Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lens

Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S super tele

The Nikon Z 600mm F4 TC VR is a professional-grade super telephoto lens. Featuring a completely new optical design, a modern rear center of gravity, and weighing just over 3kg, the Z 600mm F4 TC VR also includes an internal 1.4x teleconverter, meaning you can use an 840mm F5.6 equivalent lens with just one switch.

In addition, this is compatible with Z-series extenders, meaning the 2x version already has a whopping 1120mm F8 focal length.

Nikon also has an 800mm lens, but thanks to its aperture and internal image stabilization, this is the manufacturer's most robust super telephoto for sports competitions, safaris or wilderness, as well as official use. It uses Nikon's most advanced autofocus and coating technology.

The lens is surprisingly light for its class. Nikon's old 600mm f/4E FL is over half a kilo heavier and does not include a teleconverter.

• Built-in 1.4x teleconverter, also compatible with separate extenders
• Image stabilization: for example Syncro VR stabilization with the Z9's in-body stabilization with an f/5.5 power
• Weight 3260 grams and length 44cm
• New VCM focus motor
• All the latest coatings and a completely new optical structure
  
• Closest focusing distance 4.3m
• Programmable control ring for example, exposure adjustment directly from the lens
• L-FN programmable buttons, e.g. focus distance storage
• Professional-grade durable and weatherproof construction

New lens design and technology

The Nikon Z 600mm F4 is a lens designed for demanding professional use and uses the manufacturer's latest and greatest solutions. Some of these names are a bit poetic, such as the Meso Amorphous Coat and the Silky Swift Voice Coil Motor.

In practice, the Meso coating is better than Nikon's traditional Nano Crystal Coat, and in addition, there is an Arneo coating. The two coatings work together as they eliminate reflections coming from different directions.

VCM focus uses magnets instead of gears to move the focus elements, making the movement faster and more precise than with traditional stepper motors. Focus correction can be initiated at any time by simply turning the focus ring.

Handheld photography is aided by a 5-stop stabilizer that also works with the in-body stabilizer of certain cameras such as the Nikon Z9 / Z8 and Z7 II, with an effective f-stop of 5.5.

It is difficult to describe the image quality briefly. The MFT curves show excellent sharpness at full aperture across the entire image area and other distortions and errors are also minimized. Longer texts on the subject can be found online, but in practice the image quality is excellent for the price range of the lens and in a good way unsurprising.

Built-in teleconverter

The number one feature of the Nikon Z 600mm F4 is certainly the internal telephoto extension. With one switch, you can use a second super telephoto. And since it is an integrated part, the optics can be adjusted specifically for this 600mm structure and the whole thing is also fully weatherproof. The whole thing is also compatible with separate extensions, meaning that up to 1680mm F11 equivalent can be used.

The lens has comprehensive controls: a focus ring, a Control ring, and a programmable Fn ring. In addition, there are buttons for the focus limiter, a Memory set button, one L-Fn button, four L-Fn2 buttons, an autofocus switch, and a teleconverter switch.

The L-Fn buttons can be programmed to show, for example, the distance to a bird's nest or a soccer goal, so that if the situation arises, the correct focus is just a click away.

The lens is weather and dust-protected in several places, and the outer lens element is coated with a fluoride coating that repels dirt and makes cleaning easier.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Nikon Z mount
• Focal length: 600mm / 840mm with teleconverter activated
• Aperture: F4 / teleconverter activated F5.6 (minimum F32-F45)
• Closest focusing distance: 4.3m (maximum magnification 0.14X)
• Optical construction: 25 elements in 20 groups, 9 rounded diaphragm blades
  
• Image stabilizer: yes
• Fixed swivel tripod collar
• Filters 46mm Drop-in
• Size: 165 x 437mm
  
• Weight: 3260g

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S (Nikon Z) lens
• Nikon LC-K107 Front Lens Cap
• Nikon LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap
• Nikon HK-43 Lens Hood
• Nikon LN-3 Lens Strap carrying price
• Nikon CL-L3 Lens Case