AskMaddi
What do reviewers say about the Nikon 800mm f5.6?
As of October 2026, among the 14 reviews we compiled, optical performance drew the most discussion: 61 claims from 11 of them, which we read as 52% positive, 25% neutral, 23% negative.
Synthesized from 14 reviewer sources for Nikon 800mm f5.6. Optical performance draws the most discussion: 32 positive, 15 neutral, and 14 negative across 61 sentiment markers. The most criticism lands on handling: 54% positive, 17% neutral, 29% negative across 24 claims. Opinion is split on AF for stills (15 positive, 12 neutral, 10 negative claims).
What are the Nikon 800mm f5.6 specifications?
Focal Length Mm800 mm
Max Aperturef/5.6
specs: designation
What do reviewers praise and criticize?
Optical Performance
32 pos · 15 neu · 14 neg
“I did want to show you the difference in magnification when you use a 400mm 2.8 with those telecon converters now let's get into everybody's favorite subject sharpness now to give you an idea of what this lens actually looks like I did a controlled test for sharpness because I really wanted to…” — Wildlife Inspired w/ Scott Keys
Build Quality
6 pos · 2 neu · 2 neg
“get into how it performs in the field build quality is always a bit hard to define but based on my time with this lens it seems like it's every bit as durable as nikon's big primes and more robust than the 300 or 500 pf lenses it certainly seems rugged enough to keep up with the kind of abuse” — Steve Perry
Mount Compatibility
5 pos · 26 neu · 2 neg
“greetings everyone and I think it's time for a super telephoto challenge this is one of the longest conventional camera lenses I have ever tested the neon Z 800 mm f6.3 vrs a fullframe lens which is only for their mirrorless Z Mount camera system not for digital slrs if this thing looks…” — Christopher Frost
Price & Value
13 pos · 12 neu · 3 neg
“Now, another thing that makes this lens stand out is the price.” — Duade Paton
Weight & Portability
17 pos · 11 neu · 9 neg
“I like what I didn't like answer some of the questions that you uh asked me over Instagram and also give a recommendation for who I think this lens is a good investment and who should rather look into something else when I first picked up the lens I was really surprised how lightweight…” — Fabian Fopp - Nature photography
More detail — 9 additional axes
Vignetting
2 pos · 4 neu · 2 neg
Chromatic Aberration
2 pos · 0 neu · 0 neg
“i think i've just lost my mind in this package wow that is just complete and utter wow and i hear you ask purple fringing chromatic aberration well i've seen none of it so it appears to be very well suppressed with the 800 pf it's been an absolute pleasure and i have to thank nikon very much for…” — Matt Irwin Photography
Coma
5 pos · 5 neu · 2 neg
Bokeh
7 pos · 5 neu · 4 neg
Color Rendition
4 pos · 0 neu · 0 neg
Filter Thread
0 pos · 3 neu · 1 neg
“with such huge front element you do have a 46 millimeter drop-in filter system Sigma already gives you the UV and the sepia notice how it has a filter holder you place it in there and voila now if you're working with the CPL you have a ring here that allows you to turn it so that way you can” — Digital Goja
Dimensions
5 pos · 11 neu · 3 neg
AF Noise
0 pos · 2 neu · 5 neg
Which reviews is this based on? (14)
Every claim above traces to these original reviews. We don't write opinions — we synthesize theirs.
📹 Pro Reviews (14)
- The Lightweight Monster: Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR 'S' Christopher Frost
- REVIEW | SIGMA 300-800mm F/5.6 EX DG HSM Telephoto Lens NIKON & CANON DSLR Cameras Digital Goja
- Nikon 800mm f/6.3 PF Review: Where Do I Buy One? Duade Paton
- Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 PF - Field Review Bird Photography Fabian Fopp - Nature photography
- Hands-On Review of Nikon Super Telephoto Prime lens 800mm F5.6 FL VR (Baby Jesus) on Nikon Z9 & D850 Hajakely
- Rare old Nikon 800mm 5.6 AIS manual lens review with sample images from the Nikon Z9 Hajakely
- Nikon 800 PF: Too Good To Be True!? Real World Review Jan Wegener
- Nikon Z 800mm f6.3 Hands-On: WOW!!! Jared Polin
- Nikon's BEST Ultra Telephoto Prime lens - FIELD TESTED Matt Granger
- EPIC Nikon 800mm PF VR S 8K First Look | Far More Than You Think | Images From The Field Matt Irwin Matt Irwin Photography
- Unboxing Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Lens PCHPROSHOP
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR - Hands on PhotoNewsReviews
- Nikon 800 PF Review For Wildlife Photography (first look) Steve Perry
- Nikon 800mm f/6. 3 Pros, Cons, Who is is for? Wildlife Inspired w/ Scott Keys