Nikon has announced the new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8. These are two new super telephoto NIKKOR Z lenses for enthusiasts that have good focal ranges in a lightweight design.
The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is a good budget option for those users who want to capture wildlife, nature, aviation, etc. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 completes Nikon’s trio of affordable f/2.8 zooms.
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is a modernized follow-up to the popular F-mount AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6. The F-mount AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6 was a very popular lens with Nikon shooters given its low price and long focal reach.
The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR improves upon its old F-mount cousin by giving users a lightweight, high-performance super-telephoto lens with an even more versatile focal range. According to Nikon, it features fast AF performance, superior handling, and balance that never shifts because of its internal zoom.
The 180-600mm weighs in at 1955 g (4.3 lbs) and for those wanting to shoot video, it has a click-less control ring that supports the smooth operation and minimizes operational noise. Nikon also claims that it has effective suppression of focus breathing.
The lens also features a minimum focus distance of 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) at 180mm.
Key features
- Super lightweight lens that is easily hand-holdable, weighing just 1955 g (4.3 lbs)
- Covers an extremely broad focal range, from a versatile 180mm to an extreme 600mm. This is equivalent to 270-900mm when DX crop is engaged.
- A short minimum focus distance of 4.3 ft (1.3m) at the wide-angle and 7.9 ft (2.4m) at the telephoto position.
- Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization performance equivalent to a 5.5-stop increase in shutter speed effectively reduces blurring in dimly lit surroundings and/or with handheld shooting.
- Utilization of a stepping motor (STM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing.
- Internal zoom mechanism maintains balance, increases zooming stability and dust resistant performance.
- Customizable Fn buttons at the front end of the lens barrel are easy to use when shooting handheld.
- Designed with consideration for dust and drip resistance, in addition to an antifouling fluorine coating on the front lens element enables easy removal of dust and dirt.
- Ideal for video recording with a click-less control ring that supports smooth operation and minimizes operational noise, as well as the effective suppression of focus breathing.
- Maintains superior resolution when using the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× to extend the maximum focal length to as much as 840 mm or 1200 mm, respectively.
- Construction of 25 elements in 17 groups, using six ED glass elements effectively compensate for chromatic aberration, with nine aperture blades for a round, natural bokeh.
- Extremely short ring throw of only 70 degrees to adjust from the widest to longest focal length.
NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8
The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 looks to be a good option for photographers and videographers who are looking for a fast and affordable telephoto zoom. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 joins the recently released 28-75mm f/2.8 and 17-28mm f/2.8, rounding out the trio of affordable and compact f/2.8 zooms.
The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is approximately 40% smaller when compared to the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8, but offers a similar versatile focal range. The lens weighs 795 g (1.75 lbs).
The lens has been optimized for video with suppressed focus breathing and near-silent focusing. The customizable control ring can be programmed to gradually change the aperture, ISO, and focus.
Key features
- Extremely compact and lightweight, weighing in at only 795 g (1.75 lbs)
- Excellent ability for close-ups with a minimum focus distance of 0.27m (at 70mm) and 0.85m (at 180mm).
- Optimized for video with suppressed focus breathing and near-silent focusing.
- Customizable control ring can be programmed to gradually change the aperture, ISO, and focus.
- Fast autofocus with a stepping motor (STM) that supports quick focusing on moving subjects for both stills and video.
- Dust- and drip-resistant design with an antifouling coating on the front-most surface of the lens. Lens construction consists of 19 elements in 14 groups including five ED elements, one Super ED element, and three aspherical elements which help to suppress chromatic aberration and flaring.
- Use of the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× extends the maximum focal length to 252 mm or 360 mm, respectively4. When the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× is attached, the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.96⨯, which is close to life-size reproduction.
Price & Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens will be available in August 2023 for $1695.95 USD while the new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens will be available in mid-July for $1246.95 USD.
