Nikon have just announced the release of their 600mm super telephoto f4 lens. The Z 600 mm f/4 TC VR S has been designed to be the ultimate lens for birding and wildlife and replaces the DSLR compatible F mount version.
Question is – should I buy the Nikkor Z 600 mm f/4 TC VR S?
I am leaning towards NO and here are three reasons why.
Price
The suggested retail price of this lens is USD 15 500.
Quite simply unaffordable for 99% of photographers.
Size
The Z 600mm f4 is very similar in size to its F mount predecessor.
The lens hood is smaller which is one big positive but I thought going mirrorless meant less size and weight with the same quality?
Read also Nikon Z9 with 400mm f2.8 E
Image Quality?
It remains to be seen if the new Z 600mm f4 renders materially better images than the F mount 500mm f4 and the 600mm f4, both of which I have owned.
Take a look at the images below which have been taken with the following:
- AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR on a DSLR
- AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR on a DSLR
- AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR on a Z9 mirrorless camera with FTZ converter.
Read also Best Wildlife Photography Lenses
Conclusion
I won’t be buying the Nikkor Z 600 mm f/4 TC VR S in 2023 and in the meantime, will keep using my trusty 500mm PF f5.6 lens with the FTZ converter.
Read my article on the Z9 with the 500mm PF
I am going to wait for Nikon to release a Z 200 – 600 mm zoom before parting with any more money on lenses.
Read also NikonZ9 : 13 must have accessories
