Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6 E FL ED VR Autofocus Lens, Black {52 Drop-in/Filter} with TC800-1.25E ED Teleconverter

Nikon's 800mm f/5.6 supertelephoto with included 1.25x teleconverter.

At 800mm and f/5.6, this is the longest lens Nikon makes for the F-mount, and the optical engineering behind it reflects that position. Two fluorite elements work alongside two ED glass elements to control chromatic aberration across the full frame, and the fluorite contributes meaningfully to keeping weight down on a lens of this reach. Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating together address flare and ghosting, two problems that become acute when you're shooting into bright skies or against water at extreme focal lengths.

The bundled TC800-1.25E ED teleconverter extends reach to 1000mm while maintaining autofocus compatibility, a meaningful advantage when your subject is moving and manual focus isn't an option. Vibration Reduction gives you usable handheld shots at shutter speeds you'd otherwise rule out. The electromagnetic diaphragm ensures consistent exposure during high-speed bursts, and the weather-sealed construction means you're not calling off a shoot over light rain. Filters slot in as 52mm drop-ins at the rear, which is the only practical solution at this diameter.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers working at distance, think shorebirds, raptors on nesting platforms, or safari subjects, get the reach needed when a blind or a closer approach isn't possible. Sports shooters covering airshows, auto racing, or track and field benefit from the f/5.6 aperture keeping autofocus fast even in mixed light. Nature photographers shooting at dawn or dusk along coasts or wetlands will rely on the VR system and weather sealing together. Birders who've outgrown 500mm and need every millimeter the F-mount offers will find the 1000mm option via the included teleconverter extends shooting range without a second lens purchase.

Key Features

• 800mm focal length with f/5.6 maximum aperture, Nikon F (AF-S) mount
• Two fluorite elements and two ED glass elements control aberrations
• Vibration Reduction for usable handheld performance at extreme reach
• Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings minimize flare and ghosting
• Includes TC800-1.25E ED teleconverter for 1000mm with autofocus
• Weather-sealed construction protects against dust and moisture
• 52mm drop-in rear filters simplify filtration at this focal length
• Electromagnetic diaphragm maintains consistent exposure during fast bursts

FAQ

Is autofocus usable with the included teleconverter?

Yes. The TC800-1.25E ED maintains full autofocus compatibility, which matters when you're tracking moving subjects at 1000mm where manual focus becomes impractical.

What makes fluorite elements worth the cost on a supertelephoto?

Fluorite reduces chromatic aberration across the frame at extreme focal lengths and contributes meaningfully to keeping the lens weight down - critical at this reach and aperture.

Can you use this handheld, or do you need a tripod?

Vibration Reduction makes handheld shooting feasible at shutter speeds you'd normally reject, but a tripod is the practical choice for consistent framing at 800mm. VR buys you margin, not freedom.

How does the rear filter slot work at this focal length?

The 52mm drop-in filters mount at the rear of the lens barrel - the only practical solution given the front element diameter. You won't find traditional screw-in filters here.

What's the weather sealing like on this lens?

It's fully sealed against dust and moisture, so light rain or spray won't shut down a shoot. That said, sealing is protection, not permission - aggressive wet conditions still demand care.

How much reach does the 1.25x teleconverter add?

The TC800-1.25E extends the lens to 1000mm f/7, maintaining autofocus and all coatings. You trade one stop of light for 25% more focal length.

Does the electromagnetic diaphragm matter for still shooting?

It ensures consistent exposure during high-speed bursts by eliminating the lag between shutter and diaphragm that mechanical blades introduce - important if you're firing at 10+ fps.