Weekly News Round-up: Nikon 800mm F6.3 for Z-mount

This week, we have a new super telephoto lens from Nikon, and firmware updates for Sigma and Tamron lenses.

Nikkor Z 800mm F6.3 VR S

It might appear like a big and expensive lens at first, but for full frame wildlife photographers, the new Nikon 800mm is actually pretty compact and way more affordable. The previous 800mm F5.6 designed for the F-mount DSLRs is 52% heavier and almost three times more expensive.

Nikkor 800mm on white background

The new lens, designed for Nikon Z mirrorless system, is made of magnesium alloy and is weather sealed. There are function buttons and a control ring in addition to the focus ring. The lens is compatible with the the two Z TC 1.4x and 2.0x. Retail price is $6,500.

  • 22 elements in 14 groups
  • 1 PF, 3 extra-low dispersion (ED) and 1 Short-Wavelength Refractive (SR) elements
  • 9-blade rounded aperture diaphragm
  • Min. focus: 5m
  • stepping AF motor
  • optical image stabilization (VR) up to 5 stops (5.5 stops when used with the Z9)
  • 46mm drop-in filter
  • 385mm long
  • 2.4kg

Firmware update for Sigma prime lenses

Four Sigma lenses designed for full frame E-mount cameras have a new firmware update available.

For the three products below, it allows the lenses to retain the latest focus position you had before turning off the camera, when turning it on again.

  • 16mm F1.4 DC DN (APS-C)
  • 30mm F1.4 DC DN (APS-C)
  • 56mm F1.4 DC DN (APS-C)

For the 35mm F2 DG DN (full frame), the new software makes the AF motor quieter.

You can download it from the Sigma website.

sigma 56mm 1.4
Sigma 56mm f/1.4

Firmware update for the Tamron 18-300mm (Fuji X version)

Version 2 improves the operation of the focus ring when working manually. You can download the firmware on the Tamron Japan website.


About The Author

Mathieu Gasquet

Photo of author

Mathieu Gasquet is the co-owner and editor of Mirrorless Comparison, as well as the man behind all the camera tests. Mathieu has been a professional photographer for over 15 years. Before specializing in camera reviews, he worked as an event photographer for the National Cinema Museum in Turin, and as a videomaker for renowned Italian agencies, which allowed him to collaborate with important names such as Fiat, Sky Italia, Maserati, and more. Mathieu also studied cinema in France and obtained a degree in cinematography at the A.R.F.I.S. school in Lyon.


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