and motorsport shooters need spontaneous versatility, fast precise focus, and a lens that won’t compromise image quality. The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is an S-Line super-telephoto prime lens that is made to be easily handheld. Users can leave the monopod at home, since it is the lightest in its class1, and offers superior optical performance and portability with a total length of only 11in (278mm) and approx. weight of 1,390g (3lbs). Furthermore, the lens is designed so that its center of gravity is positioned closer to the body side, offering optimal balance. This also makes the NIKKOR Z 600mm an ideal lens for panning in situations that require lens control and stability, such as automotive racing, or fast-moving subjects like wild birds in flight.
The use of the Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element contributes to a significantly smaller overall size and weight, reducing the need for a tripod. With advanced AF and VR performance as well as S-Line superior rendering quality, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S gives users the confidence to get tack-sharp images of fast-moving subjects from a distance.
Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
- Hand-held shooting is made possible with a total length of approximately 11 in (278mm) and weight of approximately 1,390g (3lbs), the lightest in its class.
- Chromatic aberration is significantly reduced with the adoption of PF and ED glass elements. In addition, the adoption of an SR lens element controls short-wavelength light, the effects of which are difficult to correct, achieving highly precise chromatic aberration compensation.
- Nikon’s original Nano Crystal Coat has been adopted to effectively reduce ghost and flare.
- By using the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× the telephoto range can be expanded to 840mm or 1200mm respectively, while taking advantage of the lens’ AF and VR performance to realize superior sharpness and clarity.
- Equipped with Normal VR mode, which demonstrates superior 5.5-stop stabilization, as well as Sport VR mode, which stabilizes the viewfinder display with continuous shooting, making it easier to track rapidly moving subjects.2
- When paired with a compatible body, Synchro VR can be activated to achieve up to 6.0-stop stabilization3 by combining in-camera VR and lens VR.
- Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing.
- Superior dust- and drip-resistant performance4 is supported, and excellent anti-fouling performance is achieved through the adoption of fluorine coat.
- Equipped with four lens Fn2 buttons and one lens Fn button that can be customized and assigned to a wide variety of functions.
- Equipped with a memory recall function5 that instantly recalls a focus position stored in advance by pressing the button to which the function has been assigned.
- A design that takes video recording into consideration with quiet operation and stable exposure, as well as functions including focus-breathing suppression that effectively reduces shifting of the angle of view with focusing.
Price and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S will be available in late October for a suggested retail price of $4799.95.* For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit Nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram,TikTok, Vimeo and Flickr.
# # #
Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
- Among f/6.3 and faster interchangeable lenses for full-frame/FX-format mirrorless cameras, including those with a focal length of 600 mm, available as of October 11th 2023. Statement based on Nikon research.
- Measured in accordance with CIPA standards. This value is achieved when attached to a camera with full-frame/FX-format sensor with the camera’s VR function set to [NORMAL]
- Measured in accordance with CIPA standards. In [NORMAL] mode when combined with cameras that support Synchro VR.
- Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
- Camera firmware must be updated to the latest version to use this function.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Being a prime the 600 f6.3 may require a second lens, such as the 100-400. That is more weight to carry than the 180-600. There is a difference of course between what is on your back and what is in your hand.
It depends on your subject. Probably bird photographers who shoot mainly wild birds won’t need a 100-400. If you’re a more generalist shooter, then the 180-600 is a superior choice.
Always appreciate your analysis on Nikon products Spencer, this one doesn’t disappoint either, thanks. I’m still on the fence with this lens, really do like the carrying weight though. Already owning the 400 4.5, 600 f4 w/TC & 180-600 6.3 I can be patient waiting. However, hiking around w/3.25# 600mm seems enjoyable:) My question or lack of understanding is why when using 1.4TC with this 600 6.3 PF lens the aperture would then be f9? I’m not an expert at the math but I figured you’d be able to explain. Thank you
To get to the next full stop, you have to multiply by 1.4 (an approximation to the square root of two). Therefore, 6.3×1.4 =~ 8.8, so yes, essentially f/9.
Thank you Jason
Well, the big disappointment for me is the F6/3. I like to take photos in Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Panama. In reviewing my photos, I rarely go over f5.6, and usually only when using a TC. The 500mm pf is the same size and weight, but is F5.6, focuses over 3 ft closer, and has a maximum magnification of .18 vs the 600 at .15. Just as importantly, I have the 500mm pf, so my urge to spend $5200 is dampened. While my 400mm f2.8 is heavy, it is unlikely that I would be willing to give it up. Shooting at 400mm 2.8, 560mm at 4.0, 800 at 5.6 is too important for me. The 500mm works for hand holding, and I also have the 100-400 f4.5 to f5.6, so no, I doubt that I will acquire the new 600mm 6.3.
I understand your concern, but in fact, the difference between f/5.6 and 6.3 is mostly psychological. In practice, this means only a 1/3 stop higher ISO value, which doesn’t affect image quality significantly.
And AF at over f/5.6 isn’t really a concern anymore with mirrorless cameras. Despite the slower apperture, this lens will likely focus faster than the 500/5.6 PF.
But I agree that depending on your needs, replacing the 500/5.6 with this lens doesn’t always make sense. For me it does though, since I often wish for more than 500mm and often use the 500mm with TCs.
Steve Perry has had a use of the Lens and is showing the focus speed comparisons on the Youtube coverage he has done.
The f/5.6 to f/6.3 will be negated when you crop the 500mm. And let’s be honest most bird photographers are cropping a 500mm on a full-frame, maybe 50-80% of the time depending on the bird.
The third of an f‑stop apparent disadvantage of f/6.3 vs f/5.6 will indeed be negated when the image from the 500 mm is cropped — by a factor of 1.2 — in order to match the narrower angle of view of the 600 mm.
Using precise values for the f‑numbers, N:
f/6.3, N₆₃=2^(0.5×5⅓)≈6.350
f/5.6, N₅₆=2^(0.5×5) ≈5.657
Entrance pupil diameters = f/N:
600/N₆₃ ≈ 94 mm
500/N₅₆ ≈ 88 mm
Therefore, the third of an f‑stop apparent disadvantage of the 600 mm f/6.3 turns out to be a small advantage of a fifth of an f‑stop.
First, let thank Nightjar, Pete, John, and Jason for your comments. What all of you have pinted out about the advantages of the 600mm pf over the 500mm pf are all valid, but as you have pointed out, the gains are relatively small. Really, one fifth of an f stop improvement when you factor in the 100mm reach factor? The other factors being ignored, is the minimum focus of 3 meters vs the 4 meters of the 600mm, and the ease of acquiring the subject with the wider point of view. For me, one of the big factors is the close focusing distance when photographing birds. It is generally easier to acquire an unobstructed view at 3 meters than it would be at 4 meters. Those two factors are the main reason that I passed on the 800mm pf. Of course, in Central and South America, it is markedly different from Africa and the US.
That said, if I didn’t already have the 500mm pf, I would be lined up to buy the 600mm The weight factor, size, and MTF image quality makes the 600mm look very good.
I agree with your posts Carl, as I also use PF lenses to complement the brighter exotics.
Depending on each usage, one might think to keep the F-mount lenses also on Z-bodies, because you can not mount a Z 600PF on a D5/D6 when light is fading, while instead you might take advantage of the DSLRs in low light (I am missing a Z1-queen of darkness [Hi2=408k ISO] & speed [footage @240-960fps] successor of the D6, with enhanced capabilities in ALL conditions).
For the same reason, I was able to convince an American ebayer not to sell his 400/2.8E FL at ridiculously low price, solely because he was waiting for his Z8, while not upgrading to a brand new Z 400TC, costing nearly 3x the selling value of his used gear. I suggested him to buy an FTZ instead, also because Z7/Z8/Z9 need bright lenses, so once you have bright E FL lenses… you can live with the FTZ in good light, than take out the D5/D6 for darkness :-)
Think also about the TC17eII on the 600/4, for a 1000mm f/6.7: it is not bad at the end, and that brightness may help you in some case, when fauna is shy and the sun is low [No Z 1.7x TC yet??]. Sure, the 800/5.6+TC1.25E gets to 1000/7.1, with crispier results, but a bit more constrained on the bare lens when you absolutely need light, and some more weight. A lot of compromises when environment is constraining us :-)
This is a very interesting looking lens and I would not mind addding it to my kit to go with the 100-400Z and 800mm Z PF. However, my current top need is another body, either Z8 or Z9 to go with my existing Z9. To add this lens would require that I sell my 500PF, D850, TC14Eiii and add cash to the mix. That total cash outlay is out of reach for the foreseeable future. I am good with what I have even though I expect this to be a great lens.
Nikon is making superb lenses for their Z system! Leica and Zeiss no longer make the superior optics. Note that I have owned both Leica R and M systems in the past.
Canon, Sony, Sigma and other companies also have excellent lenses.
I am waiting for one of these companies to make a camera with a fast-readout sensor with computational and connectivity abilities on par with my Pixel 7 Pro. I enjoy diddling around in Lightroom, but on a day-to-day basis don’t want to spend the time and effort to deal with common contrast and lighting issues that my Pixel so easily handles.
Till then, I’ll get out my seldom-used D600 and 5 lens set when I need something the Pixel 7 can’t deliver.
Wow Nikon just keeps surprising us, I have the Z 400 4.5 and the Z 180-600 and love them both but I also want this 600 f6.3. Maybe sell my 400 4.5 and pair the 600 6.3 with my 180-600 or sell both 400 4.5 and 180-600 and buy the Z 100-400 and Z 600 f6.3?
Personally, I would get this lens over the 180-600 or 400 f/4.5 + TC. In terms of the 180-600, the 600 f/6.3 will certainly be sharper and that’s actually important for birds because there are shots where you’re at the limit of resolving feather detail, and in those cases a lens like the 600 f/6.3 will still give you a noticeable improvement over the 180-600, which definitely will show if you crop around 1.5x. And the focusing speed over the 180-600 should be an improvement.
As for the 400 + TC, well we know that’s a sharp lens. But still, there is a 40mm difference between the two. Not a lot perhaps, but that plus the sharpness increase will still mean something. Plus, when in bird photography when you’re at the limit of your gear, the real-world difference between lenses plus extenders and a native lens that’s a bit sharper is magnified. For many types of photography, you might not see a difference, but there are cases in bird photography where I just have the gut feeling that I’d be able to trust this lens much more than a 400 + TC.
As a 500PF owner, this lens will be top on my list…
Wow. Nikon pulled it out of nowhere. Very interesting one. But the price is bit higher than z400 f4.5 or f500f5.6 pf, which are similar to this lens.
Steve Perry’s early preproduction review indicates it’s a baby 600mm TC in terms of image quality and focus speed. Just as sharp, focuses just as fast. It also balances easily on the Wimberly gimbal.
It’s an intriguing lens. I’ll have some choices when I get ready to buy a 600mm prime.
This lens seems like a much harder sell than the 400 f4.5 or the 180-600 all things considered. You can also achieve 600 f6.3 with the former and the 1.4x TC. Sure this new lens will be sharper, but enough to truly matter? The 400mm f4.5 with 1.4x TC is quite good. And corner performance is mostly meaningless to me considering how much I crop in post anyway. Also, this new lens will be very slow with TCs to achieve longer focal lengths making that end of the argument for it weaker. Somewhat nitpicky but this is where I think making this 600mm lens f5.6 could have helped. Then there are the potential artifacts from the fresnel lens to consider. Ultimately I think if I was going to spend this kind of money what’s another $1700 at this point to get the 800mm f6.3. I ask easier to see reviews though.
At least there’s no shortage of options now! But I agree with you – any of the 400mm f/4.5, 500mm f/5.6 PF, or 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 seems easier to justify overall. Even if the performance is perfect (and I expect it to be high), that doesn’t change the equation for me very much, as those other options are no slouches.
I have the 400/4.5 + TC and the 100-400, but if I were to buy from scratch now, I think I would go for the 100-400 and 600 PF. That would be an excellent combo covering a lot of bases.
I have a question for you, Spencer, if you do not mind: is there a practical limitation to how fast a lens with a phase fresnel design can be?
I keep wondering what Nikon is going to do with S line versions of their 200mm and 300mm lenses. They were never really a part of the roadmap, but everyone knows they are coming sooner or later. I wonder if it is possible to see a 200mm f/2 or a 200mm f/1.8 PF design? Similarly, I wonder what are the prospects for a fast 300mm PF design?
The fastest PF design I have seen this far is the 300mm f/4. I have never seen a discussion on maximal PF aperture design. Any thoughts you have here would be greatly appreciated.
Hi John, no, there isn’t a limit beyond that of other lenses, as far as I know. You can even think of an 800mm f/6.3 as equivalent to a 400mm f/3.15 (with a 2x TC) or as a 200mm f/1.575 (with a 4x TC) — the entrance pupil sizes are the same. In theory, a 200mm f/2 PF should be doable (not that it’s necessarily likely one way or the other).
Thanks for the info, Spencer. Maybe Nikon will produce my close focusing Z 180mm f/2.8 PF with at least a 1:4 magnification ratio. ;-)
My feeling is that Nikon will save the PF lenses for the slower lenses. Once you get to 200 f/1.8 territory, it gets real expensive and the people paying for it probably would prefer not to compromise on the bokeh. (To be fair, the bokeh on the 500PF is great most of the time but I can imagine scenarios, especially portrait scenarios regarding a 200 f/1.8, where a PF element WOULD cause problems).
Many thanks for your input, Jason. I have noticed some of the concern with PF-related bokeh. If it, indeed, gets worse as the max aperture increases, that would certainly curtail appreciation for bright, prestige glass PF optics.
I should say “almost” achieve 600mm f6.3 with the 400 f4.5 and 1.4x TC.
Eager to see reviews. The bokeh looks better than expected for the fresnel lens.
For me, it’s acutally an easy buy (although the higher-than-expected price hurts a bit). The main point for me is size/weight. It’s just barely below the threshold to fit in a smaller photo-backpack or normal hiking backpack besides supplies, clothing etc., and thus easy to take along on a longer hike or for travelling with stricter size/weight restrictions. Both the 800/6.3 (which I already have) and the 180-600 are well above this threshold.
Of course, the 400/4.5 would be a good alternative in this regard, and certainly is the better option for anyone who intends to use it at 400mm on a regular basis. Personally, I’d be using it with 1.4x TC 99% of the time, so the 600/6.3 is clearly the better option for me (considering that the 400/4.5 with 1.4x TC is almost the same size/weight as the 600/6.3).
Also, I expect the 600/6.3 to work very well with the 1.4x TC, considering how well the 500/5.6 PF does with FTZ and the F-mount TC at just 1/3 of a stop faster. And the 800/6.3 also works fairly well with 1.4x TC.
I think if the lens was f5.6 then it would likely be a similar size and price to the 800mm, which would make it an even harder sell.