Nikon Introduces NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S

NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S

Last December, Nikon announced the development of a new 800mm lens for its Z mirrorless system and today the company officially unveiled the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S. The new lens incorporates a Phase Fresnel (PF) element which allowed engineers to design a lens that’s approximately half the weight (at 5.25 pounds) and 16 percent shorter than the comparable lens for Nikon F-mount.

The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S becomes the longest focal length currently offered for the Z system, and it’s compatible with Nikon’s 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, extending the lens’ telephoto reach up to 1600mm.

The lens includes built-in Vibration Reduction that provides up to 5 stops of stabilization, and up to 5.5 stops when paired with the Nikon Z 9 via that camera’s Synchro VR capability. The lens also offers a Memory Recall to save focus distances and customizable function buttons for quick access to camera settings like subject tracking or AF lock.

Sample image taken with the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S.

Availability of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S expected in April, with a list price of $6,499. For additional details, see the press release below.

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ALL THE DISTANCE, HALF THE WEIGHT¹: THE NEW NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S PUTS OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE WITHIN REACH

The Longest Focal Length NIKKOR Z Super Telephoto Lens is Here, Providing Overwhelming Reach in a Surprisingly Compact & Lightweight Design

MELVILLE, NY (April 6, 2022) –Today, Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S super telephoto lens for Nikon’s Z series of high-performance mirrorless cameras. This new S-Line full-frame lens gives aviation, sports, bird and wildlife photographers a super-telephoto focal length to fill the frame with fantastic clarity at extreme distances.  The new NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is approximately 48% lighter and 16% shorter than its F-mount counterpart, due to the use of a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens element. While the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S benefits from the latest optical technologies for maximum sharpness and fidelity, its significantly lighter weight makes it easier to trek out to the best vantage point, and shoot comfortably, even handheld or with a monopod.

“This 800mm lens is smaller and lighter than ever imagined, which is a true testament to Nikon’s advanced optical expertise as well as the next-generation technology that’s at the core of the Nikon Z system,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “This latest NIKKOR Z lens is not only surprisingly easy to carry, but also gives photographers the fast focus response, intense sharpness and beautiful color reproduction they need to create amazing images from extreme distances.”

The new NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens is built with an emphasis on comfortable usability and extreme optical performance. The Phase Fresnel element is optimally positioned to minimize ghosting, and is combined with three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and one Short-wavelength Refractive (SR) element to effectively suppress axial chromatic aberration. From the sharp contrast of small branches to the finest feathers of distant birds, every detail is rendered with stunning precision. The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S was engineered with a close attention to balance, as the lens’ center of gravity is positioned closer to the user’s body to enhance smooth panning motion while tracking swiftly moving objects such as a falcon in flight or banking plane.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S:

• Extreme super telephoto capability for Z-series photographers with an 800mm focal length that brings distant subjects in close, with incredible clarity and sharpness.
• Easy to pack and carry, weighing in at approx. 5.25lb (2385g)with a reduced footprint of 5.6 in. x 15.2 in.
• Features Nano Crystal Coat, as well as an optimized shape and location of the PF lens element that contributes to a reduction in ghosting for maximum clarity. This is especially useful when shooting into the sky or in the vicinity of bright light sources.
• The optical VR function provides a superior compensation effect equivalent to shooting at a shutter speed of 5.0 stops² When paired with the Nikon Z 9, an effect of 5.5 stops is achieved with Synchro VR activation.
• Built to pro standards: Rubber gaskets keep dust, dirt and moisture out of the moving parts and the lens mount.³ The barrel is constructed of robust magnesium alloy, offering an ideal balance of strength and light weight. The front element has Nikon’s nonstick Fluorine Coat, which repels oil, moisture and smudges and easily wipes clean.
• A Memory Recall function⁴ instantly recalls focus positions that have been stored in advance, via pressing an assigned button. This function makes it simple to quickly acquire an anticipated subject on a branch or perch.
• Customizable controls include four L-Fn2 buttons and one L-Fn button, to which a wide variety of functions can be assigned to suit users’ preferences, including subject tracking, AF lock, playback and more. A customizable control ring can also be assigned to adjust ISO, aperture and exposure comp.
• The focal length can be extended to 1,120mm with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x, and 1,600mm with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x while maintaining outstanding resolution⁵. Users of high resolution cameras such as the Z 9 and Z 7II will appreciate the ability to also shoot in DX mode for even further extended reach (1,200mm).

Pricing and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens will be available starting in April 2022 for a suggested retail price (SRP) $6,499.95*. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including other NIKKOR Z lenses and the complete collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

1. The lens alone represents a 48% reduction in weight, or a 49.6% reduction in weight based on lens plus FTZ mount adaptor when compared to F-mount counterpart, the AF-S 800mm f/5.6 E FL ED VR lens.
2. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to a camera with full-frame (Nikon FX-format) sensor, with the camera’s VR function set to “NORMAL”.
3. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
4. The cameras compatible with this function are the Z 9, Z 7II and Z 6II only at the timing of the product release. When using the function, the firmware for cameras must be updated to the latest version is required. For other models, this function will be supported via later firmware updates.
5. AF performance may deteriorate depending on the subject, brightness and focus position regardless of the camera body, causing inaccurate focus, slow focusing speed or flashing of the focus point.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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