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Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S Review | 54 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£5,320
Avg. price in US: ~$6,000
Lens mount: Nikon Z
Maximum focal length: 800 mm
Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 6.3
Optical image stabilization: yes
Maximum angle of view: 3.2 °

Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

7.6

Very good

7.7

Very good

7.5

Very good

9.6
Low-light photography
Score components:
70.0%
9.4
Maximum aperture (telephoto end)
30.0%
10
Optical image stabilization
6.3
Travel
Score components:
30.0%
3.6
Lens length
25.0%
3.1
Lens diameter
25.0%
10
Weather sealing (splashproof)
20.0%
10
Optical image stabilization

Best prices in UK

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Verdict

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is a high-performance super-telephoto prime lens designed for the Z-mount system, featuring a Phase Fresnel (PF) element that allows it to be remarkably lightweight at approximately 2,385g and 16% shorter than its predecessor. Key specifications include a specialized 5.0-stop Vibration Reduction (VR) system (up to 5.5-stops with Synchro VR), a fast Stepping Motor (STM) for quiet autofocus, and a professional build with weather sealing and a fluorine coating. Its primary pros are its incredible portability for handheld wildlife and sports photography, exceptional S-line optical sharpness, and a competitive price point compared to traditional f/5.6 exotic primes. However, notable cons include a relatively narrow f/6.3 maximum aperture that may require higher ISOs in low light, a long minimum focusing distance of 5 metres, and potential for busy background bokeh or ring flare in specific backlighting situations.

Technical Specifications of Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S

Overall score

7.6

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Mount & Format

10

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Lens type

What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.

When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

telephoto prime

Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.

When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Nikon Z

Sensor format coverage

What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.

When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

Full-frame

Filter thread size

What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.

When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Teleconverter compatibility

What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.

When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

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Optics & Aperture

7.9

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Minimum focal length

What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.

When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

800 mm

Maximum focal length

What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.

When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

800 mm

Optical zoom

What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.

When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

?

Maximum angle of view

What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.

When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

3.2 °

Minimum angle of view

What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.

When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

3.2 °

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Focus & Controls

5.5

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Focus motor

What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.

When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

STM

Minimum focus distance

What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.

When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

Maximum reproduction ratio

What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.

When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

Full-time manual focus

What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.

When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

Internal focusing

What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.

When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

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Stabilization

8.5

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Optical image stabilization

What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.

When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)

What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.

When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

Build & Handling

8.1

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Weight

What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.

When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

Lens length

What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.

When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

Lens diameter

What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.

When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Weather sealing (splashproof)

What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.

When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

Metal mount

What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.

When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

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Lab Scores

9.0

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DxOMark overall score

What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.

When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark sharpness score

What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.

When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?

DxOMark transmission

What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.

When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark distortion

What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.

When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

DxOMark vignetting

What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.

When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Teleconverter compatible
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has fluorine coating
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
What it is: A protective coating on exposed elements that repels water, oil, and dirt for easier cleaning.
When it matters: When you shoot in rain, sea spray, or dusty places and want easier front-element cleaning.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
Has drop-in filter support
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
What it is: Support for filters placed behind the rear element instead of on the front thread.
When it matters: When you use large super-telephoto lenses where front filters would be expensive or impractical.
Importance: LOW
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
1 stops stronger stabilization
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.5 stops vs 4 stops
Has focus limiter switch
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
What it is: A control that restricts the focus range to improve autofocus speed and reduce hunting.
When it matters: When autofocus speed matters and you want to stop the lens from hunting through its full focus range.
Importance: LOW
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a focus limiter switch, the average camera lens does not. 16.4% of camera lenses include a focus limiter switch.
Newer release date
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S was released more recently than the average camera lens.
What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.
Importance: LOW
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S was released more recently than the average camera lens.2022 vs 2016
1 more low-dispersion elements
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.3 vs 2
Teleconverter compatible
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S supports teleconverters, while the average camera lens does not.
Has drop-in filter support
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S supports drop-in or rear filters, while the average camera lens does not.
1 more low-dispersion elements
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has more low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (3 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
Has focus limiter switch
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S 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
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
1 stops stronger stabilization
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a higher stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (5 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
Has fluorine coating
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a fluorine coating, the average camera lens does not. 25.5% of camera lenses use a fluorine coating.
Newer release date
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S was released more recently than the average camera lens.

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Why is Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S worse than the average camera lens?

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3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
4.7 m longer minimum focus distance
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
0.03 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.2x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
1,859.6 g heavier
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is heavier than the average camera lens (2,385 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
293 mm longer lens
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is longer than the average camera lens (385 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
63 mm wider lens barrel
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is wider than the average camera lens (140 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
3.5 higher f-number at telephoto end
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/6.3 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.6.3 vs 2.8
1,859.6 g heavier
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is heavier than the average camera lens (2,385 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is heavier than the average camera lens (2,385 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.2385 g vs 525.4 g
293 mm longer lens
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is longer than the average camera lens (385 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.
Importance: HIGH
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is longer than the average camera lens (385 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.385 mm vs 92 mm
63 mm wider lens barrel
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is wider than the average camera lens (140 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is wider than the average camera lens (140 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.140 mm vs 77 mm
4.7 m longer minimum focus distance
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (5 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.5 m vs 0.3 m
2 fewer aspherical elements
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
10.04x more expensive
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is more expensive than the average camera lens (£5,320 vs £530).
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S is more expensive than the average camera lens (£5,320 vs £530).£5,320 vs £530
30% worse value for money
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.65 vs 7.346).
What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera lens (5.65 vs 7.346).5.65 vs 7.35

Optics & Aperture

Focus & Controls

Build & Handling

Graphic comparison of Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S and

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

United States

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S?

Remarkably lightweight and compact for an 800mm lens due to Phase Fresnel (PF) technology
Significantly more affordable than previous F-mount 800mm f/5.6 versions
Excellent image sharpness and optical performance even when used wide open
Fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus performance suitable for wildlife and sports
Highly effective 5-stop Vibration Reduction (VR) that enables handheld shooting
Advanced build quality with robust weather sealing and fluorine coating

What customers dislike about Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm F 6 3 VR S?

Maximum aperture of f/6.3 is slower than elite primes, potentially requiring higher ISO in low light
Phase Fresnel (PF) element can produce distracting ring flare or reduced contrast in strong backlight
Long minimum focusing distance (approx. 5m/16ft) can be restrictive for close subjects
Bokeh can appear 'busy' or nervous, especially with complex backgrounds like grass
The included lens hood is exceptionally large and can make the setup cumbersome to store
Tripod foot is not Arca-Swiss compatible, often requiring a replacement plate
Noticeable focus breathing may be an issue for serious video work

Expert reviews

photographylife.com

26/01/2024

Summary of the review

Photography Life - Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 PF VR S Review

The Photography Life review highlights the Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S as a highly portable and affordable Phase Fresnel (PF) super-telephoto lens that offers excellent balance and handling for wildlife photography. Its primary strengths include a lightweight 5.28 lb design, effective vibration reduction, and high-performance autofocus, making it a bargain compared to traditional, more expensive exotic primes. However, the lens has limitations, including slightly lower peak sharpness compared to the more expensive F-mount 800mm f/5.6 FL, a relatively slow f/6.3 maximum aperture, and a restrictive 16.4-foot minimum focusing distance. It also requires an aftermarket tripod foot for Arca-Swiss compatibility, and its performance declines significantly when paired with a 2.0x teleconverter.

nikonrumors.com

10/08/2025

Summary of the review

Nikon Rumors - Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens review

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens delivers exceptional handheld performance, particularly due to its class-leading vibration reduction system. Reviewer Sravan Kumar highlighted that he captured sharp images at shutter speeds as slow as 1/13 of a second on a Nikon Z9. The lens features a lightweight, balanced design that allows for hours of field use without causing fatigue. Optically, the lens produces very sharp images between f/7.1 and f/9. Maximum sharpness and acuity are achieved when VR is turned off while using a tripod. Furthermore, autofocus is fast, accurate, and reliable for birding and wildlife photography. This remains true even in low-light environments. Pairing the lens with a 1.4x teleconverter extends the focal length to 1120mm while magically enhancing the background bokeh. Despite these strengths, the review notes several practical disadvantages. The lens exhibits noticeable vignetting when shot wide open at f/6.3. Chromatic aberration also becomes more pronounced when utilizing the 1.4x teleconverter. Additionally, the front element easily attracts dust and requires frequent cleaning. When using "VR Normal" mode during handheld shooting, the image jumps significantly in...

jeffontheroad.com

29/05/2024

Summary of the review

Jeff on the Road - Nikon Z 800mm Lens Review: A Pro Photographer's Insight

The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is an impressively lightweight, super-telephoto mirrorless lens that offers strong real-world performance for specific photography niches, costing around $6,000. Reviewer Jeff Frenette notes that its standout pros include its weight of 2385g, making it significantly lighter and much less expensive than its 4590g DSLR predecessor. Combined with a Nikon Z8 body, the lens delivers a powerful 6.0 stops of stabilization, allowing for sharp handheld shooting down to 1/250th of a second. It features a more affordable 46mm drop-in filter size, produces soft, smooth bokeh at its maximum f/6.3 aperture, and yielded a 90% autofocus success rate when tracking fast-moving birds and wildlife in standard conditions. However, the lens comes with several notable cons regarding its size and performance in specific environments. Its massive physical profile means it will not fit into standard photo backpacks and requires a specialized padded carrying case. In terms of performance, the autofocus system struggled heavily to detect subjects during snowy conditions in Montreal. Additionally, pairing the lens with a Nikon Z 2.0x teleconverter resulted in a much slower,...

zsystemuser.com

24/12/2025

Summary of the review

Z System User - Nikon 800mm f/6.3 PF VR S Lens Review

The Nikon 800mm f/6.3 PF VR S is a highly capable Phase Fresnel (PF) telephoto lens for the Z-mount system that delivers near-perfect optical performance. It is exceptionally sharp in the center and retains strong acuity out to the edges, improving even further at f/8. Thanks to its PF technology, the lens is incredibly compact at 15.2 inches and weighs a manageable 5.3 pounds, making it far more travel-friendly and hand-holdable than its massive F-mount predecessor. Additionally, it features excellent S-line weather sealing, surprisingly nimble autofocus, low vignetting, well-controlled chromatic aberration, and a powerful vibration reduction (VR) system that reaches up to 5.5 stops of stabilization with a Z9 body. Despite its stellar performance, the lens has several notable usability and physical drawbacks. The overall ergonomics are hindered by an unfriendly control layout that forces awkward hand placement, and a tripod foot that requires an Allen wrench to remove and lacks integrated Arca-Swiss compatibility. The massive 140mm front diameter necessitates a bulky carbon-fiber lens hood and "sock" cap combination that consumes massive amounts of camera bag space. Optically, users must...

photographylife.com

06/11/2025

Summary of the review

Photography Life - Long-Term Experience with the Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 S

The Photography Life long-term review identifies the Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S as a highly portable, lightweight super-telephoto lens delivering exceptional sharpness, effective VR, and rapid autofocus. Costing $6,500, it offers high value, though the Phase Fresnel (PF) element can produce distracting bokeh in harsh lighting, and the 5-meter minimum focus distance limits close-up shots.

photographie.de

27/07/2022

Summary of the review

Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S – PHOTOGRAPHY

The PHOTOGRAPHIE review highlights the Nikkor Z 6.3/800 mm VR S as a highly mobile super-telephoto lens designed primarily for wildlife and bird photographers. Priced at approximately 7,300 Euros, it is significantly more affordable than traditional professional super-telephotos, making it a viable option for enthusiastic amateurs. Its standout features include an exceptionally lightweight build of 2,350 grams and a compact length of 38.5 cm, allowing for easy handheld shooting. Furthermore, the lens features a highly effective image stabilizer and uses Phase Fresnel (diffractive) optics to achieve razor-sharp image quality across the entire frame, even when paired with a 1.4x teleconverter. Despite its stellar performance, the review notes a few compromises. To reduce weight and cost, Nikon equipped the lens with a single stepping motor (AF drive) instead of the ultra-fast Silky Swift VCM motor found in higher-end models like the 400mm f/2.8. While the autofocus still managed to track birds in flight successfully during testing, it is technically slower to accelerate than VCM alternatives. Additionally, the lens exhibits a noticeable reduction in focal length (focus breathing) when shifting focus from...

naturfotografie-digital.de

23/05/2022

Summary of the review

Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S – Review

High-Performance Optics and Handling The Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f6.3 VR S is an outstanding super-telephoto lens designed for wildlife and bird photography that delivers breathtaking, high-contrast image quality. A standout feature is its remarkably low weight of only 2,385 grams and a center of gravity positioned close to the camera body. This thoughtful physical design enables photographers to effortlessly shoot handheld for extended periods without experiencing quick fatigue. When paired with a camera body like the Nikon Z9, the autofocus proves to be exceptionally fast, highly accurate, and reliable. Furthermore, its optics seamlessly maintain excellent resolution and contrast even when paired with a Nikon 1.4x teleconverter, while its 5-meter minimum focusing distance allows for frame-filling portraits of small birds. At a retail price of €7,299, the reviewer highlights that it offers a relatively affordable entry point compared to similar specialized glass on the market. Inherent Limitations and Trade-offs Despite its stellar performance, the lens does have a few minor drawbacks and environmental limitations. Mechanically, it is 1/3 of an f-stop slower than its direct competitor, the Canon RF 800mm...

posenature.fr

26/10/2022

Summary of the review

Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Review: A Beast!

The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is a high-end, premium super-telephoto lens designed for wildlife and bird photographers, praised for offering professional-grade performance at a fraction of the cost and weight of traditional 600mm or 800mm lenses. Weighing only 2.3 kg and measuring 38.7 cm, its physical design is remarkably lightweight and compact, making extended handheld shooting and hiking in the mountains entirely feasible. The reviewer highlighted its excellent optical sharpness from maximum aperture, a highly reactive and silent autofocus system that can easily track birds in flight, and an incredibly effective optical stabilization system that allows for sharp handheld shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/200s. Additionally, despite the f/6.3 aperture, the 800mm focal length effectively compresses perspective and creates a very narrow depth of field, resulting in smooth, beautifully isolated background bokeh. However, the lens is highly demanding and comes with notable drawbacks. The narrow 6-degree field of view makes framing and tracking subjects difficult for inexperienced users. Its biggest limitation occurs in bright sunlight; because of the distance to the subject, the thick layer of...

nikonistas.com

21/06/2022

Summary of the review

Testing the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S on Nikonistas

NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is a game-changing super-telephoto lens designed specifically for nature and wildlife photography. Built with a Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element, this model drastically reduces physical bulk, weighing only 2.4 kg and measuring 385 mm in length—nearly half the weight of its F-mount predecessor. The lens offers phenomenal value and exceptional sharpness from center to edge, utilizing Nano Crystal and specialized coatings to eradicate ghosting and chromatic aberration. It is exceptionally well-balanced with a center of gravity closer to the camera body, enabling smooth handheld shooting or seamless panning on a tripod. Additionally, the optical vibration reduction (VR) delivers up to 5.5 stops of stabilization, while video creators benefit from the complete elimination of focus breathing. The lens remains highly versatile, preserving fast eye-tracking autofocus even when combined with 1.4x or 2x teleconverters to reach up to 1,600mm. Despite its stellar performance, the reviewer highlights a few notable drawbacks. The 5-metre minimum focusing distance is a primary constraint; when shooting small wildlife from a blind, subjects can easily...

nikonland.it

10/12/2023

Summary of the review

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY - Nikkor Z: Nikon Lens Tests

The Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is an epic wildlife lens that shatters the weight and size barriers of traditional super-telephoto glass. Weighing just 2.2kg and matching the physical dimensions of an old 500mm f/4 AIS lens, its phase-fresnel (PF) design makes hand-held shooting entirely practical—even allowing a shooter to quickly swing it off a tripod to catch a passing bird of prey. When paired with the Nikon Z9, the setup delivers razor-sharp default rendering, blistering autofocus, and a dual-stabilisation system that easily overcomes the typical camera shake associated with an 800mm framing footprint. Its incredible compactness enables effortless transport in a lightweight 45-litre hiking backpack alongside multiple other bodies and lenses. However, this structural miracle demands a few performance compromises, most notably its modest f/6.3 maximum aperture. This slower speed forces a quick retreat indoors or a spike in ISO settings once dusk sets in, limiting its performance during low-light twilight hours. The specialised diffraction lens elements can also introduce unique visual quirks, such as heat-mirage-like waviness in out-of-focus background lines and strange, chromatic-like fringing in heavy backlighting....

nikonland.it

01/12/2022

Summary of the review

Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3S: When the going gets tough...

The Nikonland review highly praises the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S as a revolutionary, professional-grade super-telephoto lens that excels when paired with the Nikon Z9 camera. Tested during the Windsurfer World Championships in Mondello under conditions ranging from bright sunshine to gray, stormy skies, the reviewer highlights that this lens truly "starts playing when the going gets tough". Its 22-element optical formula features advanced Arneo and Nano Crystal anti-reflective coatings, delivering an exceptionally sharp, high-contrast focal plane with beautifully smooth mid-tones and excellent background isolation. Autofocus tracking is lightning-fast with zero hunting, even when handling erratic sports action or shooting through heavy sea spray and dark, rainy weather. Furthermore, it performs remarkably well when paired with the Z TC-1.4x teleconverter or when switched into DX crop mode to achieve an immersive 1200mm-equivalent reach. The core appeal of this lens lies in its highly disruptive design choices regarding weight, size, and cost. Pros: Weighing 2,385 grams and measuring 38.5 cm in length, it is roughly half the weight and significantly shorter than its F-mount predecessor, the 800mm f/5.6. This immense...

fotocult.it

01/06/2022

Summary of the review

Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 PF VR S - FOTO Cult

The Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 PF VR S is a highly compact, lightweight, and professional-grade super-telephoto lens designed for Nikon’s mirrorless Z-system, particularly pairing well with high-performance bodies like the Z9. Priced at €7,490, it is considered relatively economical compared to its reflex-mount predecessor, which cost nearly twice as much. The lens utilizes a Phase Fresnel (PF) diffractive optical element, a technology that fractions a spherical lens into concentric rings to maintain high optical power while significantly reducing physical size and weight. As a result, the lens measures just 385mm in length and weighs 2,385 grams, making it exceptionally portable for an 800mm focal length, which offers a narrow 3° diagonal angle of view ideal for wildlife and long-distance sports photography. The review highlights several prominent advantages, including its robust professional construction, weather resistance, great ergonomics, and fast, finely manageable autofocus system. Optically, the lens delivers impressive image quality even when shooting wide open at f/6.3, and it keeps optical aberrations under control. However, the review also notes a few drawbacks, specifically a slightly "scratched" or less smooth bokeh effect...

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