I think it’s clear by now that the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S is an exceptional performer, as expected of one of Nikon’s flagship supertelephoto lenses. But how does it compare to some of the alternatives available today? Or, perhaps a better way to put it – what do you lose by going with a less expensive lens? In some cases, you certainly can get away with less expensive glass and still achieve a strong performance. Here’s the situation compared to some of your other options.
Bare Lens: Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S vs Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
Before I dive into comparisons by focal length, I think that some photographers are wondering how the 600mm f/4 TC VR S compares directly against the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S when both are shot as bare lenses (we’ll get to the teleconverter comparisons in a moment). While there is obviously a big difference between 400mm and 600mm, there are times when you’ll be able to approach more closely to your subject with a 400mm lens, or stand farther back with a 600mm – so perhaps you’re wondering what the maximum performance is that each lens can attain.
At f/4 and f/5.6, as you can see, the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is just a hair sharper than the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S. The differences are gone by f/8. And even at their most significant, they are barely higher than the 10% difference that a keen eye can discern.
The bigger reason why the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S may give you sharper images is that, if you can get closer to your subject, there will be less atmospheric haze and distortion in your way. Conversely, the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S will certainly give you sharper images if you can’t get any closer to your subject and have to crop the 400mm f/2.8 or use a teleconverter. These factors will be more significant than anything about the innate sharpness of the two lenses, which are both nearing perfection.
Now let’s compare the performance of the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S against other supertelephoto lenses at various focal lengths up to 1200mm.
500-600mm
In the range from 500-600mm, the lenses above exhibit a wide range of sharpness results. Here’s how I would rank them from best to worst – though keep in mind that it’s a little subjective, given the different apertures and portions of the frame we’re comparing.
- Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S
- Nikon 600mm f/4E FL
- Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
- Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF, and Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S + either 1.4x TC (tie)
- Nikon 600mm f/4G
- Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3, and Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 + 1.4x TC (tie)
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 + 1.4x TC
Below is their performance in the range from 700mm to 840mm:
700-840mm
This time, I would rank the sharpness of the lenses as follows:
- Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL
- Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S + either 1.4x TC
- Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
- Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF
- Nikon 600mm f/4E FL + 1.4x TC
- Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S + 1.4x TC
- Nikon 600mm f/4G + 1.4x TC, and Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 + TCs (tie)
- Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 + 1.4x TC
- Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 + 2.0x TC
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 + 2.0x TC
Impressively, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S with its 1.4x TC is even sharper than the bare Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3, except for the far corners. This makes it the sharpest native way to reach 800mm+ on the Z system. However, the F-mount 800mm f/5.6E FL is still king if you need maximum detail at this focal length and don’t mind lugging it around.
1000mm+
We have not always been able to test lenses over 1000mm in our studio, so the results this time are not as extensive. I would like to go back and retest some of the lenses missing here, especially the Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S and Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL with teleconverters, when I have the chance. Nevertheless, here is how I would rank the lenses that we have tested at 1000mm and beyond:
- Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S + TCs
- Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S + 2.0x TC
- Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF + 2.0x TC
- Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S + 1.4x and 2.0x TCs
- Nikon 600mm f/4E FL + 2.0x TC
- Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 + 2.0x TC
As the results throughout this page show, the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S is not just an exceptionally sharp lens by regular standards – it even stands out among other exotic supertelephotos. In particular, its handling of teleconverters is uniquely good.
The next page of this review sums up everything and explains the pros and cons of the Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S. Click the menu below to go to “Verdict”:
Table of Contents