Name: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR
Brand: Nikon

6.7

▼Worse than 58% of camera-lenses

6.6

▲Better than 52% of camera-lenses

7.1

▼Worse than 93% of camera-lenses

4.6
Low-light photography
Low-light photography
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for low-light photography performance.
When it matters
When image quality, high display fidelity, and reliable cameras are essential for your daily workflow.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
70.0%
2.3
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
5.1
Travel
Travel
5.1/ 10
✕
What it is
Evaluates core hardware and software specifications for travel performance.
When it matters
When prioritizing long battery endurance, compact weight, and dependable on-the-go connectivity.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components
30.0%
1.0
Lens length
25.0%
1.0
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

Technical Specifications of camera lens Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR

6.7

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Mount & Format

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Lens type

telephoto prime

Lens mount

Nikon F

Sensor format coverage

Full-frame

Filter thread size

N/A

Teleconverter compatibility

Optics & Aperture

4.8

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Minimum focal length

800 mm

Maximum focal length

800 mm

Optical zoom

N/A

Maximum angle of view

3.2 °

Minimum angle of view

3.2 °

Focus & Controls

7.1

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Focus motor

SWM

Minimum focus distance

Maximum reproduction ratio

Full-time manual focus

Internal focusing

Stabilization

9.1

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Optical image stabilization

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

Build & Handling

6.8

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Weight

Lens length

Lens diameter

Weather sealing (splashproof)

Metal mount

Lab Scores

8.0

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DxOMark overall score

DxOMark sharpness score

DxOMark transmission

DxOMark distortion

DxOMark vignetting

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Optical image stabilization
yes
▲ Better than 71% of models
This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Teleconverter compatible
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
▲ Better than 85% of models
This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Supports Nikon TC-14E/TC-17E/TC-20E teleconverters.
Has focus hold button
Focus hold button
yes
▲ Better than 83% of models
This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has fluorine coating
Fluorine coating
yes
▲ Better than 67% of models
This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
Has focus distance scale
Focus distance scale
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has drop-in filter support
Drop-in / rear filter
yes
★ Better than 93% of models
This camera lens supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
52 mm drop-in filter.
Has focus limiter switch
Focus limiter switch
yes
▲ Better than 84% of models
This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
0.5 stops stronger stabilization
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4.5 stops
▲ Better than 67% of models
Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
This camera lens has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (4.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
4.5 stops vs 4 stops

Teleconverter compatible
Teleconverter compatibility
yes
▲ Better than 85% of models
This camera lens supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Supports Nikon TC-14E/TC-17E/TC-20E teleconverters.
Has drop-in filter support
Drop-in / rear filter
yes
★ Better than 93% of models
This camera lens supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
52 mm drop-in filter.

Has focus hold button
Focus hold button
yes
▲ Better than 83% of models
This camera lens has a focus hold button, the average camera lens does not. 16.6% of camera lenses include a focus hold button.
Has focus distance scale
Focus distance scale
yes
▲ Better than 51% of models
This camera lens has a focus distance scale, the average camera lens does not. 48.6% of camera lenses include a focus distance scale.
Has focus limiter switch
Focus limiter switch
yes
▲ Better than 84% of models
This camera lens has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.

Has optical image stabilization
Optical image stabilization
yes
▲ Better than 71% of models
This camera lens has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
0.5 stops stronger stabilization
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
4.5 stops
▲ Better than 67% of models
Market range: <3 stops – >5.5 stops
This camera lens has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (4.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
4.5 stops vs 4 stops

Has fluorine coating
Fluorine coating
yes
▲ Better than 67% of models
This camera lens has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 32.6% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.

Why is Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
5.6
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
5.6 vs 2.8
4,080 g heavier
Weight
4,590 g
▼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (4590 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
4,590 g vs 510 g
368.75 mm longer lens
Lens length
461 mm
▼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (461 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
461 mm vs 92.25 mm
2 fewer aspherical elements
Aspherical elements
0
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
0 vs 2
83 mm wider lens barrel
Lens diameter
160 mm
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (160 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
160 mm vs 77 mm
5.5 m longer minimum focus distance
Minimum focus distance
5.8 m
▼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (5.8 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
5.8 m vs 0.3 m
22.49x more expensive
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR is more expensive than the average camera lens (£11,920 vs £530).
£11,920 vs £530
0.04 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.151 x
▼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
0.151 x vs 0.192 x

22.49x more expensive
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR is more expensive than the average camera lens (£11,920 vs £530).
£11,920 vs £530
38.5% worse value for money
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (4.97 vs 6.9).
4.97 vs 6.89
18% lower user score
User score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
▼▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR
the average camera lens
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR has a lower user score than the average camera lens (7.08 vs 8.360).
7.08 vs 8.36
2.05x less popular
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR is less popular than the average camera lens (3.55 vs 7.3).
3.55 vs 7.29

2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
5.6
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Market range: <1.4 – >5.6
This camera lens has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
5.6 vs 2.8
2 fewer aspherical elements
Aspherical elements
0
▼ Worse than 70% of models
Market range: <0 – >3
This camera lens has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
0 vs 2
2 fewer fluorite elements
Fluorite elements
2
★ Better than 98% of models
Market range: <0 – >0
This camera lens has fewer fluorite elements than the average camera lens (2 vs 0). The average lens has 0 fluorite elements.
2 vs 0

5.5 m longer minimum focus distance
Minimum focus distance
5.8 m
▼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <0.18 m – >1.1 m
This camera lens has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (5.8 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
5.8 m vs 0.3 m
0.04 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Maximum reproduction ratio
0.151 x
▼ Worse than 64% of models
Market range: <0.11 x – >0.39 x
This camera lens has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2 x vs 0.2 x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192 x.
0.151 x vs 0.192 x

4,080 g heavier
Weight
4,590 g
▼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <171 g – >1.3k g
This camera lens is heavier than the average camera lens (4590 g vs 510 g). The average lens weighs 510 g.
4,590 g vs 510 g
368.75 mm longer lens
Lens length
461 mm
▼ Worse than 100% of models
Market range: <46 mm – >189 mm
This camera lens is longer than the average camera lens (461 mm vs 92.25 mm). The average lens has a length of 92.25 mm.
461 mm vs 92.25 mm
83 mm wider lens barrel
Lens diameter
160 mm
▼ Worse than 99% of models
Market range: <62.4 mm – >94.7 mm
This camera lens is wider than the average camera lens (160 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
160 mm vs 77 mm
Older release date
Release date
2013
▼ Worse than 65% of models
Market range: <2k – >2k
This camera lens was released earlier than the average camera lens.
2013 vs 2016

Based on 11 buyer reviews from online shops.

Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

How we calculate this

User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.

Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

photographylife.com

09/11/2024

Summary of the review

Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VRGo to product viewer dialog for this item. Review - Photography Life

The Photography Life review identifies the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR as a top-tier performer, boasting extreme optical sharpness that outclasses the 600mm f/4G VR. Key advantages include its 4,590-gram weight, which is lighter than previous iterations due to fluorite elements, and the exceptional performance of the included TC800-1.25E ED teleconverter, which extends the reach to 1000mm at f/7.1 with minimal sharpness loss. However, the lens is described as a bulky, heavy tool that requires specialized supports, such as a sturdy gimbal head, for effective operation. Optically, it exhibits significant ghosting and flare in back-lit scenarios despite the Nano Crystal Coat, and some users reported autofocus tracking issues on older camera bodies like the D4s.

kenrockwell.com

29/01/2013

Nikon 800mm f/5.6 FL Review - Ken Rockwell

Ken Rockwell’s review of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR highlights the lens as a significant technical leap for Nikon, featuring an electronically controlled diaphragm and advanced fluorite elements that provide spectacular sharpness and effective Vibration Reduction (VR). While praising its optical excellence, Rockwell notes that these features bring Nikon up to speed with long-standing competitor, Canon, often highlighting that it is a highly specialized tool for professionals. The lens delivers pristine, chromatic-aberration-free images with an internal focusing design. However, significant drawbacks include its extreme price, immense weight, and lack of an aperture ring, which makes it incompatible with older manual-focus Nikon bodies.

nikongear.net

11/01/2016

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR - Nikongear

The review on NikonGear centers on the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR lens, highlighting its position as a highly desirable super-telephoto prime designed for sports, wildlife, and news photography. A major pros discussed by users is its absolute stellar optical performance, which provides exceptionally sharp and usable images even when shooting wide open or under challenging conditions. Because of this elite image quality, reviewers note that the lens should not be strictly restricted to action sports and can be heavily utilized across various demanding fields of photography. However, the review points out clear drawbacks to consider before investment. A significant hardware con is a recurring tripod mount and collar positioning issue, which is described as a frustrating design flaw that limits aftermarket replacement foot workarounds. Additionally, user context points out severe practical limitations, such as the lens being notoriously back-ordered and difficult to purchase, alongside an incredibly restrictive price tag of over $10,000 to $17,000 that places it far out of reach for casual photographers. Reddit ·r/

nikonland.it

13/02/2020

Nikon 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR: The ultimate absolute!

The Nikonland review characterizes the Nikon AF-S 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR as a "dream super-telephoto lens" and the absolute non plus ultra of Nikon’s optical lineup. Tested extensively across 20,000 shots using both a Nikon D500 DSLR and a mirrorless Nikon Z6 (via the FTZ adapter), the lens proved exceptional for long-range sports and coastal photography. Its high-end optical build includes an electromagnetic diaphragm, Nano Crystal coating, and two fluorite elements that significantly alleviate front-heavy glass weight while delivering outstanding contrast and three-dimensional image pop. Furthermore, the package includes a custom-matched TC 800-1.25x teleconverter, extending native reach to a 1000mm f/7.1 equivalent without any perceptible dip in optical rendering or autofocus tracking capabilities. Pros: Flawless Optical Quality: Extreme sharpness, incredible low-contrast subject separation, and zero apparent distortion or chromatic aberrations. Flawless Flare Resistance: Nano Crystal coating ensures completely ghost-free and flare-free performance, even when shooting directly into harsh coastal backlighting. Top-Tier Autofocus & Compatibility: The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) operates flawlessly and quietly, exhibiting no hesitation or performance drops when adapted to mirrorless Z-mount bodies. Cons: Prohibitive Cost: Carrying...

Third-party reviews

Reviews last updated: July 2026 · How we calculate this

What we like about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR

Unrivaled optical sharpness and detail, even at the maximum f/5.6 aperture
Includes a dedicated 1.25x teleconverter that extends reach to 1000mm while maintaining high image quality
Fast and reliable autofocus performance suitable for sports and wildlife photography
Excellent build quality designed for professional, long-term use in demanding conditions
Advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) providing approximately four stops of stabilization

What we don't like about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR

Extremely high price tag, often exceeding $11,000–$16,000, making it inaccessible for many
Substantial weight and mass necessitate the use of a heavy-duty tripod or monopod for stability
Optical performance can be negatively impacted by atmospheric haze due to the extreme focal length
Inadequate tripod foot design reported by some users, leading to image 'swim' during long exposures

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR Review | 54 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of camera lens Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR better than the average camera lens?

Why is Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR worse than the average camera lens?

Expert reviews

Third-party reviews

What we like about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR

What we don't like about Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm F 5 6E FL ED VR

Verdict

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