I got this lens just a week or so outside of its announcement cancelling my order for the Z180-600. I love it for the size, speed and overall build quality. I have the Z9 and Z7II and I can carry it all day and haven't pulled the monopod out yet! On the Z7II is only weighs 4.6lbs! It is definitely, prime quality and worth it, not to mention it handles the TC-2 very well and people don't know I used it unless I've told them. Great job Nikon!
i sold my 500pf and got this, great move, sharp across the whole frame, 500pf wasnt so sharp until f8 across whole frame, but wasnt comparing then, having the mem set and recall is nice too making it faster again, and fast too with 0.47ms close to far, the focus speed is faster than the 500 too, although the 500pf was no slouch at 0.6 but the main thing is no FTZ, and Z lens on Z body for me, as it was meant to be. Caught already great shot detail, looking forwards to summer, and no more 500pf+dx mode finally. BTW i did originally order the 180-600 but it took so long to come i cancelled that and then was lucky this was about in stock.
I traded my 500PF for the 600PF. So far, so good. Fantastic build quality and robust feel. Yes, I would have preferred to see F5.6, but my Z8 handles higher ISO much better than my D500 did, so I think it will be OK. So far, images have been fantastic, even at higher ISO. I don't see anything better from any manufacturer in this price range. Although the new Sony 300 F2.8 is looking interesting.
Sony 300 2.8 GM requires a 2x TC attached, and while it's performs really well with the TC @ f5.6 at 600mm it is not as sharp as this Nikon 600pf without TC. Close but not quite...so Nikon still wins
Thanks for posting! I love this 600mm more than the 500mm pf just because I want to upgrade from a apsc body to FF( z7ii) and 600mm almost perfect for my type of bird photography.
it's just about weight difference, and what you need more. 600 is not enough for birding if you are not hidding and just casualy walking around, at that situation 900-1200 mm is the point.
Thanks So Much >> I have and love my 180-600 (Had it for 3 weeks here in S Africa < but this 600 is my DREAM lens >> have the 1.4 x convertor on my 70-200 = 280 but if I ever trade the 180-600 for this 600 I Wish!! I will get the 2.0 x Convertor to 420 f5.6 then I am done and the 600 mm will be my big Wild Life lens
@@njrtech I upgraded the 180-600 to a 100-400mm … the 100-400 is very light. I can shoot from 100mm-1,600mm with 2 lenses… if you only shoot at 600mm then of course just carry that one….
Such a cool lens, even though I wish it could be an F5.6. For early morning or dusk shots I find the F6.3 even on a newer FF body to be kinda slow. The lens costs almost the same as a 500mm F4 fl version in mint condition. I would still take that over this one.
Lol Nikon has that covered too... IF you're willing to pay $15k you can have the F4 with 1.4tc Lol. This is a $4800 lens... Do you understand the differences? Silly comment
Five grand for a f/6.3 lens, no thank you. They should have made this a f/5.6 lens, it would have been just a tad bigger than the f/6.3 version and a smaller than the 800mm f/6.3 PF version.
Do you even know what photography means. Your response is nonsensical and the norm from internet trolls. Sorry, but $5K for a f/6.3 lens is a joke. Do you work for Nikon by any chance.
@@Zeppy007 I hear so many people regurgitate the same rhetoric about this lens ... I guess they don't know about the advances in technology. I've had bumped up ISO images clean up so well you can't even tell.
I do not like the Nikon Lens design with PF, it makes the Lens much more expensive, so I will prefer the 600mm 6.3 designed with "normal" Lens elements, I know the Lens will be slightly longer, but it could still be light weight.
@@njrtech A zoom with 600mm 6.3 are bigger and heavier than a Nikon Z 600mm 6.3 Lens !!! I have the Excellent Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens, which are very compact and Light weight WITHOUT using PF lens elements in the lens design !!!
Not Nikon, nor Canon nailed the proper sweet spot for 600mm prime, as Z f/6.3 is pricey and unnecessary profi, while RF f/11 too dim and amateur-ish. Super sharp, lightly weather sealed 600mm f/8 for 1300€ will be it.
@@victorlim5077 I'll just stay with my z600pf, then with the 1.4x it'll be a 840mm or 2x it's a 1200mm. Both have been producing excellent images for me. The higher f/stops are a nonfactor under most of my lighting conditions and technology is a beautiful thing in how is cleans up boosted ISOs. And being just 10% heavier than the Z 400, I haven't needed a monopod at all.
You've never shot with the Nikon 600pf that much is obvious. This is one of the BEST telephoto options for any camera brand period. The Nikkor PF lenses are legendary for a reason
@@victorlim5077400 f4.5 with 1.4tc is less sharp than the 600pf bare. And the 600pf handles the 1.4tc even better than the 400 4.5. This has been proven
@@njrtech The 2.6x higher price than the Z 180-600mm is solely for a slight edge in sharpness, a distinct prime lens aesthetic, and improved focus breathing. In my view, it's not justified, especially considering that f/6.3 remains f/6.3 regardless.
I got this lens just a week or so outside of its announcement cancelling my order for the Z180-600. I love it for the size, speed and overall build quality. I have the Z9 and Z7II and I can carry it all day and haven't pulled the monopod out yet! On the Z7II is only weighs 4.6lbs! It is definitely, prime quality and worth it, not to mention it handles the TC-2 very well and people don't know I used it unless I've told them. Great job Nikon!
Could you post a social media when I can see bare 600 mm and then some pictures with TC's?
i sold my 500pf and got this, great move, sharp across the whole frame, 500pf wasnt so sharp until f8 across whole frame, but wasnt comparing then, having the mem set and recall is nice too making it faster again, and fast too with 0.47ms close to far, the focus speed is faster than the 500 too, although the 500pf was no slouch at 0.6 but the main thing is no FTZ, and Z lens on Z body for me, as it was meant to be. Caught already great shot detail, looking forwards to summer, and no more 500pf+dx mode finally. BTW i did originally order the 180-600 but it took so long to come i cancelled that and then was lucky this was about in stock.
I traded my 500PF for the 600PF. So far, so good. Fantastic build quality and robust feel. Yes, I would have preferred to see F5.6, but my Z8 handles higher ISO much better than my D500 did, so I think it will be OK. So far, images have been fantastic, even at higher ISO. I don't see anything better from any manufacturer in this price range. Although the new Sony 300 F2.8 is looking interesting.
I got rid for a 600 f4 ed vr , goodbye Z gear
Sony 300 2.8 GM requires a 2x TC attached, and while it's performs really well with the TC @ f5.6 at 600mm it is not as sharp as this Nikon 600pf without TC. Close but not quite...so Nikon still wins
@@njrtech Good to know, thank you!
Thanks for posting! I love this 600mm more than the 500mm pf just because I want to upgrade from a apsc body to FF( z7ii) and 600mm almost perfect for my type of bird photography.
this video is very very clean and sharp
How do you like the 600mm PF compared to the 800mm PF? Which focal length(s) do you find yourself using most when out photographing wildlife?
it's just about weight difference, and what you need more. 600 is not enough for birding if you are not hidding and just casualy walking around, at that situation 900-1200 mm is the point.
Thanks So Much >> I have and love my 180-600 (Had it for 3 weeks here in S Africa < but this 600 is my DREAM lens >> have the 1.4 x convertor on my 70-200 = 280 but if I ever trade the 180-600 for this 600 I Wish!! I will get the 2.0 x Convertor to 420 f5.6 then I am done and the 600 mm will be my big Wild Life lens
I’ll stick to my 500pf, the cost of these new lens are getting out of reach of the average user. I’d say it’s also a lot of money for an F6.3 lens.
With Z8, whether 600 mm or 800mm f/6.3 will suitable for birding? which is sharper?
Same question
Both are same from IQ and AF standpoint. Base the decision on your preferred focal length
Very informative video. Thanks.
I bought the Z 180-600 instead of the Z 600mm PF and the cost savings paid for half of my Z 800mm PF.
But now you have TWO heavier lens to carry . 600pf is way to go
@@njrtech I upgraded the 180-600 to a 100-400mm … the 100-400 is very light. I can shoot from 100mm-1,600mm with 2 lenses… if you only shoot at 600mm then of course just carry that one….
Left the Sony system because of this lens, it's that good. No regrets
Nice one from Nikon, but already have z lenses 180-600 and 800mm f6.3 pf
Such a cool lens, even though I wish it could be an F5.6. For early morning or dusk shots I find the F6.3 even on a newer FF body to be kinda slow.
The lens costs almost the same as a 500mm F4 fl version in mint condition. I would still take that over this one.
No real difference with a f5.6 vs. F6.3 lens in real world shooting. 1/3rd of a stop is not even worth considering
yes
If only it was F4 with a built in 1.4 converter
Lol Nikon has that covered too... IF you're willing to pay $15k you can have the F4 with 1.4tc Lol. This is a $4800 lens... Do you understand the differences? Silly comment
Five grand for a f/6.3 lens, no thank you.
They should have made this a f/5.6 lens, it would have been just a tad bigger than the f/6.3 version and a smaller than the 800mm f/6.3 PF version.
If you really believe that 1/3 of a stop makes that much of a difference, you should maybe change hobbies 😉
Do you even know what photography means.
Your response is nonsensical and the norm from internet trolls.
Sorry, but $5K for a f/6.3 lens is a joke.
Do you work for Nikon by any chance.
@@Zeppy007 I hear so many people regurgitate the same rhetoric about this lens ... I guess they don't know about the advances in technology. I've had bumped up ISO images clean up so well you can't even tell.
Lol. Another f5.6 vs f6.3 comment... There is NO practical difference over 1/3rd of a stop in real world use! Not even worth debating anymore.
Nope
I do not like the Nikon Lens design with PF, it makes the Lens much more expensive, so I will prefer the 600mm 6.3 designed with "normal" Lens elements, I know the Lens will be slightly longer, but it could still be light weight.
Would be a heavier lense. Might as well buy the cheaper zoom. This isn't for you
@@njrtech A zoom with 600mm 6.3 are bigger and heavier than a Nikon Z 600mm 6.3 Lens !!! I have the Excellent Sigma 500mm 5.6 DG DN OS Sports Lens, which are very compact and Light weight WITHOUT using PF lens elements in the lens design !!!
Hopefully they gave you a lens for this fanboy review.
Not Nikon, nor Canon nailed the proper sweet spot for 600mm prime, as Z f/6.3 is pricey and unnecessary profi, while RF f/11 too dim and amateur-ish.
Super sharp, lightly weather sealed 600mm f/8 for 1300€ will be it.
Just get the Nikon Z 400mm F4.5 + 1.4x Tele. 560mm F6.3 with 90% of the image quality. Great combo. Lighter and also versatile.
@@victorlim5077 I'll just stay with my z600pf, then with the 1.4x it'll be a 840mm or 2x it's a 1200mm. Both have been producing excellent images for me. The higher f/stops are a nonfactor under most of my lighting conditions and technology is a beautiful thing in how is cleans up boosted ISOs. And being just 10% heavier than the Z 400, I haven't needed a monopod at all.
You've never shot with the Nikon 600pf that much is obvious. This is one of the BEST telephoto options for any camera brand period. The Nikkor PF lenses are legendary for a reason
@@victorlim5077400 f4.5 with 1.4tc is less sharp than the 600pf bare. And the 600pf handles the 1.4tc even better than the 400 4.5. This has been proven
@@njrtech The 2.6x higher price than the Z 180-600mm is solely for a slight edge in sharpness, a distinct prime lens aesthetic, and improved focus breathing. In my view, it's not justified, especially considering that f/6.3 remains f/6.3 regardless.