Both find excellent wide-open sharpness at 600 mm, low colour fringing, effective stabilisation and useful controls, while noting the size and high price. The built-in converter is convenient, but their close-range results differ. Digital Camera World finds notably weaker sharpness at 840 mm near minimum focus, with better results at longer distances; Cameralabs finds useful close-up quality and strong overall results with the converter. Cameralabs also reports visible focus breathing and occasional autofocus hunting.
26 elements in 20 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverter
Special elements
Three ED elements, one super-ED element, two fluorite elements and two SR elements including the built-in converter
Coatings
Meso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front element
Aperture detail
f/4–32 without the built-in teleconverter; f/5.6–45 with it engaged
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control
Angle of view
FX 4°10′ at 600 mm and 3° at 840 mm; DX 2°40′ and 2° respectively
Mount and compatibility
Mounts
Nikon Z mount
Image circle
Full frame
Teleconverter support
Built-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 converters
Focus and stabilisation
Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
4.3 m
Maximum magnification
0.14×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Silky Swift VCM with optical ABS encoder and internal focusing; FULL and infinity–10 m focus limiter positions
Focus distance detail
Minimum focal-plane distance 4.3 m with or without the built-in converter; Cameralabs measured approximately 4.12 m in manual focus
Magnification detail
Maker 0.14× at 600 mm, used in the main specifications; 0.2× with the built-in converter engaged
Stabilisation detail
Lens-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 VR
Video features
Maker breathing-suppression claim; Cameralabs observes visible focus breathing and recommends refocusing after switching the built-in converter
Design
Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
46 mm
Maximum diameter
165 mm
Length
437 mm
Weight
3,260 g
Controls
Configurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter lever
Filter detail
46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread
Weather resistance
Maker sealing around moving parts and mount gasket; protection is not guaranteed in all conditions
Dimensions detail
Approximately 165 mm maximum diameter × 437 mm from the mount flange
Weight detail
Approximately 3,260 g; Cameralabs reports an additional 248 g for the hood
Tripod mount
Rotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes the standard foot lacks an Arca-Swiss profile
In the box
Nikon Japan lists LC-K107 front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HK-43 hood, LN-3 or LN-4 strap and CL-L3 case
Release detail
Nikon Japan records 25 November 2022 release, following its planned delivery start on that date; this is the Japanese retail date
Pros and cons
Pros
+Built-in teleconverter switches between 600 mm f/4 and 840 mm f/5.6
