Nikon

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens (Nikon Z) Review

Reviews
16
Score
95/100
From
$14,697
Released
January 2023

We've aggregated 16 high-signal reviews and 2 live retailer prices below.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens (Nikon Z)
Available
Our take
Worth buyingPreliminary

Our editorial take on the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens (Nikon Z)

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S isn't just a lens; it's a statement. Nikon has crafted a new apex predator for its Z system, a super-telephoto prime that delivers what can only be described as optically flawless performance. The images it produces are stunningly sharp from corner to corner, even wide open, with beautiful subject separation and impeccable control over aberrations. For professional wildlife and sports shooters, this lens represents the pinnacle of current optical engineering, delivering the reach and speed necessary for demanding, high-stakes assignments.

The headlining feature is, without doubt, the integrated 1.4x teleconverter. With the simple flip of a switch, the lens transforms from a 600mm f/4 into a highly capable 840mm f/5.6, offering two distinct prime lenses in one chassis. This versatility is a game-changer in the field. While it's still a very large and heavy piece of gear, Nikon has made impressive strides in ergonomics. The lens is significantly lighter than its F-mount predecessors and is exceptionally well-balanced, shifting the center of gravity closer to the camera body for more manageable handling. Simply put, for the working professional who needs this specific tool, the astronomical price is the only real obstacle to achieving imaging perfection.

Best for: Professional wildlife, aviation, and field sports photographers for whom budget is a secondary concern to absolute performance.
What's great
  • Virtually perfect optical performance with outstanding sharpness
  • Built-in 1.4x teleconverter provides excellent versatility
  • Noticeably lighter and better balanced than its F-mount predecessor
  • Blazing-fast, silent, and accurate autofocus performance
  • Professional-grade build quality with extensive weather sealing
Watch outs
  • Exorbitantly expensive, limiting it to top-tier professionals
  • Still a large and heavy lens that requires support for extended use

Synthesized by Geared editors from early expert reviews.

What reviewers say

Best reviews

The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.

Editorial reviews

Cined·
Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S in Development - CineD

Nikon has confirmed it is developing the NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S, a constant-aperture telephoto zoom for full-frame Z mount cameras with a built-in 1.4× teleconverter that extends reach to 420mm at f/4. The S-Line lens follows Nikon’s 400mm f/2.8 TC and 600mm f/4 TC primes in offering switchable focal-length expansion, and arrives in a market where Canon and Sony have already drawn battle lines around the fast 300mm class.

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Dpreview·
"Nikon Z 600mm f/4 S TC VR Review: Can a Lens Be ... - DPReview

This review discusses whether the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens, priced at $15,500, is worth its cost.

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Newsshooter·
NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S IS - Newsshooter

Nikon has announced its new NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S IS super-telephoto lens that features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter. The new 600mm f/4 TC VR S IS is claimed to offer an unprecedented combination of versatility and powerful performance, and it boasts the latest optical technology and anti-reflective coatings.

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Bhphotovideo·
Year in Review 2022: Nikon Lenses | B&H eXplora

Nikon’s final lens of the year is arguably the most impressive Z-mount lens to date: the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S. Very similar to the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, this lens adds a bit more length to make it more suited to birding and even more distant sports and wildlife subjects.

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Petapixel·
Nikon Z 600mm f/4 S TC VR Review: Can a Lens Be ... - PetaPixel

This is an optically perfect lens with a lighter-weight design than we've ever seen before from Nikon, all wrapped up with the added versatility of a teleconverter.

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Engadget·
Nikon officially unveils the 45.7-megapixel Z9 with 8K video and 20 ...

Nikon has officially unveiled its new flagship mirrorless camera, the $5,500, 45.7-megapixel Z9 with 8K 30p video and up to 20 fps RAW burst shooting speeds.

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Imaging-resource·
Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Nikkor - Imaging Resource

This is a pro lens, creating a new apex of performance for those capturing action, wildlife and sports, all while reimagining the 600mm to realize the potential of the larger Z mount.

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Overview

About this product

The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S is a super-telephoto prime lens designed for sports and wildlife photography, featuring a long focal length, bright f/4 design, speedy AF, and robust VR. It also includes a built-in 1.4x teleconverter for extended reach. The lens is characterized by its S-Line optics, refined anti-glare coatings, and Silky Swift VCM Autofocus system.

Specs

Weight
7.2 lb / 3260 g
Aperture
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22
Dimensions
ø: 6.5 x L: 17.2" / ø: 165 x L: 437 mm
Focus Type
Autofocus
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Filter Size
46 mm (Drop-In)
Focal Length
600mm
Angle Of View
4° 10'
Optical Design
26 Elements in 20 Groups
Tripod Mounting
Fixed and Rotating Collar
Image Stabilization
Yes
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Live prices

Where to buy

Live prices from retailers. We earn a small commission when you click through - never affects ranking.

  • B&H Photo
    new● In stockBest price
    $14,697
    Buy
  • Adorama
    new● In stockBest price
    $14,697
    Buy