Leofoto NFC-01 lens collar for Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3

Leofoto NFC-01 lens collar, specially developed for this lens

You can immediately tell with the Leofoto NFC-01 that it’s not just some generic universal collar, but was very deliberately designed for the Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR NIKKOR (2023 model). The fit is precise, the lens sits solidly in the collar, nothing wobbles, nothing binds. This exact custom fit ensures that you can keep the long telephoto steady even at maximum focal length, without constantly worrying about micro‑vibrations or an unstable balance point.

With a height of 13.0 cm and a length of 12.0 cm, the NFC-01 offers enough leverage and contact surface to handle the 180–600 mm comfortably in everyday use. At the same time, it remains surprisingly light at just 212 g, so your setup doesn’t become unnecessarily front‑heavy. For many, this is a typical “aha” moment: you mount the collar, pick up the combo, and notice that the telephoto suddenly feels much more balanced.

Leofoto is offering here a more stable, finely adjustable alternative to Nikon’s standard collar. The rotation is smooth and controlled, which noticeably helps when switching between portrait and landscape orientation or making small alignment corrections. The ergonomic silicone grip further supports this handling, as it feels comfortable in the hand and gives you a secure feeling when carrying and repositioning the lens, even when things need to move quickly.

Arca-Style compatible for seamless integration into your quick-release system

A major advantage of the Leofoto NFC-01 is the integrated quick-release profile, which according to the manufacturer is fully Arca-Style compatible with 38 mm quick-release clamps. This allows you to place the Nikon Z 180–600 mm directly into corresponding Arca-Style compatible clamps without additional adapters or quick-release plates. Your lens foot thus effectively becomes a full-fledged quick-release plate.

Especially if you are already working with an Arca-Style system, the NFC-01 integrates seamlessly into your workflow. You place the collar in the clamp, tighten it, and you’re ready to shoot. Done. No fiddling, no constant reconfiguring. If you are generally interested in ARCA-compatible accessories, you can find suitable components under Arca-Style compatible quick-release systems.

To ensure everything remains secure in tough everyday use, the NFC-01 features two safety stop screws on the underside. These prevent accidental slipping out of the quick-release clamp if the clamp is not fully closed or if you push the camera forward a bit too energetically. It’s a small detail, but one that, in a critical moment, makes the difference between “all good” and “please don’t look at the floor.”

With QD strap socket for flexible carrying and securing

In addition to the Arca-Style integration, the Leofoto NFC-01 comes with a QD strap socket, i.e. a single QD-compatible strap anchor socket. This quick-detach interface allows you to attach and detach a suitable QD strap in no time. Especially on long walks, photo trips, or when switching between tripod use and handheld shooting, this is a real comfort upgrade.

The collar is designed to be QD compatible, meaning you can securely attach the heavy telephoto lens to a modern carrying strap with QD anchors and release it again with a single movement when needed. To use this QD strap socket, you need a strap with suitable QD strap anchors, which you can find under straps with QD strap anchors.

The combination of QD strap socket, ergonomic silicone grip, and the overall well-balanced design results in a solution that is simply practical in the field. You can comfortably carry the lens on the strap, quickly mount it on the tripod in between and remove it again, without having to remount anything each time. It may seem unspectacular at first, but after a long day outside you’ll notice how much more relaxed working with it becomes.

Thought-out details: threads, stability, and everyday handling

On the underside of the Leofoto NFC-01 you’ll find a total of six threaded holes, giving you plenty of freedom when mounting. Specifically, there are 2 x 3/8" UNC photo threads and 4 x 1/4" UNC photo threads. This allows you to attach the collar directly to different tripod heads, quick-release plates, or special mounts without having to commit to a single system. This flexibility is especially valuable in more complex setups, such as with video tilt heads or gimbal heads.

The solid construction ensures that the NFC-01 remains reliable even under intensive use. The collar holds the Nikon Z 180–600 mm firmly in place so you can focus on composition and timing instead of constantly doubting the stability. Many users switch completely from the standard collar to this solution after a short time because the handling simply feels smoother. Not spectacular, but noticeably better.

All in all, with the Leofoto NFC-01 you get a lens collar that is specifically designed for the Nikon Z 180–600 mm f/5.6–6.3 VR NIKKOR, fits Arca-Style compatible 38 mm quick-release clamps, includes a QD strap socket, features 2 safety stop screws to prevent slipping out, and, thanks to the combination of ergonomic silicone grip, low weight of 212 g, and versatile threaded holes, simply does its job in everyday use in a pleasantly unobtrusive way. Exactly how you’d want a reliable piece of equipment to behave.