The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II is a professional-grade super-telephoto lens designed for wildlife, sports, and action photography. Released in 2001, it was praised for its excellent optical quality and build. Here are its key specifications and features:
Key Specifications:
- Focal Length: 600mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Minimum Aperture: f/22
- Lens Construction: 10 elements in 7 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration
- Diaphragm Blades: 9, rounded for smoother bokeh
- Minimum Focus Distance: 5.6 meters (18.4 feet)
- Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1:8.6
- Filter Size: 52mm slip-in
- Dimensions: 166mm in diameter and 430.5mm in length
- Weight: 4750 grams (10.46 pounds)
- Mount: Nikon F-mount
- Image Stabilization: No
- Autofocus: Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet AF, with M/A mode for quick manual override
- Weather Sealing: Yes, for protection against dust and moisture
- Other Features: Internal focusing to maintain lens length during focusing, and a sturdy tripod collar for better balance on tripods.
Performance and Handling:
The lens is built with a magnesium die-cast body, making it robust yet relatively lightweight for its class. It offers exceptional sharpness and high contrast across the frame, even at its maximum aperture. The autofocus system is fast and accurate, essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. However, the lens lacks image stabilization, which is a common feature in more recent models.
Despite being discontinued, the AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II remains a highly regarded lens among professionals, known for its outstanding optical performance and durability.
