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Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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NikonNIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR SNikonNIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2022October 2023
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length600 mm600 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/6.3
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction26 elements in 20 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverterTwenty-one elements in fourteen groups
Special elementsThree ED elements, one super-ED element, two fluorite elements and two SR elements including the built-in converterTwo ED, one SR and one Phase Fresnel element
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front elementNano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailf/4–32 without the built-in teleconverter; f/5.6–45 with it engagedf/6.3–32
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 4°10′ at 600 mm and 3° at 840 mm; DX 2°40′ and 2° respectivelyFX 4°10′; DX 2°40′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
Compatibility–Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX cameras
Image circle detail–Physical 600 mm focal length; 900 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view on DX, as both reviews note
Teleconverter supportBuilt-in 1.4× converter selects 600 mm or 840 mm; Nikon UK also confirms compatibility with Nikon Z TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x convertersNikon Z TC-1.4× and TC-2.0× supported; Nikon states 840 mm and 1200 mm respectively with AF and VR retained
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance4.3 m4 m
Maximum magnification0.14×0.15×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSilky Swift VCM with optical ABS encoder and internal focusing; FULL and infinity–10 m focus limiter positionsStepping motor for quiet autofocus
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 4.3 m with or without the built-in converter; Cameralabs measured approximately 4.12 m in manual focusInternal focusing; minimum 4 m; range limiter FULL (4 m to infinity) or 10 m to infinity
Magnification detailMaker 0.14× at 600 mm, used in the main specifications; 0.2× with the built-in converter engagedMaximum 0.15×
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR rated 5.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX mirrorless camera in NORMAL mode, built-in converter disabled; 5.5 stops with Z9 Synchro VRLens-shift VR using voice coil motors; 5.5-stop CIPA rating in Normal mode on FX, or 6.0 stops in Normal mode with a body supporting Synchro VR. Sport mode stabilises the viewfinder during continuous shooting. VR settings accessed through the camera, as TechRadar notes
Video featuresMaker breathing-suppression claim; Cameralabs observes visible focus breathing and recommends refocusing after switching the built-in converterQuiet operation, stable exposure and reduced focus breathing according to Nikon
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter46 mm95 mm
Maximum diameter165 mm106.5 mm
Length437 mm278 mm
Weight3,260 g1,390 g
ControlsConfigurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter leverOne L-Fn and four L-Fn2 buttons, memory-set button, programmable control ring, focus ring, A/M and focus-limit switches; memory recall requires the latest compatible camera firmware according to Nikon's launch announcement
Filter detail46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread95 mm screw-in filters, 1.0 mm pitch
Weather resistanceMaker sealing around moving parts and mount gasket; protection is not guaranteed in all conditionsRubber gaskets protect moving parts and the mount against dust, dirt and moisture. Nikon says dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation or condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 165 mm maximum diameter × 437 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 106.5 mm maximum diameter × 278 mm from the lens mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 3,260 g; Cameralabs reports an additional 248 g for the hoodApproximately 1390 g without tripod collar; 1470 g with it
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes the standard foot lacks an Arca-Swiss profileRemovable tripod collar
Lens hood–HB-105A included
In the boxNikon Japan lists LC-K107 front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HK-43 hood, LN-3 or LN-4 strap and CL-L3 caseLC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-105A hood and CL-C6 case
Release detailNikon Japan records 25 November 2022 release, following its planned delivery start on that date; this is the Japanese retail dateNikon USA's October 2023 announcement states late October availability. Exact earliest global and first UK retail day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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