Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens

Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Super Telephoto Lens Summary

Following an early announcement, the Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens arrives as the longest super telephoto prime for Nikon’s full-frame (FX) mirrorless Z camera range. It combines decades of optical know-how with S-Line quality, Teleconverter compatibility and a NANO crystal coat, all from a highly portable form measuring just 385mm long. Nikon managed to keep the lens weight down to 2,385g, which will no doubt cause celebration with sports, action and wildlife photographers and videographers, who travel light and shoot handheld.

An array of 22 elements arranged into 14 groups includes 3 ED, 1 SR and 1 PF (Phase Fresnel) element, contributing to low weight and outstanding results, which can be achieved not only with the flagship Z9 camera, but any mirrorless Nikon camera. Photographers and videographers can capitalise on this formidable optic, using both FX and DX bodies, where it offers a 3º 10 or 2º 00 angle of view respectively.

Key Features

• Compact and lightweight super telephoto prime
• Professional S-Line optical quality
• Internal focusing system
• Normal and Sport optical Vibration Reduction modes
• Up to 5.5-stop VR with cameras supporting Synchro VR
• 9-blade rounded diaphragm
• Fast, smooth and reliable STM focusing system
• Compatible with Nikon Z 2.0x and Nikon Z 1.4x Teleconverter
• Well suppressed focus breathing
• Pro ergonomics with customisable L-Fn buttons, silent control ring and focus memory
• Extensive weather sealing
• Nano Crystal and Fluorine Coats

Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens in More Detail

Reach Further, Lighter

The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens has been designed to keep weight as low as possible, while retaining the highest image quality achievable. To meet these requirements Nikon added their Phase Fresnel lens within the professional S-Line optical formula. This results in the furthest reaching Z Mount lens in the range, bringing subjects even closer than the incredible Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm F/2.8 TC VR S with its built-in TC.

In fact, with TC compatibility this super telephoto can reach subjects at incredible distances, offering 1120mm and 1600mm with a 1.4x or 2.0x TC attached.

With this light weight, photographers can shoot handheld for extended periods, panning and stop-starting as their subjects demand, only relying on a monopod or tripod when required.

Professional S-Line Optics with Outstanding Results

The optical formula combines 22 lens elements to magnify the image. Nikon employed a number of special glass elements to refine the image, provide clarity, detail and to meet the extremely high resolving requirements of higher resolution sensors.

Elements include 3 ED, 1 SR and 1 PF, which translate to Extra-low Dispersion, Short-wavelength Refractive and a Phase Fresnel lens. Together these improve image quality through a reduction in chromatic aberration and colour fringing, increasing clarity while realising high optical performance. Whether you capture vehicles, wildlife or human subjects these characteristics deliver impressive performance, drawing out the finest details with huge resolving power.

Combined VR up to 5.5-Stop

In support of handholding and shooting in low light, Nikon has incorporated VR which provides up to 5.5-stop advantage when using the lens with a camera which supports Synchro VR. At the time of release this means the range-topping Nikon Z9, with more to follow. A VR selector enables you to choose between VR modes, with Sport and Normal depending on your subject.

Fast Stepping Motor

The types of subjects which this lens will be trained on demand competent AF performance. To this end the Z 800mm employs Nikon’s STM (Stepping Motor) technology, which synchronises with pulse electric power. This provides exceptionally fast, smooth and reliable AF performance, harnessing AI-based subject detection and tracking algorithms which are found in the latest Z cameras. Not only this, but the motor is extremely quiet, ideal for video and sensitive subjects where the slightest noise can disturb your shot.

Pro Ergonomics and Useability

The Z 800mm lens is weighted in such a way as to keep the centre of gravity as close to the camera body as possible. This makes it easier to not only handhold the beast, but pan and stop smoothly, enabling you to follow erratically moving subjects more fluidly for incredible results at this huge focal width.

There are also plenty of lens controls to streamline your personal workflow. These are laid out intuitively with assignable L-Fn buttons, a silent control ring, AF/M switch, focus limiter and Memory Set button to save focus distances.

Last but not least Nikon incorporated comprehensive weather sealing around all of the moving parts, to control dust and moisture ingression. A rubber gasket on the lens mount also protects the camera as well as the lens itself.

Two coatings have been added with Nikon’s NANO coat to reduce ghosting and flare with sharper, clearer, high contrast photos and videos – as well as a Fluorine coated front element. Maintaining a lens is far simpler with these, although you’ll no doubt want to pack your Hurricane Blower and some ZEISS Lens Wipes in your bag.

What’s in the box

• Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens for Z Mount
• Front lens cap LC-K106 Lens Cap NEW
• Rear lens cap LF-N1 Lens Cap
• Lens hood HB-104 Lens Hood NEW
• Lens case CL-L3 Lens Case
• Strap LN-3 Strap for super-telephoto lens

Read more about the Nikon Z 800mm F6.3 lens in detail in our blog review, which includes more sample photos and a deep dive into features.

Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens Specifications