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Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR SNikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2022March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length600 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Optical construction26 elements in 20 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverter18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED elements, one super-ED element, two fluorite elements and two SR elements including the built-in converterOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front elementMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detailf/4–32 without the built-in teleconverter; f/5.6–45 with it engagedf/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 4°10′ at 600 mm and 3° at 840 mm; DX 2°40′ and 2° respectivelyFX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
Compatibility–Native Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
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 convertersCompatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance4.3 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.14×0.3×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSilky Swift VCM with optical ABS encoder and internal focusing; FULL and infinity–10 m focus limiter positionsSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 4.3 m with or without the built-in converter; Cameralabs measured approximately 4.12 m in manual focusDistances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm
Magnification detailMaker 0.14× at 600 mm, used in the main specifications; 0.2× with the built-in converter engagedMaximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
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 VRMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on camera
Video featuresMaker breathing-suppression claim; Cameralabs observes visible focus breathing and recommends refocusing after switching the built-in converter–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter46 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter165 mm90 mm
Length437 mm208 mm
Weight3,260 g998 g
ControlsConfigurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter leverAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmware
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
Filter detail46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread–
Weather resistanceMaker sealing around moving parts and mount gasket; protection is not guaranteed in all conditionsDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 165 mm maximum diameter × 437 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 3,260 g; Cameralabs reports an additional 248 g for the hoodApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with it
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes the standard foot lacks an Arca-Swiss profileRemovable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.
Lens hood–HB-119 with filter-adjustment window
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-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover
Release detailNikon Japan records 25 November 2022 release, following its planned delivery start on that date; this is the Japanese retail dateUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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