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Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S · Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
Photo 1 of 9

Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S · Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon · NIKKOR

NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S

Released April 2022

A full-frame 800 mm prime with a Phase Fresnel element, optical stabilisation and a 2385 g body.

Mount
Nikon Z mount
Focal length
800 mm
Max aperture
f/6.3
Stabilisation
Yes
Weight
2,385 g

What reviewers say

Both find sharp results wide open, strong flare control and effective stabilisation in a remarkably manageable 800 mm lens. Digital Camera World praises autofocus and consistent handheld action results. PetaPixel finds focus quick for normal changes but slower over large distances, and criticises the bulky hood, stiff control ring and lack of a lens-mounted VR switch.

From digitalcameraworld.com and petapixel.com

Optics

Lens type
Prime
Focal length
800 mm
Maximum aperture
f/6.3
Minimum aperture
f/32
Optical construction
Twenty-two elements in fourteen groups
Special elements
Three ED, one SR and one Phase Fresnel element
Coatings
Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades
Angle of view
FX 3°10′; DX 2°

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Nikon Z mount
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
At launch, memory recall supported Z9, Z7II and Z6II with updated firmware; Nikon stated other models would follow through firmware updates
Teleconverter support
Nikon Z TC-1.4× provides 1120 mm; TC-2.0× provides 1600 mm. Nikon warns AF may slow or lose accuracy depending on subject, brightness and focus position

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
5 m
Maximum magnification
0.16×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Internal focusing; STM stepping motor, as PetaPixel describes
Focus distance detail
Minimum focus distance 5 m from focal plane; limiter selects Full (infinity–5 m) or infinity–10 m
Magnification detail
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.16×
Stabilisation detail
Lens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; five-stop CIPA rating on FX in Normal mode, or 5.5 stops with Z9 Synchro VR
Video features
Nikon describes suppressed focus breathing and stable aperture changes

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
46 mm
Maximum diameter
140 mm
Length
385 mm
Weight
2,385 g
Controls
Memory-set button, one L-Fn and four L-Fn2 buttons; control ring assigns aperture, ISO or exposure compensation. PetaPixel notes VR mode is controlled through the camera
Filter detail
Rear 46 mm drop-in filter tray, as Digital Camera World and PetaPixel describe
Weather resistance
Sealing around moving parts and mount gasket; magnesium-alloy barrel. Nikon does not guarantee dust and drip resistance in all conditions
Dimensions detail
Approximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 385 mm from mount flange
Weight detail
Approximately 2385 g
Tripod mount
Tripod collar and foot; PetaPixel reports the collar is not removable and lacks 90° click stops
In the box
LC-K106 front cover, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-104 hood, LN-3 strap and CL-L3 case
Release detail
Nikon Japan gives 22 April 2022; Nikon USA announced April 2022 availability

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Optical VR rated at five stops
  • Supports Nikon Z 1.4× and 2× teleconverters
  • Focus-distance memory and customisable controls

Cons

  • 5 m minimum focusing distance
  • Maximum aperture of f/6.3
  • VR mode requires camera controls

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Nikon Z mount600 mmf/6.3Yes1,390 gOct 2023
Nikon Z mount600 mmf/4Yes3,260 gNov 2022
Nikon Z mount400 mmf/4.5Yes1,160 gJul 2022

Sources

  1. nikon.co.uk/en_GB/product/lenses/mirrorless/nikkor-z-800mm-f6.3-vr-s
  2. nikonusa.com/press-room/800mm
  3. nij.nikon.com/products/lineup/nikkor/zmount/nikkor_z_800mm_f63_vr_s/index.html
  4. digitalcameraworld.com/reviews/nikon-z-800mm-f63-vr-s-review
  5. petapixel.com/2022/07/22/nikon-z-800mm-f-6-3-vr-s-review-in-a-class-of-its-own

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

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