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New Nikon Lenses: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 and NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8
New Nikon Lenses: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 and NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8
by Keenan Hursh
Nikon very recently announced two brand-new and long-anticipated lenses for their mirrorless Z-series cameras, and they are making quite the splash off the bat. The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lenses are two very interesting and capable telephoto and super-telephoto zoom offerings that pair with one another quite nicely.
Both of these lenses are priced very competitively and will open up new possibilities for photographers without massive budgets. These lenses let you get up close and personal with small or distant subjects and can capture lighting-fast action with ease. The 70-180mm is a superb lens but I think it’s safe to say that the 180-600mm offering is the more exciting announcement. This is especially true considering that Nikon already has some great offerings in the 70-200mm range, but the company really needed to fill a gap in its super-telephoto zoom offerings. Enter the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3. Nikon users have been waiting for a flexible super-telephoto zoom lens like this for quite some time and Nikon has more than delivered with a great lens at a great price.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details and take a closer look at both of these exciting new lenses from Nikon. We’ll start with the lens everyone is talking about; the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3.
Both of these lenses are priced very competitively and will open up new possibilities for photographers without massive budgets. These lenses let you get up close and personal with small or distant subjects and can capture lighting-fast action with ease. The 70-180mm is a superb lens but I think it’s safe to say that the 180-600mm offering is the more exciting announcement. This is especially true considering that Nikon already has some great offerings in the 70-200mm range, but the company really needed to fill a gap in its super-telephoto zoom offerings. Enter the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3. Nikon users have been waiting for a flexible super-telephoto zoom lens like this for quite some time and Nikon has more than delivered with a great lens at a great price.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty details and take a closer look at both of these exciting new lenses from Nikon. We’ll start with the lens everyone is talking about; the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3.
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Key Specifications
The brand new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens is an unprecedented, incredibly flexible, and capable lens that fills a once gaping hole in Nikon’s mirrorless lens offerings. Nikon already had exceptional wide-angle, normal, telephoto, super-telephoto, and telephoto zoom lenses but they were lacking a great super-telephoto zoom offering. Until now!
At a very competitive and approachable price point of only $1,700, their brand-new lens is grabbing tons of attention throughout the camera world, and for good reason. This unprecedented lens is a great option for wildlife and sports photographers allowing you to capture subjects both really far away and relatively close without the need to change lenses.
This lens will fit the needs of many Nikon photographers far and wide whether you’re shooting wildlife, sports, or anything else requiring a very flexible and broad zoom range. Let’s discuss some more details.
Build and Handling
When it comes to the build and handling of this lens, Nikon made sure not to cut any corners. This lens covers a massive range of focal lengths, but the designers ensured that it would be easy to use, especially when handheld.
To start, the zooming mechanics are entirely contained within the lens meaning that when you zoom in and out the length of the lens remains the same as opposed to the Sigma 60-600mm offering and many other competing lenses which drastically extend outward when zooming. You also only need to rotate the zoom ring a mere 70 degrees to cover the entire range which makes it easy to zoom in and out without fumbling or changing your grip on the lens.
The NIKKOR 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 comes with a customizable control ring and customizable function buttons allowing you to change settings such as ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and more with ease. On top of that, this lens is built to last with a durable design, a weather-sealed barrel, and a flouring coating on the front element. The lens has a rotating tripod collar that can easily be removed or swapped if necessary and, of course, this lens is compatible with both the 1.4x and 2x z-series teleconverters to extend the reach that much more.
Another notable feature is that this lens is relatively compact and lightweight for such a massive range of focal lengths. With its internal zoom design and compact build, you’ll be able to shoot handheld for longer, and transporting this lens will be much easier than carrying a large and heavy super-telephoto prime.
Nikon has developed a great lens with a really solid and durable build quality that handles very nicely and intuitively that will perform great in a variety of conditions.
Performance
Let’s take a look at how this lens performs. It may not be an S-line lens, but regardless it is impressive, to say the least. Especially when you consider its approachable price point of only $1,700. This lens will be able to capture far away and small subjects in a wide range of situations and conditions.
You’ll be able to capture very fast-moving subjects with the STM stepping motor that provides fast, smooth, and quiet autofocus capabilities. Whether you're shooting sports videos or photographing birds in flight the autofocus system in this lens will get the job done without wobbling and jumping.
This lens will also work great in low-light conditions with a solid minimum aperture of f/5.6-6.3 and exceptional image stabilization or vibration reduction (VR). This built-in optical stabilization compensates for camera shake and allows for a stabilization effect equivalent to 5.5 stops. This will allow you to shoot at longer shutter speeds and reduce any unwanted noise from high ISO settings.
When it comes to the optical design of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm, there’s nothing to complain about and Nikon has created a crystal clear and razor-sharp lens yet again. This lens features six extra-low dispersion elements that will effectively eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing. The lens features an aspherical element that minimizes distortion and enables the lens to be lightweight and compact.
This new lens from Nikon is designed to capture action and distant subjects in great detail and clarity. If you’re a wildlife or sports photographer using the Nikon mirrorless system and want a flexible super-telephoto zoom lens, then this is what you’ve been waiting for.
Key Specifications
- Price: $1,700 USD
- Full-Frame | f/5.6-6.3 to f/32-36
- Super-Telephoto Zoom
- 5.5 Stop VR Image Stabilization
- STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
- Customizable Function Buttons
- Programmable Control Ring
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Includes Quick-Release Tripod Foot
The brand new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens is an unprecedented, incredibly flexible, and capable lens that fills a once gaping hole in Nikon’s mirrorless lens offerings. Nikon already had exceptional wide-angle, normal, telephoto, super-telephoto, and telephoto zoom lenses but they were lacking a great super-telephoto zoom offering. Until now!
At a very competitive and approachable price point of only $1,700, their brand-new lens is grabbing tons of attention throughout the camera world, and for good reason. This unprecedented lens is a great option for wildlife and sports photographers allowing you to capture subjects both really far away and relatively close without the need to change lenses.
This lens will fit the needs of many Nikon photographers far and wide whether you’re shooting wildlife, sports, or anything else requiring a very flexible and broad zoom range. Let’s discuss some more details.
Build and Handling
When it comes to the build and handling of this lens, Nikon made sure not to cut any corners. This lens covers a massive range of focal lengths, but the designers ensured that it would be easy to use, especially when handheld.
To start, the zooming mechanics are entirely contained within the lens meaning that when you zoom in and out the length of the lens remains the same as opposed to the Sigma 60-600mm offering and many other competing lenses which drastically extend outward when zooming. You also only need to rotate the zoom ring a mere 70 degrees to cover the entire range which makes it easy to zoom in and out without fumbling or changing your grip on the lens.
The NIKKOR 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 comes with a customizable control ring and customizable function buttons allowing you to change settings such as ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and more with ease. On top of that, this lens is built to last with a durable design, a weather-sealed barrel, and a flouring coating on the front element. The lens has a rotating tripod collar that can easily be removed or swapped if necessary and, of course, this lens is compatible with both the 1.4x and 2x z-series teleconverters to extend the reach that much more.
Another notable feature is that this lens is relatively compact and lightweight for such a massive range of focal lengths. With its internal zoom design and compact build, you’ll be able to shoot handheld for longer, and transporting this lens will be much easier than carrying a large and heavy super-telephoto prime.
Nikon has developed a great lens with a really solid and durable build quality that handles very nicely and intuitively that will perform great in a variety of conditions.
Performance
Let’s take a look at how this lens performs. It may not be an S-line lens, but regardless it is impressive, to say the least. Especially when you consider its approachable price point of only $1,700. This lens will be able to capture far away and small subjects in a wide range of situations and conditions.
You’ll be able to capture very fast-moving subjects with the STM stepping motor that provides fast, smooth, and quiet autofocus capabilities. Whether you're shooting sports videos or photographing birds in flight the autofocus system in this lens will get the job done without wobbling and jumping.
This lens will also work great in low-light conditions with a solid minimum aperture of f/5.6-6.3 and exceptional image stabilization or vibration reduction (VR). This built-in optical stabilization compensates for camera shake and allows for a stabilization effect equivalent to 5.5 stops. This will allow you to shoot at longer shutter speeds and reduce any unwanted noise from high ISO settings.
When it comes to the optical design of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm, there’s nothing to complain about and Nikon has created a crystal clear and razor-sharp lens yet again. This lens features six extra-low dispersion elements that will effectively eliminate chromatic aberrations and color fringing. The lens features an aspherical element that minimizes distortion and enables the lens to be lightweight and compact.
This new lens from Nikon is designed to capture action and distant subjects in great detail and clarity. If you’re a wildlife or sports photographer using the Nikon mirrorless system and want a flexible super-telephoto zoom lens, then this is what you’ve been waiting for.
NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens
Key Specifications
Nikon has also released another exciting lens that pairs up perfectly with their 180-600mm offering. This additional release is a 70-180mm f/2.8 lens that covers a nice range in focal length, maintains a fast aperture of f2.8 across the board, and effectively fills any gap between a normal lens and a super-telephoto. With a lightweight and compact design, a versatile range in zoom and focal length, as well as a great minimum focus distance and solid close focusing performance this is yet another great lens released for the Nikon Z-series.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key specifications and technical aspects of this lens.
Build and Handling
This is a very lightweight and compact lens that won’t burden users who are shooting for prolonged periods of time or carrying their gear long distances. You’ll be able to pack it away without taking up too much room in your camera bag and this lens won’t add any significant weight when shooting handheld.
On top of that the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens is designed to be used in a wide range of conditions and environments. Whether you’re shooting in the desert or on a rainy day in a humid climate the lens features a robust dust and weather-sealed design.
This lens also features an entirely internal focusing design meaning that as you change focal lengths the lens remains at a fixed length and won’t extend outwards. This is nice as the distribution of weight within the lens isn’t changing and there’s less room for dust or other particles to get inside and reduce performance.
You can also, of course, use this lens with either 1.4x or 2x teleconverters to extend your focal length while still maintaining relatively wide apertures.
This lens is designed and built well to meet Nikon’s standards and is easy to handle and control whether you’re capturing still images or shooting smooth video.
Performance
Let’s talk about how this lens performs and what it’s capable of. Nikon has released another very versatile lens that can be used to capture a wide range of subjects in many different lighting and environmental conditions.
One of the most interesting features of this lens is its close-focusing performance. Of course, this is a great telephoto-zoom lens that will capture far-off subjects very effectively, but it also performs great when focusing on small objects very close by. Fully zoomed out at 70mm this lens can focus on objects as close as 1 inch away and fully zoomed in at 180mm that distance is still an impressive 2.8 inches. Being able to capture small details incredibly close adds to the versatility of this impressive new lens from Nikon.
On top of that, this lens is very bright and fast with an impressive minimum aperture of f/2.8 across all focal lengths. This enables photographers to isolate subjects from backgrounds, can produce stunning bokeh effects, and utilize the lens effectively in low-light situations.
This lens also features a very solid STM stepping motor ensuring fast, accurate, smooth, and very quiet autofocus capabilities. No need to worry about wobbling or jumping while filming videos with the 70-180mm f/2.8. You’ll also be able to easily switch between autofocus and manual with the lenses A/M (Auto-Priority Manual Mode)
This lens can capture images with very sharp clarity and maintain fine details at any focal length. It features a combination of one super ED, five ED elements and three aspherical elements effectively eliminating chromatic aberrations and any sort of optical distortion. The aspherical elements also enable this lens to be smaller and more compact which is always nice.
Overall, this is yet another great lens from Nikon and you’ll be able to capture all sorts of images with flexibility and ease.
Key Specifications
- Price: $1,250 USD
- Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
- Fast Telephoto Zoom
- Internal Focusing Design
- STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
- One Super ED and Five ED Glass Elements
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Dust and Weather-Sealed Design
- Lightweight and Compact Form Factor
Nikon has also released another exciting lens that pairs up perfectly with their 180-600mm offering. This additional release is a 70-180mm f/2.8 lens that covers a nice range in focal length, maintains a fast aperture of f2.8 across the board, and effectively fills any gap between a normal lens and a super-telephoto. With a lightweight and compact design, a versatile range in zoom and focal length, as well as a great minimum focus distance and solid close focusing performance this is yet another great lens released for the Nikon Z-series.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the key specifications and technical aspects of this lens.
Build and Handling
This is a very lightweight and compact lens that won’t burden users who are shooting for prolonged periods of time or carrying their gear long distances. You’ll be able to pack it away without taking up too much room in your camera bag and this lens won’t add any significant weight when shooting handheld.
On top of that the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens is designed to be used in a wide range of conditions and environments. Whether you’re shooting in the desert or on a rainy day in a humid climate the lens features a robust dust and weather-sealed design.
This lens also features an entirely internal focusing design meaning that as you change focal lengths the lens remains at a fixed length and won’t extend outwards. This is nice as the distribution of weight within the lens isn’t changing and there’s less room for dust or other particles to get inside and reduce performance.
You can also, of course, use this lens with either 1.4x or 2x teleconverters to extend your focal length while still maintaining relatively wide apertures.
This lens is designed and built well to meet Nikon’s standards and is easy to handle and control whether you’re capturing still images or shooting smooth video.
Performance
Let’s talk about how this lens performs and what it’s capable of. Nikon has released another very versatile lens that can be used to capture a wide range of subjects in many different lighting and environmental conditions.
One of the most interesting features of this lens is its close-focusing performance. Of course, this is a great telephoto-zoom lens that will capture far-off subjects very effectively, but it also performs great when focusing on small objects very close by. Fully zoomed out at 70mm this lens can focus on objects as close as 1 inch away and fully zoomed in at 180mm that distance is still an impressive 2.8 inches. Being able to capture small details incredibly close adds to the versatility of this impressive new lens from Nikon.
On top of that, this lens is very bright and fast with an impressive minimum aperture of f/2.8 across all focal lengths. This enables photographers to isolate subjects from backgrounds, can produce stunning bokeh effects, and utilize the lens effectively in low-light situations.
This lens also features a very solid STM stepping motor ensuring fast, accurate, smooth, and very quiet autofocus capabilities. No need to worry about wobbling or jumping while filming videos with the 70-180mm f/2.8. You’ll also be able to easily switch between autofocus and manual with the lenses A/M (Auto-Priority Manual Mode)
This lens can capture images with very sharp clarity and maintain fine details at any focal length. It features a combination of one super ED, five ED elements and three aspherical elements effectively eliminating chromatic aberrations and any sort of optical distortion. The aspherical elements also enable this lens to be smaller and more compact which is always nice.
Overall, this is yet another great lens from Nikon and you’ll be able to capture all sorts of images with flexibility and ease.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, Nikon has done it again and released two awesome lenses at very reasonable and approachable price points. These lenses complement each other very nicely and fill a very wide focal length range of 70-600mm if used together. Nikon mirrorless users have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a great super-telephoto zoom lens the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 has delivered. I anticipate this to be a very popular lens and predict that photographers shooting in many different styles and conditions will love it. Whether you’re looking to capture small subjects very close by in stunning detail or a fast-moving subject very far away in tack-sharp detail, I think you’ll be impressed with the new two newest lenses for the Nikon Z-series.
To wrap things up, Nikon has done it again and released two awesome lenses at very reasonable and approachable price points. These lenses complement each other very nicely and fill a very wide focal length range of 70-600mm if used together. Nikon mirrorless users have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a great super-telephoto zoom lens the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 has delivered. I anticipate this to be a very popular lens and predict that photographers shooting in many different styles and conditions will love it. Whether you’re looking to capture small subjects very close by in stunning detail or a fast-moving subject very far away in tack-sharp detail, I think you’ll be impressed with the new two newest lenses for the Nikon Z-series.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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