Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens Review

The recent release of Nikon’s NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S super-telephoto prime lens represents an exciting milestone in lens technology. By harnessing innovative Phase Fresnel optics, Nikon has achieved a remarkably lightweight and portable 600mm lens that finally makes handheld super-telephoto shooting feasible.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens Review

As an avid wildlife and bird photographer, I have been eager to test how Nikon’s claim of “handholdable 600mm” holds up in real-world use. Over the past several weeks, I have used the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 extensively on safaris, birding expeditions, and more to put its capabilities to the test.

In this detailed review, I will share comprehensive assessments of this lens across a range of key attributes from image quality and autofocus to ergonomics and design. Read on for my full evaluation of whether this groundbreaking super-telephoto lens lives up to its promises out in the field.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Key Takeaways:

• Remarkably lightweight and portable for a 600mm super telephoto
• Phase Fresnel element enables compact, handholdable design
• Superb image quality with excellent sharpness and clarity
• Fast, silent autofocus ideal for wildlife and video
• Up to 6 stops of effective vibration reduction
• Robust weather sealing for reliability in the field
• Intuitive, ergonomic controls and refined design

Handheld Shooting Experience

Without question, the most revolutionary aspect of the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is its remarkably light weight of just 1390g. For comparison, Nikon’s last 600mm prime lens weighed over 3x more. This reduction in heft completely transforms the handheld shooting experience at 600mm.

I was able to hike and carry the lens for hours without discomfort or fatigue. The lightweight build and relatively compact size also allowed me to manoeuvre and recompose quickly for fleeting wildlife opportunities. The lens handles extremely well and is beautifully balanced on camera.

The optical stabilization also proved extremely effective, providing an additional 5.5 stops of correction to allow sharp handheld shots even at slower shutter speeds. In low-light situations, I was able to capture crisp images at speeds down to 1/60s. This vastly expands your ability to shoot 600mm perspectives across a range of field scenarios.

The freedom afforded by the lightweight design cannot be overstated for super telephoto work. You can move through the scene unencumbered, react faster to wildlife, and explore creative compositions without being chained to a tripod or monopod. This lens finally makes handheld 600mm shooting a reality.

Optical Quality & Sharpness

Of course, all the handheld convenience in the world means little if the optical quality is lacking. I’m thrilled to report that the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 maintains the impeccable standards Nikon users expect from S-line optics. Edge-to-edge sharpness is superb.

Nikon’s lens technologies including ED/SR elements, nano-crystal coatings, and advanced phase fresnel design combine to minimize aberrations and maximize resolving power. The level of detail resolved across the entire frame is remarkable. Fine textures and feathers on birds came through beautifully even at minimum focus distance.

The fast f/6.3 maximum aperture also provided pleasing background separation and bokeh when isolating subjects. Flare, ghosting and chromatic aberrations were very well controlled even shooting directly into the sun in harsh midday conditions.

I made large prints from shots of distant athletes, wildlife, and landscapes and was very satisfied with the crisp details resolved. For discerning photographers who demand the utmost sharpness from a super telephoto lens, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 delivers splendidly.

Autofocus Performance

The silent stepping motor AF provided fast, accurate autofocus even at the 600mm telephoto focal length which poses greater challenges. The AF motor itself makes only the faintest noise, critical for the video and shy wildlife. Yet speed was still impressive, allowing me to capture action and small birds effortlessly.

AF tracking sensitivity was very customizable, letting me dial in just the right amount of stickiness and acceleration/deceleration based on the movement of subjects. The tracking felt reliable even on erratic and unpredictable motion. In good light, the lens focused essentially instantly with perfect accuracy.

Manual focus override through the focus ring offered smooth, precise control over fine focus adjustments. The instant focus memory button also came in handy, allowing pre-set focus distances to be recalled immediately.

Overall, Nikon’s stepping motor AF and focus technologies provide a great blend of speed, control and silent operation critical for super telephoto applications. The lens focused quickly, quietly and reliably on everything from perched birds to fast action.

Image Stabilisation

As discussed earlier, VR image stabilization proved invaluable for eliminating camera shake and allowing sharp handheld shots even at slower shutter speeds. Under CIPA testing standards, Nikon rates the stabilization at 5.5 stops of compensation. In practical use, I found this rating to be largely accurate.

The viewfinder image stayed remarkably steady, even when handholding the lens completely static without any bracing. When paired with sensor-shift stabilization from Nikon’s mirrorless bodies, the combined stabilization felt even more effective.

I always recommend using fast shutter speeds when handholding at 600mm to avoid motion blur on moving subjects. However, the excellent stabilization let me push speeds as low as 1/125s and still get acceptably sharp results of static subjects. This gives much greater flexibility when lighting conditions are challenging.

The VR system also includes a “Sport” mode, which I found useful when panning on erratic action. Overall, the 5.5-stop stabilisation is a key enabling technology that vastly expands creative possibilities at 600mm.

Ergonomics & Design

Over years of use, super telephotos quickly reveal any ergonomic annoyances or design weaknesses that impede real-world shooting. I’m happy to report that the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 demonstrates outstanding refinement in its physical design and controls. All aspects of the lens are handled smoothly and intuitively for the optimal shooting experience.

The zoom/focus rings offer the right amount of resistance and rotate smoothly for precise operation even with gloves on. The lightweight carbon fibre tripod collar evenly balances the lens when shooting on a monopod. The control rings, switches and buttons are thoughtfully laid out for easy access while shooting.

Little touches like the locking lens hood, rotating tripod foot, and fluorine-coated front element demonstrate the attention Nikon gave to real-world details. The lens is purpose-built for use in rugged field conditions while providing premium handling. The design both enables and inspires you to get great shots at the moment.

Weather Sealing

The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S incorporates extensive weather sealing to match its optical pedigree and pro-grade performance. Gaskets and seals protect the lens mechanics from dust and moisture, while the fluorine coat on the front element repels water and smudges.

I used this lens extensively in light rain and dusty situations with no hesitation or issues. The construction gives confidence to keep shooting even in inclement weather. As with any lens, I don’t recommend soaking it unnecessarily, but the weather sealing provides valuable peace of mind when working outdoors.

The renowned durability of Nikon’s S-line lenses ensures this will be an optic you can rely on for years of frequent use. The weather sealing expands the shooting conditions and scenarios you can confidently use it in.

Teleconverter Compatibility

Nikon designed the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 with full compatibility for their Z-series 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. This provides the option to increase the reach to 840mm or 1200mm f/13 for even tighter perspectives when needed.

I tested the lens with both teleconverters and was pleased to find autofocus, VR, and autoexposure continued to function reliably. As you would expect, there is some reduction in optical quality when shooting wide open. However, stopping down to f/11 restored impressive sharpness even at 1200mm.

Having the extended reach flexibility allows you to tackle even more distant subjects like small birds and games. Even at just 840mm with the 1.4x TC, distant vistas become even more intimate and compelling. It’s a valuable expansion of this lens’s capabilities.

Ideal Uses

The unique 600mm focal length and lightweight performance make this lens ideally suited for:

• Wildlife and Bird Photography – Get intimate framing of shy or dangerous animals from safe distances. Capture birds in flight with fast shutter speeds.
• Sports/Action – Get tight facial expressions and emotions from athletes on the field during games or matches.
• Aviation – Photograph overhead planes at airshows with incredible closeness and detail. Track movement smoothly.
• Landscape – Compress distances and isolate subjects creatively in panoramas. Maintain sharpness from foreground to background.
• Astrophotography – Take in expansive galactic vistas and details of celestial bodies. Mount to a tracker for clear night skies.
• Events – Unobtrusively capture candid moments and emotions from afar even in crowds. Complement wider lenses.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Incredibly lightweight and portable design
• Phase Fresnel element enables a compact 600mm lens
• Superb optical quality and sharpness
• Fast, silent autofocus performance
• Effective VR for steady handheld shots
• Intuitive controls and handling

Cons:

• Higher price than standard zooms
• Narrow f/6.3 aperture doesn’t isolate subjects as much
• Not as long as exotic super telephotos

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens Review Final Verdict

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is nothing short of a groundbreaking achievement in super telephoto lens technology. Nikon has leveraged cutting-edge phase fresnel optics to develop a 600mm prime lens that is astoundingly compact and light without sacrificing pro-grade optics and construction.

For wildlife, aviation, and sports shooters, this lens empowers handheld shooting and fast recomposing in ways previously impossible with super telephotos. The lightweight build also encourages you to take it on hikes and adventures where no tripod can go. Yet the weather sealing ensures professional reliability.

Simply put, this is the new gold standard for lightweight handheld performance at 600mm. Any serious Nikon Z series shooter who needs the reach, perspectives and creative potential of a super telephoto prime needs to give this lens a serious look. It redefines what’s possible with super telephotos for spontaneous, moving subjects.

Nikon has achieved an ideal balance of extreme portability without compromises in optical quality, focusing, or stabilisation with the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S. For photographers needing speed, flexibility and perspectives at 600mm, it represents a breakthrough option and earns my highest recommendation.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S Lens Review FAQ