600 TC and 600 PF - which or both, why?

[Ado Wolf]

I am happy with my 500 PF.. and see no need to update to the 600 PF, particularly with the high investment that is required for it. I will crop when need of 600 mm.

The 600 TC is a superb lens but too heavy for me. The 400 TC on the other hand is on my Wishlist.. once i can finance it LOL.

 

[hrv]

I have the 400TC for work in hides and I love the flexibility. But owning both the 400TC and the 600TC... that is a bit steep.

I do see the 600pf as a candidate to replace my 500pf, which is my walkabout wildlife lens. I hardly ever have enough reach, so the 600pf would be a nice replacement. However, I find it an expensive lens compared to the 500pf, so I am not sure yet if I will get one.

 

[marlowtravelsoften]

While I'd like to believe everything that everyone wrote concerning the manufacturing/assembly of the 600TC, the fact still remains that if you're an NPS member or a Nikon ambassador you get it MUCH faster. Which just goes to show that they're very capable of producing them quicker, but don't.

 

[JoelKlein]

While I'd like to believe everything that everyone wrote concerning the manufacturing/assembly of the 600TC, the fact still remains that if you're an NPS member or a Nikon ambassador you get it MUCH faster. Which just goes to show that they're very capable of producing them quicker, but don't.

You’re suggesting that they are building it to order?

 

[marlowtravelsoften]

You’re suggesting that they are building it to order?

As long as it's taking it sure seems that way.

 

[EricBowles]

I think the question is "How will you use 600mm that can't be covered by 400mm or 800mm?"

Without question, the 600mm f/4 is a terrific lens. Optical performance and bokeh are exceptional. With the TC, you have a very flexible 840mm f/5.6 option. But it comes with extra weight, larger size, and a premium cost.

The 600mm PF fills the gap in terms of focal length, but it's not fast or long compared to alternatives. It is a remarkably good travel lens, and completely suitable when weight and size are important. For a lot of people, the light weight of the 600mm PF is really compelling.

 

[Patty15]

Not sure how to answer your poll questions. That said, I've had the 180-600 on order since June 22. I now have the 600 PF on order, but I fear I might be down the line a bit because B&H wanted verification of my Payboo card and, dang it's not a card I keep in my wallet. Took me a few hours to remember where I had it stashed. Not being NPS, I'm sure I'll wait forever for it just as I have for the 180-600. Whichever comes first, that's the one I'll end up with. So tired of playing these Nikon games.

 

[JoelKlein]

Too much money for only a 6.3 lens.

I feel the same.
How much do you think makes sense?

 

[Anjin San]

Not much use in debating how much we think it should cost…Nikon knows the cost to make nd their desired profit margin. Steve has already said that the 1/3 stop isn’t actually a problem in the field…and making it a 600/5.6 would mean a fatter, longer, and therefore heavier lens…and it seems pretty obvious to me that they made the decision for light…and a 5.6 would cost more because of the greater size and weight. I’m probably not getting one anytime soon…but it’s a flexibility issue for me and I would not want a heavier non flexible lens for my use…but it’s really hard to gripe about 1/3 of a stop and cost…don’t buy one if you don’t want to.

 

[Patty15]

I went ahead and canceled my order for the 180-600 at B&H. I decided to go for the 600PF instead. Why? Even though it's a bit pricey, the size and weight is really attractive to me and if I find it easier for me to use in the field, the cost is worth it. As far as being "fixed", I've used a 500PF for years, first with my D850 now with my Z9. And as far as needing other focal lengths, I have a 24-120 and a 100-400 along with a Z8 that I use as a second camera. I probably won't see the 600PF until next year, but I'm looking forward to using it.

 

[mdirvin]

I ordered the 600 mm PF on the day of announcement. Will be interesting to see how long it takes to get one.

Maybe not as long as you might think. Today I received an e-mail saying my 180-600 was ready to ship. I had pre ordered one, then I thought canceled the order. Apparently not, so I called and canceled. While on the phone I asked about the 600 f6.3, I do have one of those on pre order. I was told they had not heard anything from Nikon yet, but the pre orders were not nearly as much as other lens.

 

[Anjin San]

Maybe not as long as you might think. Today I received an e-mail saying my 180-600 was ready to ship. I had pre ordered one, then I thought canceled the order. Apparently not, so I called and canceled. While on the phone I asked about the 600 f6.3, I do have one of those on pre order. I was told they had not heard anything from Nikon yet, but the pre orders were not nearly as much as other lens.

I’m not surprised…it’s a more niche lens than the zoom is for folks that always use 600 and want light. While primes will usually beat zooms and expensive usually beats less expensave…a lot of folks have said the 180-600 is prett6 comparable even at 1:1 and a lot of the difference disappears when you down sample for output, that’s just physics. If I shot pretty npmuch at 60p all the time the PF is light and excellent…but flexibility beckons for a lot of us because better is the enemy of good enough. And speaking of good enough, Thom had a nice discussion a week or so back about your good enough not being the same as his and that your good enough will change over time…but that when you get right down to it a user‘s good enough is …well…good enough.