Nikon introduces lightweight 600-millimetre lens with Fresnel element
With the Nikkor Z 600 mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon is launching a powerful yet compact telephoto lens onto the market. It is designed for wildlife and sports photography.
Telephoto lenses with a very long focal length are usually very heavy. In the new Nikkor Z 600 mm f/6.3 VR S, Nikon attempts to reduce the weight with a phase Fresnel lens element. The lens for the Z bayonet weighs 1390 grams and is 278 mm long, which is not much for the performance. Nikon calls it "the lightest in its class" - which is rather simplistic, as there are no other fixed focal lengths with this speed and focal length.
Source: Nikon
With a price tag of 5899 francs, the Nikkor Z 600 mm f/6.3 VR S is aimed primarily at professionals and, at best, very ambitious amateurs. It is suitable for wildlife or sports photography. However, the long focal length is already too short for many subjects. For those who need even more reach, an 800 millimetre lens from the same series has been available since last year: the Nikkor Z 800 mm f/6.3 VR S. However, this then weighs one kilogramme more.
Source: Nikon
The built-in phase Fresnel element allows for fewer and lighter lens elements than other lenses with similar key data. This is cheaper, lighter and requires less powerful autofocus motors. The disadvantage of the design is a higher susceptibility to chromatic aberrations, i.e. colour fringing at edges with high contrast. However, Nikon claims to correct this with a different lens element.
The Nikkor Z 600 mm f/6.3 VR S is compatible with Nikon's teleconverters. The image stabiliser reduces camera shake by up to six f-stops. Thanks to a seal, the lens is also protected from bad weather.
Cover image: Nikon
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