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

The bottom line

Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S opens to f/4 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S's f/6.3 — more light and shallower background blur. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S gives that up to stay lighter (1390g (3.06 lb)) and cheaper ($4,699). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/4 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S if…

  • You're on a budget — $4,699 vs $14,999 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 1390g (3.06 lb) it's lighter than the 3230g (7.12 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S opens to f/4 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S's f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is $4,699, $10,300 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S.
  • Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is 1390g (3.06 lb) vs 3230g (7.12 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S better?

Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S opens to f/4 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S's f/6.3 — more light and shallower background blur. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S gives that up to stay lighter (1390g (3.06 lb)) and cheaper ($4,699). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S if you want more light and background blur — f/4 is faster than f/6.3, better for low light and subject separation.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S if you're on a budget — $4,699 vs $14,999 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 1390g (3.06 lb) it's lighter than the 3230g (7.12 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S?

Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S opens to f/4 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S's f/6.3 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length600mm600mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements2621
Optical Groups2014
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/4f/6.3
Minimum Aperturef/22f/32
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View4.1°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorMulti-focus SteppingStepping
Focus LimiterYesYes
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance400 cm400 cm
Max Magnification0.15x0.14x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationYesYes
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$14,999$4,699
Filter Size40mm95mm
Diameter168mm112mm
Length448mm457mm
Weight3230g (7.12 lb)1390g (3.06 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarYesYes