Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
Nikon · 600 mm · f/6.3 · S-Line · Image Stabilization
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
74
SCORE /100
What We Like
+Lightest 600mm super-telephoto in its class at under 1.5kg, enabling handheld shooting
+Excellent optical performance with sharp edge-to-edge clarity across the frame
+Outstanding 5.5-6.0 stops of image stabilization for handheld super-telephoto work
+Fast and silent autofocus ideal for wildlife and sports photography
+Compatible with Nikon Z teleconverters for extended reach without optical compromises
+Professional S-line build quality with comprehensive ergonomic controls and weather resistance
Worth Knowing
−Premium pricing at $4,800-$5,200 limits accessibility for enthusiast photographers
−Longer minimum focus distance (3.9m) and lower maximum magnification (1:6.1) than zoom alternatives
−Fixed focal length lacks flexibility compared to telephoto zoom lenses
−Control placement issues noted by reviewers, particularly focus ring position relative to tripod foot
General | |
|---|---|
About This LensThe Nikon Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is a lightweight, supertelephoto prime lens aimed at sports and wildlife photographers who need a significant amount of reach. Featuring a Phase Fresnel element, the lens is the lightest in its class, weighing under 1.5 kg. Image quality is excellent, and autofocus is fast and silent. The Nikkor Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is an excellent lens overall, and one that any Nikon shooter will be happy with if they can justify the cost. | |
| Brand | Nikon |
| Release Year | 2023 |
Production Status ⓘCurrent status of lens manufacturing (e.g., in production, discontinued). |  In Production |
Pro Branding ⓘSpecific branding codes used for professional-tier lenses. | S-Line |
Lens Mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Nikon Z |
System ⓘIndicates which camera system the lens is designed to attach to. | Nikon Z |
Maximum Format ⓘLargest sensor size compatible with the lens. |  Full Frame |
Physical99/100 | |
| Lens Weight | 1390 g |
Lens Diameter ⓘWidth of the lens at its widest point | 106.5 mm |
Lens Length ⓘHow long the lens is from front to back. | 278 mm |
Front Filter Compatible ⓘSome lenses are compatible with front filters, some are compatible with back filters and some are compatible with both. Front filters are usually more convenient to add and remove. |  Yes |
Front Filter Size ⓘDiameter of attachable filters. | 95 mm |
Optics60/100 | |
Focal Range ⓘShortest to longest focal length of the lens (zoom range start - end ) | 600 mm |
Aperture Range ⓘLargest aperture at the lens's shortest focal length to longest focal length (aperture range start - end) | 6.3 |
| Focal Length Angle of View | 4.167° |
Flange Focal Distance ⓘDistance from lens mount to sensor. | 16 mm |
Diaphragm Type ⓘStructure and design of the aperture |  Automatic |
Blades ⓘNumber of diaphragm blades in aperture | 9020 |
Zoom Lens ⓘZoom allows you to vary the focal length, change between long shots and close-ups | No |
Closest Focusing Distance ⓘMinimum distance for a subject to be in focus. | 390 cm01500 |
Maximum Magnification ⓘLargest size a subject can be reproduced | 0.15x |
| Autofocus Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Mode |  Yes |
| Manual Focusing Ring |  Yes |
Features100/100 | |
Weather Sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
Fluorine Coating ⓘCoating to repel water and oil from lens elements. |  Yes |
| Built In Lens Hood | No |
| Lens Hood Type |  Petal |
Teleconverter ⓘA teleconverter (extender) is an extra piece of equipment that fits between the lens and the camera body to enhance magnification |  Yes |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
IS Efficiency ⓘIS efficiency refers to the effectiveness of the image stabilization system in compensating for the blurring effects of camera shake, quantified by the number of stops of stabilization it provides. | 6 stops |
Construction38/100 | |
Elements ⓘLens elements refer to individual pieces of glass within the lens. | 21 |
| Groups | 14 |
Aspherical Elements ⓘThe number of aspherical lens elements which can help correct aberrations such as spherical aberration. | 0 |
Bi Aspherical Elements ⓘElements with two non-spherical surfaces | 0 |
Low Dispersion ⓘElements that reduce chromatic aberration | 2 |
Super Low Dispersion ⓘAdvanced elements further reducing chromatic aberration | 0 |
CA Reduction ⓘBuilt-in features to reduce chromatic aberration | 0 |
Internal Focusing ⓘInternal Focusing means that the lens does not change in size during focusing, and the front element does not rotate. |  Yes |