Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is 600mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is 800mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S for super-telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S for super-telephoto.

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

  • You're on a budget — $4,699 vs $6,499 leaves more for other gear.
  • You value portability — at 1390g (3.06 lb) it's lighter than the 2350g (5.18 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 800mm vs 600mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

Where they differ

  • Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is 600mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is 800mm — different framing and reach.
  • Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is $4,699, $1,800 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S.
  • Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is 1390g (3.06 lb) vs 2350g (5.18 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is 600mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is 800mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S for super-telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S for super-telephoto.

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 $6,499 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 1390g (3.06 lb) it's lighter than the 2350g (5.18 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S if you need more reach — it goes to 800mm vs 600mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.

What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S?

Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/6.3 VR S is 600mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is 800mm — different framing and reach.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length600mm800mm
Lens TypePrimePrime
Optical Elements2122
Optical Groups1414
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/6.3f/6.3
Minimum Aperturef/32f/32
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingMulti-focus Stepping
Focus LimiterYesYes
AF/MF SwitchYesYes
Min Focus Distance400 cm600 cm
Max Magnification0.14x0.15x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationYesYes
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$4,699$6,499
Filter Size95mm46mm
Diameter112mm168mm
Length457mm622mm
Weight1390g (3.06 lb)2350g (5.18 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarYesYes