The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is a high-performance S-lens for Nikon micro-cameras with an ultra-long focal length of 800mm. Thanks to the use of PF (Fresnel Phase) lenses, it is possible to achieve a lightweight lens with a high degree of maneuverability. It is a weapon in aerial photography and bird photography, and today we will take you to a closer look at this Nikon 800mm telephoto cannon.
Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S specific parameters
Type: Nikon Z mount (full frame)
Focal length: 800mm
Aperture range: f/6.3-f/32
Lens construction: 22 elements in 14 groups (including 3 low dispersion ED lenses, 1 blue light high refractive SR lens, 1 Fresnel phase PF lens)
Aperture blades: 9 blades (circular aperture hole)
Viewing angle: Full frame format 3°10'
Focus system: Internal focus
Nearest focusing distance: approx. 5m
Maximum magnification: 0.16x
Image Stabilization: VR optical image stabilization
Coating: nano crystalline coating, fluorine coating
Size: Approximately 140mm×385mm
Weight: Approximately 2,385 g
Introduction to the appearance and functionality of the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens
The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens achieves a double reduction in size and weight by using Fresnel phase (PF) lenses and reducing the number of lens elements. PF lenses take advantage of the diffraction phenomenon of light to provide high chromatic aberration compensation. With a length of about 385mm and a weight of about 2,385g, this lens has better maneuverability in the field of ultra-telephoto lenses, and can achieve stable shooting status without tripods when shooting ecological subject photos outdoors.
Such ultra-telephoto lenses keep the center relatively balanced is essential for smooth shooting. The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens improves the rotational inertia weight by bringing the lens weight closer to the side of the lens body, and with a weight of 2,385g, it can also be easily stopped in the position you need when the lens swings left and right during panning, for more stable and smooth shooting.
The logo metal nameplate on the lens is a perceptive foot, and the yellow words of the Phase Fresnel Lens (Fresnel Phase Lens) under the 800/6.3 S on the back indicate the main characteristics of this lens. The gold ring near the front mirror group is also Nikon's consistent design language, which also highlights the professional positioning of this lens.
The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S barrel is covered with a wide range of non-slip rubber layers at the front for a more stable and comfortable grip. At the same time, each control area provides different designs and patterns, bringing a different touch and facilitating the user's blind operation.
Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens with internal focus design, NIKKOR S logo in front of the L-Fn2 function button, this lens is equipped with a total of 4 L-Fn2 function buttons and 1 L-Fn function button, users can assign shooting functions according to personal preference. Behind the NIKKOR S logo is a multi-functional control ring using the metal knurled process, and users can assign different functions according to their shooting habits to achieve faster and more convenient operation during shooting. After the multi-function control ring is the focus ring, the black rubber material ensures good anti-slip and handling, and the focusing process is moderately damped and smooth and delicate.
This lens features VR optical image stabilization and provides about 5 stops of shake compensation. In addition, when used in conjunction with the Nikon Z 9 camera, the simultaneous VR shock absorption function can achieve a shake compensation effect of about 5.5 steps, which further improves the shooting success rate.
The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens is equipped with the essential strap loop and stand for ultra-telephoto lenses, and the accessory also comes with a lens strap to facilitate the user's carrying when shooting outside.
Behind the lens bracket ring is the L-Fn2 multifunction button and the auto/manual focus switching lever and focus limit lever, which are divided into two gears, full (∞ - 5m) and ∞ - 10m.
Rear filter unit
Like most large-aperture lenses, the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S features a rear-mounted filter design with a filter size of 46mm. The release/fix button on the filter unit can be easily manipulated with one hand.
The nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens has a fluorine coating in the front mirror group, which can effectively reduce the adhesion of dust and dirt, and it is easier to wipe. The lens is designed with dustproof and waterproof drops, providing reliable protection for outdoor shooting.
The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is also equipped with an HB-104 lens hood with a more convenient locking mechanism that can be installed and removed with one hand. The LC-K106 model's soft lens cap effectively protects the front lens group.
For user portability, the NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is also equipped with a dedicated lens pack that is well protected and has a sponge pad inside to secure the lens.
Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens resolution test
As one of the S-lenses, the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S has excellent optical quality. In addition to miniaturization and weight reduction with Fresnel phase (PF) lenses, this lens also uses three low dispersion (ED) lenses and one blue light high refractive index (SR) lens, effectively reducing axial chromatic aberration. As a result, excellent high-resolution performance can be achieved. Let's take a look at how the resolution of this lens performs at different apertures.
The fuselage uses the Nikon Z9, a 45-megapixel full-frame micro single camera. During the test, the body stabilization function is turned off, the aperture priority mode is used, the sensitivity is set to ISO 100, the record is recorded in RAW+JPEG format, the aperture changes step by step, and finally 100% magnified and the picture at the center and edge of the picture is taken for comparison.
100% enlarge the red-boxed area in the photo
From the comparison chart above, we can see that the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens has the best resolution performance with the aperture wide open. At the F8-F16 aperture, the resolution performance is also very good and there are not too many fluctuations. Resolution at F22 aperture begins to drop, but even at F32's minimum aperture, the lens has very good center and edge detail, with high availability.
Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens dispersion suppression test
In the face of high-contrast objects, especially when shooting with a large aperture, the edges of the highlighted part are prone to green or purple outlines, and if the dispersion is serious, it will cause color distortion, thus affecting the overall picture quality. Let's take a look at how well the 800mm cannon performs in terms of dispersion suppression.
As we said earlier, this lens uses 3 low dispersion lenses and 1 blue light high refractive lens, so it can reduce axial chromatic aberration. Judging from the actual photos taken, there is almost no purple edge under the maximum aperture of F6.3, and when the aperture is reduced to F16, a good-looking and regular astral effect appears.
Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens anti-flare test
As an eco-friendly, aerial photography specialization lens with an ultra-long focal length, backlit shooting is an unavoidable situation. The lens uses a nanocrystal coating that has been recognized by the market, and the shape and position of the PF lens are optimized to significantly reduce the occurrence of flare conditions. This lens has no obvious glare situation when the aperture is fully open, and the anti-glare ability is very good.
Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens background bokeh effect
Although the maximum aperture is only F6.3, because of the ultra-long focal length of 800mm, the bokeh effect of this lens is still good. The spot in the center of the picture is more rounded and regular, but the edge aperture erosion phenomenon is still more obvious, and there is also a certain bilinear situation.
Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens vignetting case
Vignetting at f/6.3 aperture
As a lens with an ultra-long focal length and a small aperture, vignetting is essentially negligible. Judging from the actual evaluation, this is also true, and there is almost no vignetting phenomenon at full f/6.3 aperture.
Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens sample
We mentioned earlier that the lightweight design of this lens does not have any problems with handheld shooting in actual use, and the hover during panning is also very stable. Although the maximum aperture is only F6.3, it can bring a clear and bright picture in the daytime outdoor light conditions. When shooting birds in high-speed flight, the appropriate increase in sensitivity can obtain higher shutter speed, and with the high-speed continuous shooting performance of the Nikon Z9, you can freeze wonderful moments.
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/500 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
The Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens has excellent focus performance, and with the high-speed continuous shooting of the Nikon Z9, it can easily lock on to birds flying at high speed. In addition, the stepper motor is equipped to achieve silent shooting, focus and video recording to reduce the sound of operation. This feature is ideal for occasions where quiet is required, such as when photographing wild birds and other wildlife.
High-speed focus schematic (GIF format ANIMATED)
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/640 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/640 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/160 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/1600 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/1000 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/500 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/640 sec
Focal length: 800mm, aperture: f/6.3, shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
summary
The NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens is a lens positioned in the field of ecological, aerial photography, and is currently the longest focal length of Nikon Z-mount lenses. While having excellent optical performance, thanks to the use of Fresnel phase (PF) lenses and the reduction of the number of lens elements, the size and weight of the lens are effectively controlled, with high maneuverability, allowing users to get rid of the shackles of the tripod and bring a more free handheld shooting experience.
As a NIKKOR S-class product, nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens has no doubt in terms of workmanship and handling, the lens is exquisitely crafted and feels excellent, and various shortcut buttons and multi-functional control rings can help users shoot quickly and conveniently. At present, the listing price of this lens is 44499 yuan, which is not high in the field of super telephoto lenses. For eco- and aeronautical photographers, or enthusiasts who like this type of subject, this is a must-see lens.
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