Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens revealed

Nikon has officially introduced the AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens that will offer increased performance when it comes to image quality and autofocus compared to the previous generation.

Three lenses have been rumored to be announced by Nikon this summer. The company has decided to reveal them all during the same day. After unveiling the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR and the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR, the AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens has also become official.

Just like its 500mm f/4E super-telephoto prime sibling, the 600mm f/4E comes with a number of improvements that will deliver higher image quality, increased performance, and reduced weight when compared to its predecessor.

AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens is now official with less weight and better performance compared to its predecessor.

Nikon announces AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens for full-frame DSLRs

This optic has been created for wildlife and action photographers. The Japan-based manufacturer is inviting users to capture aircraft or birds in flight with a lightweight solution without the need of a tripod.

The focal length allows users to get closer to the action, while the built-in Vibration Reduction, providing up to 4-stops of stabilization, means that the subjects will not turn out blurry due to hand or camera shaking.

The AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens weighs 3,810 grams / 8.4 lbs, meaning that it is 1,450 grams / 3.2 lbs lighter than the previous generation. The reduced weight is attributed to its couple of fluorite elements that simplify the optical design while increasing the image quality.

Additionally, the lens offers a consistent exposure in burst shot mode thanks to an electromagnetic diaphragm, the company said in the press release.

The MTF chart of Nikon’s AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR super-telephoto prime lens.

Super-telephoto prime lens to begin shipping in mid-July

Beside the two fluorite elements, the AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens includes four Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements in its internal configuration. In total, there are 16 elements in 12 groups.

The front lens element does not move when focusing thanks to the optic’s internal focusing mechanism. A fluorine coating is on the lens in order to protect the glass from dirt or all kinds of smudges.

The specs list of Nikon’s super-telephoto prime reveals that the product comes with a minimum focusing distance of 4.40 meters, a focus ring, and a distance scale. As expected, the optic is weathersealed.

The AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR lens will begin shipping in mid-July for a 12,299.95 price tag. This telephoto prime can be pre-ordered right now from Amazon with an estimated shipping date of July 18.