Melville, NY—Nikon introduced another premium, FX-format super-telephoto lens: the Nikkor Z 600mm f6.3 VR S. This latest S-line prime is an addition to Nikon’s PF lens lineup, engineered to deliver reach in a relatively small, lightweight form factor.
“The use of the Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element contributes to a significantly smaller overall size and weight, reducing the need for a tripod,” Nikon announced. “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.”
The new lens is an option for those who shoot wildlife, aviation and motorsport, among other genres.
Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S Specs
The Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is an S-line super-telephoto prime made to be easily handheld. You can shoot without a tripod or monopod, due to its light weight. In fact, Nikon says the lens is the lightest in its class (as of October 11, 2023). The Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S has a total length of 11 inches and weighs 3 pounds. Furthermore, Nikon designed the lens so that its center of gravity is positioned closer to the body side, offering better balance.
Moreover, this makes the super-telephoto prime an option for handheld panning in situations that require lens control and stability. For example, subjects could include automotive racing or fast-moving subjects like wild birds in flight.
Further, its optical formula boasts 21 elements in 14 groups. Chromatic aberration is reduced with the adoption of size-reducing PF as well as extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements. In addition, an SR (short-wavelength refractive) glass element controls short-wavelength light. Consequently, the lens can achieve precise chromatic aberration compensation. This is complemented by Nikon’s use of its original Nano Crystal coat to reduce ghost and flare. 
What’s more, due to Nikon’s VR (vibration reduction) system, you can use the Z 600mm with the TC-1.4× Z teleconverter or TC-2.0× Z teleconverter to expand the lens’s range to 840mm or 1200mm, respectively. In normal VR mode, the lens can realize a 5.5-stop stabilization.
Plus, sport VR mode stabilizes the viewfinder display with continuous shooting. Thus, it is easier to track rapidly moving subjects. In addition, when the lens is paired with a compatible camera body, you can activate Nikon’s synchro VR to achieve up to a 6.0-stop stabilization that combines in-camera VR and lens VR.
Additional Features
Moreover, the lens employs a stepping motor (STM) to ensure fast and quiet autofocusing. Nikon also took video recording into consideration when designing the lens. As a result, it offers quiet operation and stable exposure, as well as functions like focus-breathing suppression that reduces shifting of the angle of view with focusing.
Another perk is a memory recall function that instantly recalls a focus position stored in advance; just press the button to which you assigned the function. Additionally, there are four lens Fn2 buttons and one lens Fn button that you can customize and assign to various functions.
Other features include a 9-blade rounded diaphragm to enhance bokeh; a 13-foot minimum focusing distance; a focus limit switch; a 95mm filter size; dust- and drip-resistant performance; as well as an antifouling fluorine coat.
Nikon will release the Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S in late October. It has a suggested retail price of $4,799.95.
