Nikon Inc. has unveiled a new premium super-telephoto lens, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S. This latest addition to Nikon’s renowned S-Line of prime lenses is the newest PF lens, offering incredible reach in a compact and lightweight form.
Ideal for Various Photography Styles
The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S caters to wildlife, aviation, and motorsport photographers who need quick versatility, precise focus, and uncompromised image quality. As an S-Line super-telephoto prime lens, it is designed for easy handheld use. At only 11 inches (278mm) in length and approximately 1,390g (3lbs), it is the lightest in its category, making monopods unnecessary. The lens’s center of gravity is closer to the camera body, providing optimal balance for panning during fast-paced shoots, like automotive races or bird photography. This makes the lens perfect for scenarios that demand lens control and stability, such as tracking wild birds in flight or automotive racing.
Compact and Lightweight Design
The Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element helps to minimize the overall size and weight, reducing the need for tripods. Combined with advanced AF and VR capabilities and S-Line rendering quality, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S ensures sharp images of fast-moving subjects from afar. With its superior AF and VR performance and S-Line’s excellent rendering quality, photographers can confidently capture tack-sharp images of fast-moving subjects from a distance.
Key Features of the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
Exceptional Portability
This lens is highly portable, with a total length of about 11 inches (278mm) and weighing roughly 1,390g (3lbs), making it the lightest in its class. The design also positions the center of gravity closer to the camera body for optimal balance, enhancing control and stability during use.
Superior Chromatic Aberration Control
Utilizing PF and ED glass elements, chromatic aberration is significantly minimized. The SR lens element also corrects short-wavelength light, offering precise chromatic aberration compensation.
Nano Crystal Coat
Nikon’s original Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces ghosting and flare, enhancing image quality.
Extended Telephoto Range
By using the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0×, the telephoto range can extend to 840mm or 1200mm, respectively, while maintaining superior AF and VR performance.
Advanced VR Modes
The lens includes Normal VR mode for superior 5.5-stop stabilization and Sport VR mode, which stabilizes the viewfinder display during continuous shooting, making it easier to track fast-moving subjects. When paired with a compatible body, Synchro VR can be activated to achieve up to 6.0-stop stabilization by combining in-camera VR and lens VR.
Fast and Quiet Autofocus
The stepping motor (STM) ensures quick and silent autofocusing, ideal for various shooting scenarios.
Durability and Customization
The lens is designed to be dust- and drip-resistant, with excellent anti-fouling performance thanks to its fluorine coat. It also features four customizable lens Fn2 buttons and one lens Fn button, which can be assigned various functions.
Memory Recall Function
The lens is equipped with a memory recall function that allows users to instantly recall a previously stored focus position by pressing the assigned button.
Optimized for Video Recording
The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is designed for video recording, offering quiet operation, stable exposure, and features like focus-breathing suppression to minimize angle of view shifts when focusing. This makes it a great choice for videographers who require seamless, high-quality footage.
Price and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S will be available in late October at a suggested retail price of $4799.95. For more information on Nikon’s latest products, including the extensive range of NIKKOR Z lenses and Z series cameras, visit their website.
YOU ASKED…
What makes the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S unique?
Its combination of lightweight design, superior optical performance, and advanced VR and AF capabilities makes it the lightest 600mm prime lens in its class, ideal for handheld shooting.
How does the Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element benefit this lens?
The PF lens element reduces the overall size and weight of the lens, making it more portable and easier to use without a tripod.
What VR modes does the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S offer?
It features Normal VR mode for 5.5-stop stabilization and Sport VR mode, which stabilizes the viewfinder display during continuous shooting for easier tracking of fast-moving subjects.
Is the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S suitable for video recording?
Yes, it is optimized for video recording with quiet operation, stable exposure, and features like focus-breathing suppression to reduce angle of view shifts when focusing.
Editor’s Note: All listed prices were correct at the time of publication. This article contains editorial selections and paid partnerships. Please note that this article may contain some affiliate links to products and we may receive a commission for selected purchases.
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