AF-S NIKKOR
600mm f/4G ED VR
A high-speed, high-performance prime lens for dedicated wildlife and sports photographers features Nikon’s VR image stabilization and Nano Crystal Coat.
$10,299.95*SRPSRP (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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Supplied Accessories
- HK-35 slip-on lens hood
- CT-607 trunk case
- Slip-in filter holder
- 52-mm screw-in NC filter
- Monopod collar
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
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AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
12
12
An outstanding piece of glass
I have tried an after market brand lens in this class of lens and it it was just soft plain and simple, but I mounted this to my Really Right Stuff Full Gimbal head and tripod and instant success with sharp vivid focus thanks to the VR and fast Auto Focus this lens has teamed up with my D3x, I can't wait to try this out on the wild life this upcoming spring.
Don't let the weight fool you, this is not a lens that can be carried all day by the average hobbyist, take care in planning your shooting trips with this lens and how you will pack it in and out of your shooting location and take care in selecting tripods and heads to mount this lens it will save you hours of grief in trashing photos because of unwanted shake usually caused by the shooter, but at faster shutter speeds above 1/125th it is a dream to use, not saying you cant shoot at slower shutter speeds, but a good support system and cable release will yield better results.
But if you want to reach out and take in the wildlife at a safer distant and not put the critters under strain so they will allow you to stay within there presence much longer then this is the lens to buy.
January 13, 2012
This lens is a dream.
The Nikkor 600mm is a real workhorse....easy to use, pin-point sharp, and reliable. It's super fast and always delivers ! I also love the 500mm and the 200-400mm is amazing as well!
October 4, 2011
Incredible
I wanted to shoot birds and wildlife and I looked at the Nikon 500 mm along with the Nikon 200 mm to 400 mm and didn't think that they would give me the reach I wanted.
I have had the 600 mm for a couple of weeks now and it has knocked me out with the razor sharp pictures it makes. The AF is fast and the Image Stabilization will let you shoot at shutter speeds that should be impossible.
the 600 is a huge piece of glass that tells you every time you pick it up that it is a substantially built device. I have been shooting mostly handheld and after several hours of hoisting it around you will feel it the next day.
But its worth it every ounce when as it makes pictures that are simply amazing.
June 16, 2011
Incredible! Thats all I can say!
This lens is incredible, the clarity and speed of focusing is second to none. Quality throughout but you better have strong arms and a sturdy tripod. You also need to have a lot of time available because everyone wants to know what it is, who you work for and can they look through it! This lens has allowed me to capture images of wildlife that I would have never been able to obtain with other smaller lenses. I also photograph a lot of military aircraft shows. The speed of the AF-S focusing allows me to track the aircraft and on occasion be in close enough to see the rivets on the wings! That's amazing!
May 5, 2011
Nikon's Best Long Lens
I bought my 600mm VR with the sole purpose of taking photographs of wildlife. PERIOD. If you are planning on hoofing through the bush, and you want to have this lens ready for that once in a life time shot of Bigfoot running through the forest, you may want to re-think your equipment needs. This beast is heavy. I'm a big guy, and 50 lb. camera backpacks on all day hikes, in the mountains is normal for me. If you use the strap it will be cutting into your neck in no time. I made foam guard for mine which helps. Then, you have the massive size. If you are in the bush, a mental debate will rage. Do you take the 500.00 dollar lens hood off? keep the lens cover on? or streamline it and risk scratching that large piece of glass at the front? I haven't checked but I bet its darn expensive to replace. The other option is to have it mounted on your tripod, and hang it over your shoulder. I have seen this done with large lenses, and, well, let's say I lost the courage to do it, after seeing another photographer forget to lock the gimbal down and have his 400mm lens slide out. I prefer several configurations. I use the shoulder strap, and cradle the lens / camera in my arms. This takes the weight off the neck a bit. When I am hiking to a site and don't expect to use it for a while, I disassemble the setup and store it in the back pack (Airport Addict is my favorite pack).
Ideally, this lens is best suited for what I refer to as 'ambush photography'. Basically, you wait for the subject to come anywhere near you.
I have found this lens to be ridiculously razor sharp, but it takes time to learn how to use it correctly. I was warned by the pro at the store where I bought it, to have patience with the learning curve. It took me a long time to figure out proper technique on using this without getting a fuzzy picture. Moose Peterson's videos saved me more frustration.
Even with mirror lockup on my D200 I found I couldn't just set it on the tripod and get a sharp picture. I need to hold it firmly, even while on my Gitzo 5541LS / Wimberley WH200.. If you are planning on slinging this thing by hand, forget it. Few people are that strong. This lens is made for tripod photography. Which brings me to the VR II tripod feature. Words can't describe how nice this is when you have the VR on, while using a tripod. Sometimes you will need to drop the speed or raise the ISO for low light. The tripod VR feature will be your new best friend.
This lens locks on to subjects fast, VERY fast. Hummingbirds are my favorite subject and I have no problems with the focus. The VR works great and the whole unit is quiet. Hummingbirds are nervous to begin with, and this lens lets me shoot multiple pictures without scaring them away.
The box that the lens comes in is impractical for slugging along on a hike, but excellent for airline travel. (a word of caution, put it in a box / case / suitcase. A big box with NIKON emblazoned on the side is asking for trouble).
I have found that panning can be tricky, since the lens has a very narrow view. By the time you find that rare bird in the view finder it can be gone. I mounted a red dot hunting scope on the top and have no problems pointing and shooting without looking in the view finder on the camera.
The lens knows what to do when focusing.
If you are the type that is never satisfied, and want a teleconverter to make this a >1200mm, I wouldn't go any more than the 1.4x tele. unless you have high ISO / low speed capabilities in the camera, or are close enough for a flash.
Depending on light conditions I prefer to not use the 1.4x tele and take the photo anyway. You would be amazed how much you can zoom in and still get a sharp photo, while using just software.
To summarize: It's FAST, it's HEAVY, it's SHARP, It's NIKON and its worth every penny I paid for it. I love it.
April 14, 2011
12 Questions | 13 Answers
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All5 months, 3 weeks ago
by
ken
Lyndhurst, NJ, USA
Location :
Lyndhurst, NJ, USA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Semi-professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
I have used both the TC-14EII and TC-17EII with the lens.The 1.4 is usually attached when I shoot this lens. Image quality remains very good, and AF is great with the D3s. I cannot comment on the other bodies.
I use the TC-17EII at times to fill the frame with smaller birds. IQ remains O.K. as long as shooting distance is close. Auto focus works in most light when using the D3s, but it is slower to lock.
Sample Photos & Videos
Mar 31, 2012 by
by
fldspringer
Wisconsin, USA
Location :
Wisconsin, USA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
TC-14E II is the only one that will autofocus with this lens
sports and birds is are my interests. 200mm next for bugs. But for now Big glass or smaller glass with options?
1 year ago
by
chris
moorpark, ca
Location :
moorpark, ca
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: More than 10 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Tough choice, both have their benefits, 400 obviously faster but lacing the range though still would be reasonably fast with a 1.4 or 1.7 tc. Personally id go for the 600mm for wildlife, chuck a 1.4 on there and you have 840mm of reach to play with which is great for things like small birds where you cant get close. Im lucky enough to have a 200-400 which is superb but sometimes find it a little short at 400mm hence is quite often use the 1.4tc on it, so the 400, i think, would be a little short though it is widely used for sports and is very good at it. There is not that much difference in price to be fair so it would be down to you to decide what is right for your needs, i would strongly suggest that you rent both before stumping up the cash, that way you can put them through thier paces without spending a kings ransom only to find you have made the wrong choice.
AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
1 answer
Does Nikon manufacture a front screw in filter to protect the front lens element?
The older manual versions had a 122mm UV filter available, does this lens have the capability to accept a front filter? I'd like protection for that vulnerable front element.
11 months ago
by
OpticalArtisan
Central California Coast
Location :
Central California Coast
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Semi-professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Hi, This lens supplied with protection glass for front element and it's removable you can replaced it any time you want.
AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
1 answer
I only have a Nikon D90 is this lens, AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR compatible with Nikon D90? If so will all the functions on the camera work?
9 months ago
by
John
Albuquerque
Location :
Albuquerque
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than 10 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes, the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR is fully compatible with Nikon D90.9 months ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
If AF-s version answer is yes. Unsure if AF-I.
AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
1 answer
Is VR supposed to be on or off when shooting sports with 600 f/4 on a monopod?
8 months ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
On a mono pod I would leave it on, you will still get some camera movement unless you have extremely steady hands.6 months ago
by
Anonymous
Illinois, USA
Location :
Illinois, USA
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes, this lens is compatible with the D5000.6 months ago
by
Christian
Philippines
Location :
Philippines
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes2 months, 4 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
By using the lens hood.2 months, 1 week ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes
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