Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
Announced April 6, 2022
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is a lightweight, sharp, and competitively priced super-telephoto prime that makes distant wildlife and sports photography accessible to more users. While its extreme reach and effective stabilization are standout features, the lens requires careful handling due to its long minimum focus distance and narrow field of view.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design for an 800mm lens
- Excellent sharpness even when shooting wide open
- Highly effective vibration reduction for handheld shooting
- High value and competitive pricing
- Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus
Cons
- Long minimum focus distance limits close-range composition
- Lack of Arca-Swiss compatibility on the tripod foot
- Cumbersome lens hood design
- Modest f/6.3 aperture can be restrictive in low light
- Absence of dedicated physical switches for VR
- Launch price $6,499.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 800mm f/6.3
- Mount & coverage Nikon Z Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 5 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus 5 m (0.16x)
- Filter thread 46mm
- Autofocus motor STM
- Weight & size 2385g · 140 x 385 mm (5.51 x 15.16 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 10/10
The Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S is the new gold standard of super-telephoto prime lenses when factoring in reach, weight, build quality, image quality, and price.
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Nikon's Z 800mm f6.3 VR S is a very good super-telephoto which is smaller and much lighter and more affordable than rival lenses for sports and wild-life photography.
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[I]t's a brilliant, enjoyable lens for wildlife photography at an incredibly competitive price, which means it has to come highly recommended.
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Thus, my final recommendation should be obvious: I can wholeheartedly recommend the lens, if it's really the lens you need, a lens you will use regularly, and you can deal with the longer subject distances you're likely going to be using.
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Whether shooting long-range sports, birds or animals then the extra reach of an 800mm lens can make all the difference.
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When you need to nail the definitive moment in action, sports and wildlife photography, this is a lens you can count on, and for less than half the price of the Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S.
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The Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S is a worthwhile choice for frame-filling photos of far-off subjects, including everything from on-field athletes to distant wildlife.
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[...] I think this is one of the best and most attractive lenses for many wildlife shooters on the market. It delivers us fantastic overall performance at a price point that is very hard to beat.
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So right there, it's a really well-designed, well-thought-out lens, and it's clearly them stepping up and Filling the rest of the Z mount lineup, one of the things I found actually surprised about this was the close focus.
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[I]f you want a prime lens that is sharp, that is wellb built, that doesn't weigh a ton, and it doesn't cost you the cost of a new car, then this is definitely a viable option.
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[P]retty nice lens, I can tell you that much.
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If you can, if you've got it in your budget and you love to photograph wildlife or just some sports, this Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens is going to put a ginormous, ginormous smile on your face.
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In the case of the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens, the end result is incredibly competent performance when acquiring and tracking distant subjects, no matter how fast or erratic they may be.
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I think it's an amazing lens if I just want to walk around, not shooting in a city park, not shooting from a hide, not shooting at a feeder or something, but just here in this open area or a bit of foresty area, agricultural area.
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So this is a fantastic lens and I was really happy and thank you Bill so much for letting me borrow this lens.
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I really have, and I think for the size, the price, it's a very attractive buy for a lot of Nikon users out there.
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If you want a long lens purely for bird photography, factoring in price, reach, image quality and weight, then it's fair to say that this model is in a league of its own.
