Is this lens worth it over the 500mm f/4?

If you need maximum reach for wildlife or sports and shoot in low light, the extra 100mm and f/4 aperture justify it. The 500mm is lighter and easier to handhold, so choose based on how often you need the reach.

Does it work with Nikon teleconverters?

Yes. It accepts Nikon's F-mount teleconverters, and autofocus still works with the TC-14E III and TC-17E II on compatible bodies. Expect some loss of light and slight sharpness drop with the stronger converters.

It can for short bursts thanks to Vibration Reduction, but at around 3.8 kg most shooters use a monopod or tripod. Long handheld sessions are tiring.

What filters does it take?

It uses a rear slip-in filter holder rather than front screw-in filters. That limits you to drop-in filters sized for the holder, including Nikon's dedicated options.

Is it weather-sealed?

Yes. The barrel is sealed against dust and moisture, and the carbon-fiber hood adds protection. Pair it with a sealed body for wet conditions.

The lens comes with a tripod collar, monopod collar, carbon-fiber lens hood and front and rear caps. A case is typically included.

Where is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens cheapest?

At Adorama, for $8,496.95, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens?

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 108 ratings.

Where can I buy the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens?

3 stores we checked sell it, including Macy's, B&H Photo-Video-Audio, Adorama.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens

Best price now

$8,496.95at AdoramaChecked 11 h ago

Compared across 3 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Adorama

What reviewers say

4.8 / 5108 ratings

Owners and reviewers praise the lens for sharpness, fast focus and the weight savings over the previous 600mm f/4. Most criticism centers on its size, weight and the high cost of entry.

What people mention

SharpnessPraisedReviewers say it is sharp wide open at f/4 and holds detail with teleconverters.
WeightMixedOwners note it is lighter than earlier 600mm f/4 lenses but still heavy for handholding.
AutofocusPraisedUsers report fast, quiet and accurate focusing on moving subjects.
BuildPraisedOwners describe the weather-sealed body and carbon-fiber hood as rugged.
Minimum focusCriticisedThe 4.4 m close-focus limit is called restrictive for nearby subjects.
CostCriticisedReviewers say the specialist price puts it out of reach for most enthusiasts.

About the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR is a super-telephoto prime lens for Nikon F-mount cameras. It has a fixed 600mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/4, with an aperture range of f/4 to f/22 and 9 aperture blades.

The optical design has 16 elements in 12 groups. Focusing is autofocus with an internal focusing system, and the minimum focus distance is 4.4 m (about 14.4 ft) at a magnification of 0.14x. The lens is weather-sealed and comes with a carbon-fiber lens hood.

The lens uses slip-in filters, including a solar filter, and has a rear slip-in filter holder. It accepts a teleconverter. A tripod collar and a monopod collar are included. The lens is 432 mm long, which is 74 mm longer than the 400mm f/2.8 lens, and it is marginally wider.

Lens type

Telephoto prime, super-telephoto

Focal length

600mm fixed

Aperture

f/4 to f/22

Mount

Nikon F

Construction

16 elements in 12 groups; 9 aperture blades

Min focus

4.4 m (14.436 ft); 0.14x magnification