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Nikkor Z 600mm F/4 TC VR S: A Versatile Super-Telephoto Beast
Nikkor Z 600mm F/4 TC VR S: A Versatile Super-Telephoto Beast
by Keenan Hursh
When it comes to wildlife or sports photography, it can be very difficult to know which lenses will be ideal for a given situation. Obviously, you want to get up close and personal with your subjects so either a telephoto or super-telephoto is a great starting place but within these classifications, there are countless options still.
It often seems that you are either forced to choose between the crystal-clear optics of a fast-aperture prime lens or the versatility of a telephoto zoom lens. These both have their benefits and drawbacks. If you are going to be shooting a wide range of focal lengths with subjects near and far then perhaps a zoom lens is ideal. If you’re primarily focusing on subjects at a certain distance and want to isolate them with superior optics, then perhaps a prime lens is the move. It really depends on what you’re shooting and your style of photography.
With this in mind, wouldn’t it be nice if there was a lens out there that checked off all these boxes at once? A lens that had the sharpness and crystal-clear optics of a prime lens with some added flexibility when it comes to focal length. As it turns out, a lens like this already exists and it’s made by Nikon.
The Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S was announced in late 2022 and was immediately one of the most exciting pieces of glass available for their Z series mirrorless cameras. The lens features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter allowing you to seamlessly switch between 600mm and 840mm focal lengths. This thing is an absolute beast of a lens and if you can afford the $15,500 USD price tag it just might be a great addition to your arsenal. Let’s break it down and take a closer look at the Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S!
It often seems that you are either forced to choose between the crystal-clear optics of a fast-aperture prime lens or the versatility of a telephoto zoom lens. These both have their benefits and drawbacks. If you are going to be shooting a wide range of focal lengths with subjects near and far then perhaps a zoom lens is ideal. If you’re primarily focusing on subjects at a certain distance and want to isolate them with superior optics, then perhaps a prime lens is the move. It really depends on what you’re shooting and your style of photography.
With this in mind, wouldn’t it be nice if there was a lens out there that checked off all these boxes at once? A lens that had the sharpness and crystal-clear optics of a prime lens with some added flexibility when it comes to focal length. As it turns out, a lens like this already exists and it’s made by Nikon.
The Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S was announced in late 2022 and was immediately one of the most exciting pieces of glass available for their Z series mirrorless cameras. The lens features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter allowing you to seamlessly switch between 600mm and 840mm focal lengths. This thing is an absolute beast of a lens and if you can afford the $15,500 USD price tag it just might be a great addition to your arsenal. Let’s break it down and take a closer look at the Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S!
Overview of the Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens
Specs:
The Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S is a super-telephoto prime lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter designed for use with Nikon’s Z mount mirrorless cameras. This is one of the newer super-telephoto additions for the Z-series cameras as Nikon tries to get more wildlife and sports photographers to make the jump to mirrorless.
The most noteworthy feature of this lens is the integrated teleconverter that can instantly change the focal length from 600mm to 840mm with the flip of a switch. When using the 1.4x teleconverter your lowest aperture bumps up to 5.6 which is still quite impressive for an 840mm lens. This enables photographers to capture stunning images in challenging lighting conditions while maintaining excellent subject separation and background blur. This is especially true when you take into account the 5.5-stop VR Image stabilization built into the lens. On top of that, you can use this lens with external teleconverters to increase your reach even farther.
The Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S also features some very impressive and advanced elements creating stunning, sharp, and clean images. The optical design of the lens, combined with the teleconverter, ensures minimal image degradation. Chromatic aberration is effectively controlled, and image sharpness remains impressive even with the teleconverter in use. This lens is comprised of 26 elements in 20 groups. It uses two fluorite elements, one short wavelength refractive element, two extra-low dispersion elements, and one super ED element to fully eliminate color fringing and chromatic aberrations.
Specs:
- Price: $15,500 USD
- Full-Frame | f/4 to f/22
- Built-In 1.4x Teleconverter
- Bright Nikkor S-Line Super-Telephoto Prime
- 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization
- Silky Swift VCM Autofocus System
- Super ED, ED, Fluorite, and SR Elements
- Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating
- Customizable Fn and Memory Set Buttons
The Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S is a super-telephoto prime lens with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter designed for use with Nikon’s Z mount mirrorless cameras. This is one of the newer super-telephoto additions for the Z-series cameras as Nikon tries to get more wildlife and sports photographers to make the jump to mirrorless.
The most noteworthy feature of this lens is the integrated teleconverter that can instantly change the focal length from 600mm to 840mm with the flip of a switch. When using the 1.4x teleconverter your lowest aperture bumps up to 5.6 which is still quite impressive for an 840mm lens. This enables photographers to capture stunning images in challenging lighting conditions while maintaining excellent subject separation and background blur. This is especially true when you take into account the 5.5-stop VR Image stabilization built into the lens. On top of that, you can use this lens with external teleconverters to increase your reach even farther.
The Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S also features some very impressive and advanced elements creating stunning, sharp, and clean images. The optical design of the lens, combined with the teleconverter, ensures minimal image degradation. Chromatic aberration is effectively controlled, and image sharpness remains impressive even with the teleconverter in use. This lens is comprised of 26 elements in 20 groups. It uses two fluorite elements, one short wavelength refractive element, two extra-low dispersion elements, and one super ED element to fully eliminate color fringing and chromatic aberrations.
Build and Handling
The Nikkor Z 600mm F4 TC VR S lens boasts exceptional build quality, crafted with ruggedness and durability in mind. Its robust magnesium alloy construction combined with a fluorine coating offers superior weather sealing, making it resistant to dust and moisture. This enables photographers to confidently work in challenging outdoor conditions, without compromising performance or worrying about equipment damage.
Despite its formidable size, the lens is designed to be relatively lightweight, thanks to Nikon's innovative engineering. And it’s significantly smaller than the DSLR equivalent. On top of that the well-balanced weight distribution ensures comfortable handling, especially when using the lens for extended periods. Ergonomic features, such as customizable function buttons and control rings, smooth focus and zoom rings, and an elegant tripod foot, further enhance the overall user experience, providing quick and precise control.
The Nikkor Z 600mm F4 TC VR S lens boasts exceptional build quality, crafted with ruggedness and durability in mind. Its robust magnesium alloy construction combined with a fluorine coating offers superior weather sealing, making it resistant to dust and moisture. This enables photographers to confidently work in challenging outdoor conditions, without compromising performance or worrying about equipment damage.
Despite its formidable size, the lens is designed to be relatively lightweight, thanks to Nikon's innovative engineering. And it’s significantly smaller than the DSLR equivalent. On top of that the well-balanced weight distribution ensures comfortable handling, especially when using the lens for extended periods. Ergonomic features, such as customizable function buttons and control rings, smooth focus and zoom rings, and an elegant tripod foot, further enhance the overall user experience, providing quick and precise control.
Performance
The Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lens truly shines in the realm of wildlife photography providing users with the optical performance of a super-telephoto prime and added flexibility in zoom. Its already impressive focal length, combined with the 1.4x teleconverter, allows photographers to isolate and magnify distant subjects with exceptional detail, without disturbing their natural behavior. If a subject is just a bit out of reach, then flip the switch, change from 600mm to 840mm and you’re good to keep shooting.
The lens's wide aperture capability ranging from f/4 to f/22 enables photographers to isolate their subjects and capture them in stunning detail. The accurate, fast, and responsive autofocus system ensures accurate subject tracking even if your subject is moving very quickly. The impressive built-in VR technology aids in achieving sharp images even when shooting handheld or in low-light situations. With 5.5 added stops you’ll be surprised what you can capture with such a high magnification lens. Furthermore, the lens's optical performance guarantees excellent image quality, delivering sharpness, contrast, and vibrant colors, all while minimizing distortion and aberrations.
The Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S lens truly shines in the realm of wildlife photography providing users with the optical performance of a super-telephoto prime and added flexibility in zoom. Its already impressive focal length, combined with the 1.4x teleconverter, allows photographers to isolate and magnify distant subjects with exceptional detail, without disturbing their natural behavior. If a subject is just a bit out of reach, then flip the switch, change from 600mm to 840mm and you’re good to keep shooting.
The lens's wide aperture capability ranging from f/4 to f/22 enables photographers to isolate their subjects and capture them in stunning detail. The accurate, fast, and responsive autofocus system ensures accurate subject tracking even if your subject is moving very quickly. The impressive built-in VR technology aids in achieving sharp images even when shooting handheld or in low-light situations. With 5.5 added stops you’ll be surprised what you can capture with such a high magnification lens. Furthermore, the lens's optical performance guarantees excellent image quality, delivering sharpness, contrast, and vibrant colors, all while minimizing distortion and aberrations.
Conclusion
The Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S does come at a very high price point of nearly $16,000 USD but if you can afford it, and you want a very powerful and impressive super-telephoto then this might be the lens for you. As I’ve heard a professional photographer say: The lens is quite expensive, but it can theoretically replace multiple other telephoto lenses. You might not need separate 600mm and 800 prime lenses anymore.
The Nikkor Z 600mm F4 TC VR S super-telephoto lens is an exceptional piece of optical engineering, combining precision, versatility, and durability in a single package. This lens is a remarkable tool for wildlife photographers who demand uncompromising performance, precision, and versatility. With its built-in 1.4x teleconverter, excellent build quality, comfortable handling, and outstanding optical performance, this lens is a true game-changer. Whether you're a professional or an avid enthusiast, the Nikkor Z 600mm F4 TC VR S empowers you to capture awe-inspiring wildlife images with exceptional detail and visual impact.
The Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S does come at a very high price point of nearly $16,000 USD but if you can afford it, and you want a very powerful and impressive super-telephoto then this might be the lens for you. As I’ve heard a professional photographer say: The lens is quite expensive, but it can theoretically replace multiple other telephoto lenses. You might not need separate 600mm and 800 prime lenses anymore.
The Nikkor Z 600mm F4 TC VR S super-telephoto lens is an exceptional piece of optical engineering, combining precision, versatility, and durability in a single package. This lens is a remarkable tool for wildlife photographers who demand uncompromising performance, precision, and versatility. With its built-in 1.4x teleconverter, excellent build quality, comfortable handling, and outstanding optical performance, this lens is a true game-changer. Whether you're a professional or an avid enthusiast, the Nikkor Z 600mm F4 TC VR S empowers you to capture awe-inspiring wildlife images with exceptional detail and visual impact.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.