Nikon 200-600 Interest?

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Since more than one person is comparing it to the Nikon F 200-500, I will throw in my two cents (take it or leave it). My brother (who now uses Z9) had a 200-500 when he was F mount and was never happy with the image quality and got rid of it. A few months ago I ordered a 200-500 in an attempt to get back to one system, with the intent of selling my Sony 200-600 since all my other gear was Nikon F. As soon as I got it I did comparison shots at a few different equivalent focal lenghts and settings, all on a tripod with fast aperture. I even downsized the Nikon D850 files to the same pixel count as my Sony A74 to make it match. In every single instance, without exception, the Sony images were dramatically sharper (when enlarged to actual pixels). I sent it back and ordered a Nikon 80-400 and did the same tests and it was much sharper. It was not quite on par with the Sony, but much closer.

Though I was going to sell the Sony (and even had it listed here for about a month), I finally decided there are times I need 600mm and the lens is just too good to give up. So I flipped and sold all my Nikon F gear instead (to KEH and I expect the check to arrive today). Though I love Sony lenses I am not crazy about the body ergonomics (the aperture dial being on top instead of on back is a bad design IMO). So when the check arrives I am going to my local dealer to order Z8. I will continue to use two systems for now, though when Nikon eventually releases a 200-600 (sometime around the year 2035) I may switch to all Nikon Z. Mirrorless lenses are inherently sharper than SLR lenses, so I am sure the upcoming 200-600 will be fine even if it's non-S. I have a feeling the S designation may be as much for build and weather sealing as it is for sharpness. Since I don't shoot in severe conditions that is not a concern for me.
 
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Really looking to upgrade from a Tamron 150-600mm G2. So still seriously considering this lens. Tend to prefer zooms so not changing lenses or carrying 2 camera bodies all the time. Will depend on what Nikon comes up with - $, internal vs external zoom, IQ, etc.. If not matching what Sony offers, would then consider getting the Sony with adapter. Really hope that Nikon surprises all of us with a good high quality - even if not S- lens that won't break the bank.
 
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NWGuy said:
Really looking to upgrade from a Tamron 150-600mm G2. So still seriously considering this lens. Tend to prefer zooms so not changing lenses or carrying 2 camera bodies all the time. Will depend on what Nikon comes up with - $, internal vs external zoom, IQ, etc.. If not matching what Sony offers, would then consider getting the Sony with adapter. Really hope that Nikon surprises all of us with a good high quality - even if not S- lens that won't break the bank.
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I would also look at the sigma both the 150-600 sport and the 60-600 sport
 
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For me, the 100-400 leaves to big a gap to the 800PF. I'm not particularly a fan of dealing with TC's and the loss of light. So for me, my wildlife kit will be a 200-600 and the 800PF which I already have.

The 200-600 should be announced sometime during the 4th quarter this year. It's not going to be an S line lens but as long as it's as sharp as my 500PF was and an internal zoom, then it's a go. If not, I may decide to go with a used Sony 200-600G with the Megadapt 2.1 ETZ adapter. Anna same about $500-$700 or so
 
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EricKlees said:
For me, the 100-400 leaves to big a gap to the 800PF. I'm not particularly a fan of dealing with TC's and the loss of light. So for me, my wildlife kit will be a 200-600 and the 800PF which I already have.

The 200-600 should be announced sometime during the 4th quarter this year. It's not going to be an S line lens but as long as it's as sharp as my 500PF was and an internal zoom, then it's a go. If not, I may decide to go with a used Sony 200-600G with the Megadapt 2.1 ETZ adapter. Anna same about $500-$700 or so
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Asking for it to be as sharp as the 500PF might be unrealistic. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, though :)
 
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Nikon would be smart to release the 200-600 as from what I've observed with Sony shooters it has acted as a gateway lens to many spending way more on big GM primes.
Some continue on with the 200-600 as there main lens either due to weight and/or cost of the big primes but so many of my friends tried out the Sony system with the 200-600 and then ended up buying either a 600GM or 400GM (or in some cases both). Nikon may drive more people into the Z system and get some more sales for the 400TC and 600TC in the process by releasing a ~$2K 200-600 similar to Sony.

I will add though...of all my friends who entered Sony with a 200-600 and now own a 400 or 600 prime, three of us (including myself) have subsequently sold off our 200-600s and the other guys rarely touch theirs anymore.
 
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The lack of that lens was my main decision for leaving Nikon after many years and it is a very versatile zoom for sure. I did end up buying the 600 prime as arbitrage stated above, but I still use the 200 600 quite often for insects and I think it’s a better video lens as well than the prime personally. I also take it out quite frequently when I just want to grab something light and not lug around the large prime, because in good light, it is a stellar lens for sure.
 
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This comment is not aimed at any member on this forum (or off this forum)
How do you know someone shoots with a Prime - they tell you
(just the same as a Vegan :D and a Z8 shooter )

Don't assume the Z180-600 is only aimed at those who can't afford a prime.

The thing - as lovely as a prime might be - cost is not the reason I want the Z180-600. It is ONLY about the focal range. If that lens comes in at double or triple the price of the Sony - I will still buy it. There simply isn't another lens with that focal range available in the Nikon stable.

Like someone else said - it's only an opinion - feel free to disagree

Elsa
Z8 Z9 ZZZ
 
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If we consider the the high standard to which Nikon has designed and built its "Non-S" aka "Consumer" Z-mount lenses.... well the closest proxy if probably the 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR as an indicator of a telephoto zoom. They comprised on S LIne features, including lens speed, and a single STM motor etc, but not the optics. In comparison, the designers did not cheat on the optics of the 200-500 f5.6E either.

This Z 24-200 would likely have been a lens of choice of the late Galen Rowell to gallop around the Himalayas to capture images of fleeting rainbows.

Considering the price, the technology sets a high standard. Pixel peepers can agonize and quibble over the MTF data; nevertheless, as Thom Hogan points out, it does not have a glaring fault. The Z system engineers are unlikely to have dodged around high quality optics in the forthcoming 180-600. They simply cannot afford to.

Consider the "S Line features" that Nikon has actually built into the Z 24-200:
2 ED glass and 2 aspherical lens elements, an aspherical ED glass element;
ARNEO Coat as a first in a non-S-Line lens "achieving clear images with less ghost and flare...";
a fluorine coating to protect the external glass surfaces;
in built VR that confers Synchro VR with IBIS on;
E type diaphragm
dust and drip resistant build

NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR | Z mount Lenses | Nikon Consumer

imaging.nikon.com

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I haven’t really bought much…yet…about this lens…because we really don’t know that much about it. Depends on size/weight, internal/external, aperture, reviews, and how sharp it is relative to my use cases, does it take the TCs…along with cost. If it’s as good as the 400/4.5 with the Tc C at the long end…I could see it possibly replacing my current wildlife outing lens duopoly in some situations. I generally am a fair weather shooter so the better sealing in the S line over the pretty good sealing in the non S line isn’t a super big deal for me. But…until we actually know something it hasn’t warranted much speculation on my part.
 
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I have the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4, which I feel is great with the z9 and ftzii.
I just recently upgraded to z s line 18-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8.
I am going to have a hell of a decision to make. Will come down to testing and reviews primarily on f range and sharpness, focus.
I do need a zoom across the 200-600 range, so fixed focal length doesn’t really work for me.
 
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Hmmmm.... I once thought I wanted the 200-500/600. I started a wait list at my favorite brick and mortar store about 2 years ago! LOL! However, the 100-400 with 1.4 tele is 560mm. And now that I have the 600mm TC.....well.....I'm having trouble finding a want/need for a super zoom. YMMV....
 
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More rumours of its imminent arrival

".... And finally, a rumor from yours truly. I’ve long awaited the day that the Nikon 200-600mm lens’s spot on the Nikon roadmap will turn from a mirage into a reality. Based on what I hear from reliable sources, we will be able to take it out into the field as early as this summer."
photographylife.com

Photography News: Three New Lenses, Huge Canon Sales

photographylife.com photographylife.com
 
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The 200-600mm zoom with very good IQ that can be handheld is very important to me as a birder. I am a big believer in the trinity and the 200-600mm is the lens I need after the 70-200mm f/2.8 As I have posted before, I got tired of waiting for Nikon and picked up a Megadap 211 Z to E adapter and a Sony 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 zoom. The combination has performed very well on my Z9 and I did not have to go through another spring migration with the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 with FTZII adapter. Not a bad lens, but not near as good as the Sony 200-600mm. It will be interesting to see if the Nikon version is as good as the Sony version. I plan on picking up the Nikon 800mm when it becomes readily available. Who knows when, but the trinity, a 200-600mm and 800mm with a teleconverter or two and a few fast primes (wides, normals, portrait and macro) gets me to where I want to go and all without spending $13k to $15.5k on fixed focal length telephotos with built in teleconverters.
 
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This is an interesting question for me. I have the 100-400 and my 1.4TC was not right on my Z9 so it was returned. I am tempted to try another. I guess the 200-600 will be a bit faster at the long end so if the image quality is good that may be a reason to get it instead.
 
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BillW said:
I have the Z 100-400 and the two Z TCs. The Z 100-400 becomes a nice 140-560, f8 at the long end, with the Z 1.4x TC. I also have the Z 400 f4.5 and Z 800 mm PF, along with the 500 mm PF. So not sure I will have a need for the Z 180/200-600 mm lens. I am interested to see the weight, size and performance of the 180/200-600 lens. Even if I may not want it, I think it is an important lens for Nikon to get out. It’s very delayed as is.
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My exact thoughts. 200-600 F5.6 S would be a great addition to the Nikon Z line. Any thoughts on a tilt/shift Z lens?
 
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Nikondale said:
My exact thoughts. 200-600 F5.6 S would be a great addition to the Nikon Z line. Any thoughts on a tilt/shift Z lens?
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I have the 19 mm T/S lens. It works great on my Z7II with an FTZ/FTZII. (Haven't tried it on a Z9 or Z8 yet.) I probably don't use it enough to justify replacing it with a Z version, if Nikon makes one. And it is a very good lens even with the F mount. I expect Nikon will make T/S lenses in the Z mount, but who knows when.
 
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