
©
2022 Nikon Corporation
SB2C01(11)
7MMA8811-01
En
• Read this document thoroughly before using the product.
• To ensure proper use of the product, be sure to read “For Your Safety” (page 5).
• After reading this document, keep it readily accessible for future reference.
Reference Guide
NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S

Table of Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Before Y
ou Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
For Your Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using the Lens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Attachment and Removal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Attaching a Strap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Memory Recall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using the Tripod Collar Ring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Vibration Reduction (VR). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Filters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Precautions for Use. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lens Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Technical Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Cameras with AF-Assist Illuminators. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Using the Lens on Cameras with a Built-in Flash. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Table of Contents
2

Introduction
Before You Begin
Before using this pr
oduct, please read these instructions carefully. You will also
need to consult the documentation provided with the camera.
• This lens is intended exclusively for use with mirrorless cameras featuring a
Nikon Z mount.
• Update the camera firmwar
e to the latest version. With earlier versions, the
camera may fail to detect the lens correctly and some features may not be
available. The latest version of the camera firmware can be downloaded from
the Nikon Download Center at the URL below.
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/
No reproduction in any form o
f this document, in whole or in part (except for
brief quotation in critical articles or reviews), may be made without written
authorization from NIKON CORPORATION.
4
Before You Begin

For Your Safety
To prevent damage t
o property or injury to yourself or to others, read “For Your
Safety” in its entirety before using this product.
After reading these safety instructions, keep them readily accessible for future
reference.
A WARNING: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon
could result in death or sever
e injury.
A CAUTION: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon
could result in injury or pr
operty damage.
A WARNING
Do not disassemble or modify this product. Do not t
ouch internal parts
that become exposed as the result of a fall or other accident.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in electric shock or other
injury.
Should you notice any abnormalities such as the product producing
smoke, heat, or unusual odors, immediately disconnect the camera power
source.
Continued operation could result in fire, burns or other injury.
Keep dry. Do not handle with wet hands.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric shock.
5
For Your Safety

A WARNING
Do not use this product in the presence o
f flammable dust or gas such as
propane, gasoline or aerosols.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in explosion or fire.
Do not directly view the sun or other bright light source through the lens.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in visual impairment.
Keep this product out of reach of children.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction.
In addition, note that small parts constitute a choking hazard.
Should a child
swallow any part of this product, seek immediate medical attention.
Do not entangle, wrap or twist the straps around your neck.
Failure to obser
ve this precaution could result in accidents.
Do not handle with bare hands in locations exposed to extremely high or
low temperatures.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or frostbite.
For Your Safety
6

A CAUTION
Do not leave the lens pointed at the sun or other str
ong light sources.
Light focused by the lens could cause fire or damage to product’s internal parts.
When shooting backlit subjects, keep the sun well out of the frame. Sunlight
focused into the camera when the sun is close to the frame could cause fire.
Do not leave the product where it will be exposed to extremely high
temperatures, for an extended period such as in an enclosed automobile
or in direct sunlight.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction.
Do not transport cameras or lenses with tripods or similar accessories
attached.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction.
Keep the lens and speaker away from credit cards and other such
magnetic storage devices.
The data stored on the device could be corrupted.
For Your Safety
7

Using the Lens
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
The p
arts of the lens are listed below.
2
1
Lens hood mounting mark
Use when attaching the lens hood.
0 “Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood” (p.24)
Control ring
Rotat
e to adjust a setting such as [Aperture] or [Exposure compensation]
assigned using the camera. For more information, see the description of
[Custom control assignment], [Custom controls], or [Custom controls
(shooting)] in the documentation provided with the camera.
8
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
1
2

3 4 5
Focus ring
Use for manual focus.
• When focusing using autofocus, you can adjust focus manually by
rotating the ring while the shutter-r
elease button is pressed halfway.
Tripod collar ring
The camera can be rotated between “wide” and “tall” orientations when a
tripod is attached to the tripod collar.
0
“Using the Tripod Collar Ring” (p.30)
L-Fn button
Press to per
form a function assigned using the camera. For more
information, see the description of [Custom control assignment],
[Custom controls], or [Custom controls (shooting)] in the documentation
provided with the camera.
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
9
3
4
5

8 9 10
Lens mounting mark
Use when mounting the lens on the camera.
0 “Attachment and Removal” (p.19)
Rubber lens-mount gasket
Helps prevent the ingr
ess of water droplets or dust along the surfaces
where the lens and camera meet when the lens is mounted on the
camera.
*
There is no guarantee that the gasket is completely proof against the
ingress of water droplets or dust in all circumstances.
CPU contacts
Used to transfer data to and from the camera.
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
11
8
9
*
10

12 13
1
1
L-Fn2 buttons
Press to perfor
m a function assigned using the camera. For more
information, see the description of [Custom control assignment],
[Custom controls], or [Custom controls (shooting)] in the documentation
provided with the camera. There are four buttons positioned around the
lens at 90º intervals.
Lens rotation indices
Use when rotating the camera to shoot in landscape (“wide”) or portrait
(“tall”) orientation. There are four indices positioned around the lens at 90º
intervals.
0
“Using the Tripod Collar Ring” (p.30)
Tripod collar ring r
otation indices
Use when rotating the camera to shoot in landscape (“wide”) or portrait
(“tall”) orientation. There are three indices positioned around the lens at
90º intervals.
0
“Using the Tripod Collar Ring” (p.30)
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
12
11
12
13

14 16
1
5
Tripod collar ring attachment screw
Fix the tripod collar ring in place.
0 “Using the Tripod Collar Ring” (p.30)
Security slot (for anti-theft cable)
Attach a thir
d-party anti-theft cable. For more information, see the
documentation provided with the cable.
Strap eyelets
For use when attaching a strap. There are two eyelets, one on each side.
0
“Attaching a Strap” (p.27)
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
13
14
15
16

17
1
8
Focus limit switch
Choose the autofocus range.
• FULL: Choose to focus on subjects at any distance betw
een 5 m (16.41 ft)
and ∞.
• ∞ – 10 m: Focus is limited to distances of 10 m (32.81 ft) and more. Select
this option for faster focusing if your subject will always be at distance of
at least 10 m (32.81 ft).
Focus-mode switch
Choose a focus mode.
• A: Autofocus
• M: Manual focus
Note that regardless of the setting chosen, focus must be adjusted
manually when manual focus mode is selected using camera controls.
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
14
17
18

19 20
Memory set button
Save the current focus position. The saved position can be instantly
r
estored by pressing a control to which [Recall focus position] has been
assigned (“memory recall”).
0
“Memory Recall” (p.28)
Tripod collar
Attach a tripod. For infor
mation on removing the tripod collar, contact a
Nikon-authorized service representative.
0
“Using the Tripod Collar Ring” (p.30)
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
15
19
20

21 2322 24
Lens hood
Lens hoods block stray light that would otherwise cause flare or ghosting.
They also ser
ve to protect the lens.
0
“Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood” (p.24)
Lens hood alignment mark
Use when attaching the lens hood.
0 “Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood” (p.24)
Lens hood lock mark
Use when attaching the lens hood.
0 “Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood” (p.24)
Lens hood release
Use when removing the lens hood.
0 “Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood” (p.24)
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
16
21
22
23
24

26
Lens cap (rear cap)
Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions
18
26

Attachment and Removal
Attaching the Lens
Turn the camera off
, remove the body cap, and detach
the rear lens cap.
19
Attachment and Removal
1.

Position the lens on the camera body, keeping the
mounting mark on the lens aligned with the mounting
mark on the camera body (q), and then rotate the lens
counter
clockwise (w) until it clicks into place.
Attachment and Removal
20
2.

D When the Lens Is Mounted on a Tripod: A
ttaching the Camera
Position the camera on the lens, keeping the mounting mark on the lens
aligned with the mounting mark on the camera body (q), and then rotate the
camera clockwise until the lens clicks into place (w).
Attachment and Removal
21

Removing the Lens
Turn the camera off
.
Press and hold the lens release button (q) while turning
the lens clockwise (w).
Attachment and Removal
22
1.
2.

D When the Lens Is Mounted on a Tripod: R
emoving the Camera
Press and hold the lens release button (q) while turning the camera
counterclockwise (w).
Attachment and Removal
23

Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood
Attaching the Lens Hood
• Align the lens hood mounting mark with the lens hood alignment mark (q) and
then rotate the lens hood (w) until the mounting mark is aligned with the lens
hood lock mark (e
).
1
2
3
Lens hood alignment mark
Lens hood mounting mark
Lens hood lock mark
24
Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood
1
2
3

• The hood can be reversed and mounted on the lens when not in use.
Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood
25

Removing the Lens Hood
• Slide the lens hood release until it clicks (q), rotate the hood as shown (w) until
the lens hood alignment mark aligns with the lens hood mounting mark
, and
remove the hood (e).
1
32
Lens hood release
Lens hood alignment mark
Lens hood mounting mark
• The same procedure can be used when the lens hood is reversed.
Attaching and Removing the Lens Hood
26
1
2
3

Attaching a Strap
To attach a strap, follow the steps below.
• If the str
ap is not attached correctly, the lens could fall, causing injury.
• Use a lens strap when carrying the camera with the lens attached. Using a
strap attached to the camer
a alone could damage the strap or the mounts on
the camera or lens, causing the camera or lens to fall.
27
Attaching a Strap

Memory Recall
Save a frequently-used focus position to the lens. The sav
ed position can then be
quickly recalled.
D Compatible Cameras
Memory recall is available only when the lens is mounted on a compatible
camera. The cameras compatible with this feature (as of April 21, 2022) are the
Z 9, the Z 7II, and the Z 6II.
Saving Focus Positions
• Focus on a subject at the desired distance and then press and hold the memory
set button. A icon will be displayed in the camera monitor if the
operation is successful.
• The operation can be performed in any focus mode.
• The stored distance is not reset when the camera is turned off.
• The stored distance is however reset when the lens is detached.
28
Memory Recall

Using Stored Focus Positions (Memory Recall)
The saved focus position will be restor
ed while the control to which [Recall focus
position] has been assigned via [Custom controls] or [Custom controls
(shooting)] is pressed. Release the control to resume normal auto or manual
focus.
Pressing the Shutter-Release Button Halfway During
Memory Recall
The camera will not refocus if the shutter-release button is pressed halfway while
the control is pressed, regardless of the focus mode selected.
Memory Recall
29

Using the Tripod Collar Ring
Attach tripods t
o the lens tripod collar, not to the camera.
Attaching tripods to the lens tripod collar rather than to the camera allows the
camera to be rotated as described below to take pictures in "tall" or "wide"
orientation while a tripod is attached.
Loosen the tripod collar ring attachment screw (q).
30
Using the Tripod Collar Ring
1.

Rotate the camera, using the rotation indices for
reference (w
).
Tighten the tripod collar ring attachment screw (e).
Using the Tripod Collar Ring
31
2.
3.

Vibration Reduction (VR)
The lens supports vibration reduction. Vibration reduction settings can be
adjust
ed from the camera. See the documentation provided with the camera for
details.
Vibration reduction allows shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be the
case, expanding the range of shutter speeds available.
D Vibration Reduction
• Due to the design of the vibration reduction system, the lens may rattle when
shaken. This does not indicate a malfunction.
• T
o reduce blur caused by tripod shake, select [Normal] or [Sport] for the on-
camera vibration reduction option when the camera is mounted on a tripod.
Note, however, that depending on the type of tripod and shooting
conditions, there may be cases in which [Off] is the preferred option.
• [Normal] or [Sport] is recommended when the camera is mounted on a
monopod.
32
Vibration Reduction (VR)

Filters
The lens is designed for use without filters, and can be used without a filter
inser
ted under most conditions. In situations in which a filter is required, an
optional 46 mm screw-on filter can be inserted in the slip-in filter holder as
described below.
Lift the slip-in filter holder tab, rotate it to
(q), and
remove the slip-in filter holder (w
).
33
Filters
1.

Press the points on either side of the slip-in filter
holder and open the cover.
Insert a 46 mm screw-on filter.
Depending on their shape, some filters cannot be used with the slip-in filter
holder. Use filters that fit the holder
.
Filters
34
2.
3.

Close the slip-in filter holder cover.
Rotate the slip-in filter holder tab as shown (q) and
lower it back into its starting position (w).
Filters
35
4.
5.

Insert the slip-in filter holder into the slip-in filter holder
slot.
Insert the holder with the side labeled “FRONT” facing forward (toward the
focus ring).
Slide the slip-in filter holder in until it latches.
• Slide the slip-in filt
er holder in until it clicks into place.
• Be sure the slip-in filter holder is securely latched.
Filters
36
6.
7.

A Using Optional Filters
• Using a filt
er slightly increases the minimum focus distance and shifts the
focus distance from that shown by the focus distance display.
• When using memory recall, be sure to attach the filter before storing the
focus position.
A Using an Optional C-PL460 Slip-in Circular Polarizing Filter
• The C-PL460 blocks unwanted reflections from glass, water, and other non-
metallic surfaces.
• It is used in place of the supplied slip-in filter holder.
Filters
37

• Before taking pictures, rotate the ring to control the reflections visible in the
shooting display.
• Using a filter slightly increases the minimum focus distance and shifts the
focus distance from that shown by the focus distance display.
• When using memor
y recall, be sure to attach the filter before storing the
focus position.
• Do not leave the filter for long periods in direct sunlight or in locations that
are exposed to excessive humidity or high temperatures.
Filters
38

Precautions for Use
• Do not pick up or hold the lens or camera using only the lens caps or lens
hood.
• Observe the following precautions while the lens is attached to the camera:
Be sure to support the lens when holding the camera. F
ailure to observe this
precaution could damage the lens and camera mounts.
Use a lens strap when carrying the camera with the lens attached. Using a
strap attached to the camera alone could damage the strap or the mounts on
the camera or lens, causing the camera or lens to fall.
• Keep the CPU contacts clean.
• Should the rubber lens-mount gasket be damaged, cease use immediately and
take the lens to a Nikon-authorized service center for repair.
• Reattach the lens caps when the lens is not in use.
• Creases will form if the supplied lens cap (front cap) is folded, but this does not
prevent the cap from being used.
39
Precautions for Use
-
-

• Do not leave the lens in humid locations or in locations in which it may be
exposed to moisture. Rusting of the int
ernal mechanism can cause irreparable
damage.
• Do not leave the lens next to open flames or in other extremely hot locations.
Extreme heat could damage or warp the lens.
• Taking the lens from a warm to a cold environment or vice versa may cause
damaging condensation inside and outside the lens. Place the lens in a sealed
bag or plastic case before taking it across a temperature boundary. The lens can
be taken from the bag or case once it has had time to adjust to the new
temperature.
• We recommend that you place the lens in its case to protect it from scratches
during transport.
• Nikon will not be held liable in the event that the lens is stolen or damaged
while a third-party anti-theft cable is attached to the security slot.
Precautions for Use
40

Lens Maintenance
• Removing dust is normally sufficient to clean the glass surfaces of the lens.
• When cleaning the fluorine-coated front lens element:
Smudges, fingerprints, and other oily stains can be removed using a sof
t,
clean cotton cloth or third-party lens cleaning tissue; clean from the center
outwards using a circular motion.
To remove stubborn stains, wipe gently using a soft cloth lightly dampened
with a small amount of distilled water, ethanol, or third-party lens cleaner.
Drop-shaped marks may form on fluorine-coated surfaces, which are highly
water- and oil-repellent. Such marks can be removed with a dry cloth.
• When cleaning the rear lens element, which is not fluorine-coated:
Smudges, fingerprints, and other oily stains can be removed using a soft,
clean cotton cloth or third-party lens cleaning tissue lightly dampened with a
small amount of ethanol or third-party lens cleaner; clean from the center
outwards in a circular motion. Be sure to clean evenly and thoroughly without
leaving smears.
• Never use organic solvents such as paint thinner or benzene to clean the lens.
• Do not store the lens in direct sunlight or with naphtha or camphor moth balls.
If the lens will not be used for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry location
to prevent mold and rust.
41
Lens Maintenance
-
-
-
-

Technical Notes
Cameras with AF-Assist Illuminators
The lens or lens hood may block the light from the camera AF-assist illuminat
or.
• For the information on using the lens with cameras that have built-in AF-assist
illuminators, visit the site below
.
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/
42
Cameras with AF-Assist Illuminators

Using the Lens on Cameras with a Built-
in Flash
Shadows will be visible in photos where light from the built
-in flash is obscured by
the lens or lens hood. Remove the lens hood before shooting. Note, however, that
depending on the distance to the subject and lens focal length, shadows may
appear even when the lens hood is removed.
• For information on the subject distances and focal lengths at which shadows
will not appear in photos taken with a built-in flash, visit the sit
e below.
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/
43
Using the Lens on Cameras with a Built-in Flash

Accessories
Supplied Accessories
• LC-K106 Lens Cap (front cap)
• LF-N1 Lens Cap (rear cap)
• HB-104 Lens Hood
• LN-3 Strap
• CL-L3 Lens Case
Other Compatible Accessories
• 46 mm filters (for use with slip-in filter holder)
• C-PL460 Slip-in Circular Polarizing Filter
• Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4×/TC-2.0×
D Filters
Use only one filter at a time.
D T
eleconverters
Depending on the subject, ambient lighting conditions, and the focus point
selected, the camera may be unable to focus using autofocus or the focus
indicator for electronic rangefinding may flicker while a teleconverter is
attached.
44
Accessories

Specifications
Mount Nikon Z mount
Focal length 800 mm
Maximum aperture f/6.3
Lens construction
22 elements in 14 groups (including 3 ED elements,
1 SR element, 1 PF element, elements with a Nano
Crystal coat, and a fluorine-coat
ed front lens element)
Angle of view
FX format: 3° 10′
DX format: 2°
Focusing system Internal focusing system
Vibration reduction Lens shift using voice coil motors (VCMs)
Minimum focus
distance (measured
from focal plane)
5 m (16.41 ft)
Maximum
reproduction ratio
0.16×
Diaphragm blades 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Aperture range f/6.3 – 32
Focus limit switch Two positions: FULL (∞ – 5 m) and ∞ – 10 m
45
Specifications

Dimensions
(maximum
diameter × distance
to end of lens fr
om
camera lens mount
flange)
Approx. 140 mm × 385 mm (5.6 in. × 15.2 in.)
Weight Approx. 2385 g (5 lb 4.2 oz)
Nikon reserves the right to change the appearance, specifications, and
performance of this product at any time and without prior notice.
A Phase Fresnel (PF) Lenses
This lens features a Phase Fresnel (PF) element. The PF element uses a
diffraction technique
*
to reduce chromatic aberration. When used with
standard glass elements, PF elements greatly reduce chromatic aberration,
allowing lenses much smaller and lighter than their ordinary refraction-based
equivalents, but are prone to colored ring flare (PF flare) when a bright light
source is in or near the frame.
• Colored ring flare in photographs can be reduced using the [PF Flare
Control] option in NX Studio. See NX Studio’s online help for more
information.
• [PF Flare Control] can be used only with photographs. It is not available with
videos.
• NX Studio is available for download from the Nikon Download Center. Be
sure to always use the latest version.
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/
Diffraction: Light has the pr
operties of a wave. It bends around obstacles in its
path in a phenomenon known as diffraction. This causes a pattern of chromatic
dispersion opposite to that caused by refraction.
Specifications
46
*

Notices
Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.
This device complies with part 15 of the FC
C Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio
Frequency Interference Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
47
Notices

This symbol indicates that electrical and electronic
equipment is to be collected separat
ely.
CAUTIONS
●Modifications
The FCC requir
es the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made
to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A.
Tel.: 631-547-4200
Notices for Customers in Canada
CAN ICES-003 (B) / NMB-003 (B)
Notices for Customers in Europe
The following apply only to users in European countries:
•
This product is designated for separate collection at an appropriate collection
point. Do not dispose of as household waste.
• Separate collection and recycling helps conserve natural resources and prevent
negative consequences for human health and the environment that might result
from incorrect disposal.
• For more information, contact the retailer or the local authorities in charge of
waste management.
Notices
48



