Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens Review: A Wildlife Shooter’s Dream

At GoToBirding, I am always on the lookout for gear that makes distant birds feel like they’re just a few feet away. When a premium lens like the Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S NIKKOR FL ED VR prime lens drops by $3,600, it’s worth more than just a passing mention. This is a big lens with a big price tag, yes—but it also delivers big results.

Let’s dive into the details and see who this lens is really for, where it shines, and where it might fall short.

First Things First: Who Should Consider This Lens?

This isn’t a lens you buy on a whim. It’s a serious investment meant for serious birders, wildlife photographers, or sports shooters. If you regularly photograph shy animals from a distance or need razor-sharp images in low light, this lens delivers.

On sale now for $8,696.95 (down from $12,296.95), it’s still a serious commitment. But if you’ve been waiting for the right time to upgrade to a flagship super-telephoto, this 29% discount makes it much more tempting.

The best part is that when you buy the Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S NIKKOR FL ED VR lens, you’re not just getting a world-class super-telephoto lens—you’re getting a complete package to support your photography right out of the box.

This Premium Bundle includes the essential Nikon 600mm f/4E len, a Nikon C-PL405 40.5mm slip-in circular polarizing filter for managing reflections and contrast, and a ProOptic lens pen for precise, on-the-go cleaning. You’ll also find a complete optics care and cleaning kit to keep your gear in top condition, plus the Corel Photo Video Art Suite Software Kit (PC license key) to help you edit and enhance your shots with ease. It’s a well-rounded package for serious photographers who want both optical power and practical tools in one purchase.

What Makes The Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Prime Wildlife Lens Special?

If you’re into birding, wildlife, or long-distance action photography, the Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S NIKKOR FL ED VR lens is a precision instrument designed to capture subjects that most lenses can’t even reach. Let’s break down why this lens stands out in the field.

1. Massive Reach – 600mm Focal Length
On a full-frame (FX) Nikon DSLR, this lens gives you serious reach—ideal for photographing birds perched high in treetops, animals at the edge of a forest clearing, or athletes across the field. If you’re using a DX-format body like the D500, you’ll get an effective 900mm focal length. That’s telescope-level territory, letting you fill the frame with distant subjects without disturbing the scene.

2. Fast f/4 Maximum Aperture
An f/4 aperture might not seem incredibly fast compared to primes like f/1.8, but for a 600mm super-telephoto, it’s very bright. This wide aperture allows plenty of light in—making it possible to shoot during the early morning or late evening, which is prime time for bird activity and golden hour glow. It also helps you isolate your subject with a creamy, blurred background (bokeh) that looks stunning in portraits of wildlife.

3. Exceptional Sharpness and Optical Design
Image quality is where this lens earns its stripes. Nikon uses two fluorite and four extra-low dispersion (ED) elements in the optical formula, and the result is stunning. Expect crisp details, strong contrast, and virtually no chromatic aberration—even when shooting wide open. Whether you’re zoomed in on an eagle’s eye or capturing a fox in mid-leap, this lens delivers clarity that’s hard to beat.

4. Advanced Lens Coatings
Flare and ghosting are the enemies of good wildlife photography—especially when you’re shooting near water or into the sun. Thankfully, Nikon applies both Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating (SIC) to this lens. These coatings work together to control internal reflections and preserve color accuracy and contrast, even in tricky lighting situations.

5. Vibration Reduction (VR) You Can Count On
Nikon’s Vibration Reduction system offers up to 4 stops of image stabilization, which is a real benefit at this focal length. While you won’t want to handhold this 8.3 lb. lens for long, VR can help in moments when you’re shooting off a monopod or trying to pan with a bird in flight. It even has specialized modes for sport and tripod use, so you can fine-tune stabilization to fit your setup.

6. Rugged Build for Real Outdoor Use
Bird and wildlife photography often means bad weather, rough terrain, and unpredictable conditions. That’s where the weather-sealed magnesium-alloy barrel shines. The lens feels solid in hand, and it’s designed to resist dust, moisture, and light rain. I’ve used older Nikon super-telephotos in snow and sea spray—this one is built to be even tougher.

7. Fast, Quiet Autofocus with SWM Technology
The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) gives this lens incredibly fast and nearly silent autofocus. That matters when you’re photographing sensitive wildlife—no mechanical whir to spook your subject. And if you want to fine-tune manually, the focus ring is large, smooth, and responsive, offering excellent control.

8. Electromagnetic Aperture for Reliable Burst Shooting
One of the more technical but important features is the electromagnetic aperture mechanism. It ensures consistent, accurate exposure during fast burst sequences. If you’re shooting action—like birds taking off or a lion mid-pounce—you don’t want your exposure jumping between frames. This feature keeps your images consistent, frame after frame.

Real Talk: The Pros of the Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Prime Wildlife Lens

1. Stunning Image Quality
Photos from this lens are truly next-level. Sharpness from edge to edge is excellent, even wide open at f/4. You’ll notice the difference compared to budget lenses or slower zooms.

2. Beautiful Bokeh
The 9-blade diaphragm produces soft, rounded background blur. Birds pop out of the frame—especially when you’re close to your subject.

3. Balanced Build
Despite its size, the fluorite elements help reduce weight. At 8.3 lbs. (3.8 kg), it’s lighter than older versions of Nikon’s 600mm lenses. Long hikes? Maybe not. But you can carry it in the field if you plan accordingly.

4. Customizable Stabilization
With modes for sports and tripod use, the VR system adapts to how you shoot. On a monopod, it stabilizes effectively without making the frame feel floaty.

5. Compatible With Many Nikon Bodies
From full-frame workhorses like the D850 and D6, to crop-sensor models like the D500, this lens plays well with a huge range of Nikon DSLRs. You can even use it with Nikon 1 bodies via the FT-1 adapter.

Now for the Cons

Let’s be honest—this lens isn’t for everyone.

1. Pricey, Even on Sale
Even with $3,600 off, it’s still nearly $9,000. For that money, some may consider a mirrorless setup with teleconverters or smaller primes. This lens is a professional-grade tool, and the price reflects that.

2. Big and Bulky
This isn’t a “grab-and-go” lens. At nearly 17 inches long and over 8 pounds, it demands a solid tripod or monopod, and a strong back. I personally wouldn’t want to hike more than a mile or two with it.

3. DSLR-Centric
As Nikon moves more toward mirrorless Z-mount cameras, this F-mount lens feels a bit like the end of an era. You can use it with an FTZ adapter on a Z-series camera, but the experience won’t match native Z lenses.

4. No Built-In Teleconverter
Compared to some newer super-telephoto lenses (like Canon’s RF 600mm f/4L IS USM, which integrates a teleconverter), you’ll need to buy separate converters to extend your reach.

Legacy, Compatibility, and a Look at Its Mirrorless Successor

The Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S NIKKOR FL ED VR lens has some serious lineage behind it. Its predecessor, the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR, was a workhorse for professional wildlife and sports photographers. That older model was heavier, relied on older VR and coating tech, and had a more front-heavy balance. The switch to fluorite elements in the 4E version not only dropped the weight but noticeably improved handling and clarity—especially at wide apertures. It was Nikon’s answer to a growing demand for lighter super-telephoto glass without sacrificing optical performance.

Today, though, we’re firmly in the mirrorless era, and Nikon has pushed things further with the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S. This Z-mount lens was built specifically for Nikon’s mirrorless Z cameras and introduces some serious upgrades—starting with the built-in 1.4x teleconverter. That’s a game-changer. With a flick of a switch, you can go from 600mm to 840mm, instantly. No need to fiddle with external TCs in the field.

In terms of image quality, the Z 600mm f/4 is nothing short of elite. It features Nikon’s new SR (Short-wavelength Refractive) elements, Meso Amorphous Coating, and enhanced vibration reduction that detects panning and tripod usage more intelligently than older F-mount lenses. It’s sharper, faster, and quieter, especially when paired with cameras like the Nikon Z9.

But it comes at a cost—literally. The Z 600mm f/4 is a whopping $13,996.95 (only 10% off at the time of writing), which is a full $5,300 more than the current discounted price of the F-mount 600mm f/4E.

Camera Compatibility

One big advantage of the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E is how widely compatible it is. You don’t need a cutting-edge Z camera to use it. It’s a native fit for all FX-format Nikon DSLRs, and works beautifully with:

• Flagship models like the Nikon D5, D6, D850, D500
• Mid-range DSLRs like the D750, D610, D7500
• Even entry-level models like the D3500, D5600, and D5300

If you’re using a DX-format camera, the crop factor turns this into a beastly 900mm equivalent focal length, giving you even more reach—ideal for distant birds or elusive wildlife.

And while this is an F-mount lens, it can still work on mirrorless Z-series cameras like the Z9, Z8, Z7 II, Z6 II, and others when paired with the FTZ or FTZ II adapter. Sure, it’s not as seamless as using a native Z lens, but autofocus performance remains solid, especially on the high-end Z bodies.

So, if you’re a DSLR shooter or transitioning slowly into mirrorless, the F-mount 600mm f/4E gives you flexibility. If you’re fully committed to the Z system and have the budget to match, the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S might be the ultimate long lens.

Comparison Table: Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR vs Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S

Pros & Cons Summary of the Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Prime Wildlife Lens

Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR

Pros:

• Huge 29% discount—great value for a pro-level lens
• Superb image quality and contrast
• Compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras
• Works well on Z cameras with adapter
• Durable, weather-sealed build

Cons:

• Heavier than Z version
• No built-in teleconverter
• Slightly slower AF on mirrorless bodies via adapter
• DSLR-focused design is aging

Nikon Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S

Pros:

• Built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends reach instantly
• Cutting-edge coatings and optics
• Superior VR and autofocus performance on Z bodies
• Lighter, better balanced
• Built for the future of Nikon mirrorless

Cons:

• Very expensive, even with discount
• Only works with Nikon Z cameras
• May be overkill for casual or part-time wildlife shooters

A Personal Note: Is It Worth It?

I haven’t owned this lens personally, but I’ve tested an older 600mm NIKKOR during peak migration at a local bird sanctuary. The ability to isolate a shorebird 100 yards away and still capture feather detail was remarkable. If this updated model improves on that—and by most reports, it does—it’s a bird photographer’s dream.

Would I buy it? If I shot professionally or sold large prints, absolutely. But for hobbyist birders who want lighter gear, a Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF or even a Z-mount 400mm with a 1.4x converter might be more practical.

Final Thoughts: DSLR Veteran vs Mirrorless Marvel

The Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S FL ED VR is a trusted tool in the hands of many wildlife photographers. It represents the peak of Nikon’s DSLR-era super-telephoto engineering: rugged, sharp, and professional. At 29% off, it’s now more affordable than ever—making it a very appealing choice for shooters who already own high-end Nikon DSLRs or want to adapt it to their Z-series bodies without diving deep into the mirrorless price tier.

But if you’re looking for the most advanced, native experience on a Nikon mirrorless body—and can justify the higher price—the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S is the future. Lighter handling, smarter VR, a built-in teleconverter, and edge-to-edge sharpness make it an absolute powerhouse, especially when paired with Nikon’s Z9 or Z8.

For those still committed to their D850, D500, or D6, the F-mount 600mm f/4E remains a smart, budget-friendlier choice with zero compromise on image quality. But if you’re starting fresh with mirrorless or ready to future-proof your kit, the Z 600mm is hard to beat.

Should You Jump In With the Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR Prime Wildlife Lens?

If you’re a dedicated Nikon DSLR user with a passion for wildlife or birds, and you’ve been saving up for a pro-grade lens—yes, this is a golden opportunity. If you’re more of a casual birder or someone thinking of moving to mirrorless soon, you might want to pause and compare your options.

But one thing’s for sure: the image quality and reach this lens provides is breathtaking.

Want to explore more lens reviews, tips for birding photography, or gear comparisons? Browse the latest on gotobirding.com and find the right tools for your next outdoor adventure.