Nikon’s new lightweight NIKKOR Z 600Mm F/6.3 Vr S super-telephoto prime

The new NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is the latest addition to Nikon’s popular but pricey lineup of PF lenses.

The new 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,” says Nikon gleefully, since it is the lightest in its class and offers both optical performance and portability with a total length of only 11in (278mm) and approx. weight of 1,390g (3lbs).

It’s also got a centre of gravity positioned closer to the body side, offering better balance for situations that require panning, such as motor racing, or fast-moving subjects like wild birds in flight.

The key is the use of the Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element, which helps contribute to a significantly smaller overall size and weight. Here’s the primary features list according to Nikon:

• 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 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.
• 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.
• The adoption of a stepping motor (STM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing.
• Superior dust- and drip-resistant performance is supported, and excellent anti-fouling performance is achieved through the adoption of a 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 function 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.
  
  Unsurprisingly, none of this is cheap. The new NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S will be available in late October for a suggested retail price of $4799.95.