Nikon unveils Nikkor Z 600mm lens, remote grip accessory

Nikon Inc. announced the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, the latest in an unrivaled collection of high-performance super-telephoto lenses for professionals. The 600mm f/4 TC VR S offers a combination of versatility and performance, boasting the latest optical technology and anti-reflective coatings for the ultimate in image quality, plus the added benefit of a built-in 1.4x teleconverter for even more reach.

The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S will be available in late November 2022 for a suggested retail price of $15,499.95.

This is a pro lens, creating a new apex of performance for those capturing action, wildlife, and sports, all while reimagining the 600mm to realize the potential of the larger Z mount, according to Nikon. An extreme focal length paired with a fast f/4 aperture fills the frame with the subject, creating dramatic isolation with gorgeous background blur. The integration of a built-in 1.4x teleconverter gives the capability to seamlessly switch from an extreme 600mm to an astounding 840mm (FX mode), while maintaining superior optical performance throughout the frame.

“The range, capability and value that Nikon delivers with NIKKOR Z telephoto lenses continues to surpass expectations,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “This new S-line super-telephoto lens is just one more exciting addition to the rapidly growing line of lenses, which we will continue to expand.”

The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S offers users:

• Built-in 1.4x Teleconverter: Like two lenses in one, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S can instantly swap between 600mm f/4 and 840mm f/5.6. This allows the user to seamlessly keep the subject in frame, whether it’s erratically moving animals or oncoming cars when shooting motorsports. In DX mode, this range is increased to an impressive 900mm f/4 and 1260mm f/5.6 equivalent, respectively.
• Surprisingly Smaller Size and Lighter weight: Weighing in at only 7.2 lbs (3260 g), the 600mm f/4 TC VR S is a full 1.2 lbs (550 g) lighter than the F-mount AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR; enabling longer hours of shooting with less fatigue. The lens size is optimized to fit in carry-on luggage, with a length of only 17.2 in (437 mm).
• Fast f/4 Maximum Aperture: When shooting fast-moving subjects or in low-light conditions, such as motorcycle racing or swimming, the lens’ bright maximum aperture lets in more light, so users can take advantage of higher shutter speeds for sharper images with minimal blur.
• Outstanding IQ with Unparalleled Optics: The innovative optical formula incorporates three ED, a super ED, two fluorite and two SR lens elements. Various aberrations including chromatic aberration are effectively compensated, delivering outstandingly sharp rendering. As a result, incredibly high resolution throughout an image is achieved consistently, even at the maximum aperture.
• Nikon’s Meso Amorphous Coat: This coating provides the highest anti-reflection performance in NIKKOR history, the company said Together with Nano Crystal Coat, the 600mm f/4 TC VR S achieves a significant reduction of ghost and flare effects caused by incident light from various directions, delivering clear images even under harsh lighting conditions, including stadium lights, direct sunlight and oncoming headlights.
• TC Compatible for Extreme Telephoto: The focal length can be extended to 1,200 mm with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0×, or 1,680 mm when the built-in teleconverter is used in conjunction with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0×. By using the built-in teleconverter and 2.3x crop for video recording with the Nikon Z 9, it is possible to shoot at a focal length equivalent to 1,932 mm.
• Superior Operability: This is a lens that feels solid, sturdy and comfortable. The center of gravity is shifted toward the photographer for a comfortable balance for hand-held shooting or panning. Never lose track of a subject because the lens can be operated solely by touch, thanks to well-placed tactile details such as knurling and small indents. An ergonomic design provides easy access to controls such as L-Fn buttons, memory set button, Fn ring, control ring, and focus ring without looking.
• High-Performance Vibration Reduction (VR): The lens’ powerful optical VR function provides a compensation effect equivalent to shooting at a shutter speed up to 5.0 stops faster, or 5.5 stops when using the synchro function of the Nikon Z 9. Users can also choose the SPORT function, which enables a stable viewfinder image during panning shots and tracking of moving subjects.

Remote grip accessory

Nikon also announced the release of the MC-N10 Remote Grip, a new accessory for videographers that allows for the remote operation of a Nikon Z series mirrorless camera via a wired connection. The MC-N10 is ideal for small-footprint productions, allowing a single operator the ability to adjust a wide variety of essential camera settings without directly engaging or disturbing the camera body, the company says.

The MC-N10 Remote Grip uses an ARRI-compatible rosette mount to attach to an abundance of accessories, allowing users to easily mount the device to tripods, handles, gimbals and sliders, as well as other modular mounts from major third-party manufacturers. When connected, the MC-N10 allows a camera operator to have complete control over many features, including start/stop recording, autofocus, ISO, exposure control, AF speed, as well as access to Custom Functions and the entire camera menu system. With this accessory, operators can vary the speed of a rack focus mid-scene, zoom in to check focus, react to dramatic lighting changes on the fly, or easily get a tighter focal length to DX mode without taking their hand off the controls. When paired with the Nikon Z 9 and the recently announced Firmware 3.0, the Fn1/Fn2 buttons can be assigned to use the new High-Res Zoom capability in order to achieve a smooth zoom transition regardless of the lens used, with no loss of resolution.

The new Nikon MC-N10 Remote Grip will be available in late November 2022 for a suggested retail price of $429.95 SRP.