Nikon 600mm f/9 Nikkor-T*ED Lens (310mm Image Circle) in Copal 3 BT Shutter (65MT)

Nikon's 600mm f/9 large format telephoto with ED glass and Copal BT shutter.

The Nikkor-T*ED 600mm f/9 is a purpose-built large format telephoto covering the 4x5 format with a 65mm image circle. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass sits at the core of the optical formula, controlling chromatic aberration at a focal length where color fringing is a persistent problem. The result is cleaner edge rendering across that image circle than you'd get from conventional glass at this reach.

The Copal BT shutter integrates directly into the lens, which is the standard arrangement for large format work and keeps the setup self-contained for field and studio use alike. At f/9 maximum aperture, you're working with a lens designed around precision than speed, this is a tool for methodical shooting where a loupe and dark cloth are already part of the workflow.

For 4x5 photographers who need genuine telephoto reach without committing to a much longer rail extension, the Nikkor-T*ED occupies a specific and useful position in the Nikon large format lineup. Nikon's large format glass has a long reputation for optical consistency, and the ED designation here puts it at the sharper end of what's available for this format.

Who It's For

Landscape photographers working with 4x5 field cameras will find the 600mm focal length useful for isolating distant subjects, ridge lines, tree groupings, architectural details, where wider options compress the scene too much. Portrait photographers shooting large format for contact prints or high-resolution scans benefit from the ED glass keeping skin tones free of color fringing at this focal length. Studio still-life shooters who need telephoto compression with 4x5 film coverage will appreciate the Copal BT shutter's integration for studio strobes. Anyone already in the Nikon large format ecosystem working toward a longer focal length has a natural fit here.

Key Features

• ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass controls chromatic aberration at telephoto reach
• 600mm focal length on 65mm image circle for complete 4x5 coverage
• f/9 maximum aperture optimized for optical correction
• Copal BT leaf shutter integrated into lens barrel
• Telephoto optical design reduces bellows extension requirement
• Large format telephoto for field and studio use

FAQ

What's the image circle on this 600mm, and will it cover 4x5 fully?

65mm image circle covers 4x5 format completely, giving you full frame coverage without vignetting or light falloff at the edges.

Why ED glass for a large format telephoto?

At 600mm, chromatic aberration becomes visible across the frame. ED glass controls color fringing, which means sharper edge rendering across the full image circle compared to conventional optics at this focal length.

How does the Copal BT shutter work in the field?

It's built directly into the lens barrel, so you don't need a separate shutter assembly or additional camera modifications. That self-contained design keeps setup simple for both studio and field work.

What's the maximum aperture, and why f/9?

f/9 is the widest aperture. At this focal length and image circle size, f/9 reflects the lens design's priority on optical correction and coverage over light-gathering speed.

Is this a true telephoto design?

Yes. The telephoto formula is the optical architecture that allows 600mm of focal length to work on 4x5 without requiring an impractically long bellows extension on your camera.

What kind of 4x5 cameras does this mount on?

Large format 4x5 cameras with standard lensboards. You'll need a compatible lensboard and the appropriate aperture markings for your specific camera's metering system.