Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S

Nikon Z (DX/FX)

Review

The Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S is a remarkable addition to Nikon's Z-mount lens lineup, suitable for wildlife photographers and sports enthusiasts alike. This lens bridges the gap between portability and long focal length, delivering impressive performance in a relatively lightweight package.

Design and Build Quality

Constructed with a robust build, the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S features a weather-sealed design, making it resilient in various shooting conditions. The magnesium alloy body keeps the weight down, allowing for easy handling during extended shoots. The lens has a sleek and professional look, with an intuitive layout of control rings that make adjusting settings during a shoot seamless.

Optical Performance

The optical design of the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S includes advanced lens elements that minimize aberrations, resulting in excellent sharpness and clarity even at the widest aperture. The lens also incorporates a powerful Vibration Reduction (VR) system that compensates for camera shake, which is particularly beneficial when shooting handheld at such long focal lengths. Images exhibit excellent color rendition and contrast, making this lens a joy for nature photography.

Autofocus System

Nikon has equipped the Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S with an ultra-fast and quiet autofocus system. This is especially helpful for capturing fleeting moments, whether it's a bird in flight or an athlete in action. The lens performs well in low-light situations too, allowing for reliable focus acquisition even as the light fades. However, finer detail with fast-moving subjects may sometimes challenge the focus system.

Portability

One of the standout features of this lens is its portable design. Weighing less than many competing telephoto lenses, it allows photographers to shoot larger focal lengths without the burden of carrying heavy gear. This feature makes it a preferred choice for those who may need to hike or travel longer distances for perfect shots.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and portable design
• Weather-sealed for durability
• Excellent image quality with minimal aberrations
• Effective Vibration Reduction (VR)
• Fast and silent autofocus performance

Cons

• Some autofocus challenges with fast-moving subjects
• Limited maximum aperture, which may affect low-light performance compared to faster lenses
• Price may be a consideration for amateur photographers

Verdict

In conclusion, the Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm F6.3 VR S stands out for its exceptional combination of image quality, portability, and reliable autofocus, making it a top choice for wildlife and sports photographers alike. While there are some limitations regarding autofocus in very fast-paced scenarios and its maximum aperture, the positives clearly outweigh the negatives for those looking for a high-performance telephoto lens in the Nikon Z-mount system. This lens is a worthy investment for capturing stunning long-distance images with ease and convenience.