Considering purchase - Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 lens

[Keithmac]

I have the 180-600 and have been very happy with the image quality and the versatility of the lens. I also have the 400mm 4.5 and the 800PF and find both of those lenses excellent but at times the versatility of the zoom works best. It is light enough to use hand held, I have mine on a Peak Design strap with the QR adapter and have carried it for up to 4 hours with no problem. I am also 76 years old.
As far as the lens foot being an issue I found a replacement that I have been very happy with. I found it on Ebay and it is made by Haoge, it seems to be very sturdy and easy to use and also comes with the QR socket, and is Arca Swiss compatible. It is also very affordable with a price of $70.99 US on Ebay. There is also one that is made by Ishoot and I didn't find that one acceptable quality compared to the Haoge.

 

[John Navitsky]

i think if you are interested in the versatility of a zoom and it fits your needed focal range, it’s kinda a nobrainer.

the big thing to remember about the 180-600 is it isn’t light.

 

[ARClark]

I have the 180-600 and have been very happy with the image quality and the versatility of the lens. I also have the 400mm 4.5 and the 800PF and find both of those lenses excellent but at times the versatility of the zoom works best. It is light enough to use hand held, I have mine on a Peak Design strap with the QR adapter and have carried it for up to 4 hours with no problem. I am also 76 years old.
As far as the lens foot being an issue I found a replacement that I have been very happy with. I found it on Ebay and it is made by Haoge, it seems to be very sturdy and easy to use and also comes with the QR socket, and is Arca Swiss compatible. It is also very affordable with a price of $70.99 US on Ebay. There is also one that is made by Ishoot and I didn't find that one acceptable quality compared to the Haoge.

I used to use Kirk and RRS for foot replacements, L brackets, etc. They’ll last a lifetime. But after upgrading digital cameras every few years since 2005, I turned to much less expensive but functional brands. I’ve used and been very satisfied with Haoge. Have also found Sunway and Ishoot to be satisfactory for some applications.

 

[Dmacfarl]

Thanks Wink! I’m 70 and also retired (twice), so I know what you mean about “fixed income”. Even though I sell a print every now and then, it’s just for fun….my passion! The days of not thinking for a moment about spending several thousand dollars on “fun” have finally past. And sharpness….well, let’s just say it depends on the pdescription of the glasses…!

Great, versatile lens. Great price too. ...BUT. It is HEAVY ! Monopod with a gimbal for long sessions for sure...

 

[James C.]

I've had my 180-600mm for three months and been using it on my Z8. Prior to that, I had been using my 500 PF with the FTZ II adapter on my Z8.

In my experience, I have found that the image quality is quite good. Maybe not quite as sharp as the 500 PF when at 500 or 600mm, but pretty close, and certainly acceptable.

I think that the AF (even before the 2.0 firmware (FW) update) is noticeably faster than the 500 PF with the adapter. With the 2.0 FW update, the AF is VERY fast and I feel almost as if I have a new camera!

The only drawback is the weight. At 4.7 pounds, it IS heavy. And since I handhold exclusively, it can be tiring if you're holding it waiting for a bird or animal to do something. But the short throw of the zoom ring, and the fact that it doesn't extend when zooming, changing the balance in your hand, make it a great choice.

 

[Karl Gillard]

I have the 180-600 and have been very happy with the image quality and the versatility of the lens. I also have the 400mm 4.5 and the 800PF and find both of those lenses excellent but at times the versatility of the zoom works best. It is light enough to use hand held, I have mine on a Peak Design strap with the QR adapter and have carried it for up to 4 hours with no problem. I am also 76 years old.
As far as the lens foot being an issue I found a replacement that I have been very happy with. I found it on Ebay and it is made by Haoge, it seems to be very sturdy and easy to use and also comes with the QR socket, and is Arca Swiss compatible. It is also very affordable with a price of $70.99 US on Ebay. There is also one that is made by Ishoot and I didn't find that one acceptable quality compared to the Haoge.

Appreciate the info, Keith! I have my order in at B&H Photo, but it appears there’s a back order on these. Checked a few other places, but they were out of stock too. I have an 800mm f5.6, which I really like, but I’ll probably have to sell due to some upcoming wrist/arm surgeries that will limit weight I’ll be able to handle for quite awhile.

 

[Karl Gillard]

I've had my 180-600mm for three months and been using it on my Z8. Prior to that, I had been using my 500 PF with the FTZ II adapter on my Z8.

In my experience, I have found that the image quality is quite good. Maybe not quite as sharp as the 500 PF when at 500 or 600mm, but pretty close, and certainly acceptable.

I think that the AF (even before the 2.0 firmware (FW) update) is noticeably faster than the 500 PF with the adapter. With the 2.0 FW update, the AF is VERY fast and I feel almost as if I have a new camera!

The only drawback is the weight. At 4.7 pounds, it IS heavy. And since I handhold exclusively, it can be tiring if you're holding it waiting for a bird or animal to do something. But the short throw of the zoom ring, and the fact that it doesn't extend when zooming, changing the balance in your hand, make it a great choice.

Thanks for the info James! I have a 500PF also, but may sell once I finally get the 180-600. Regarding weight, I have an 800mm f/5.6 that has been my “go to” lens, but upcoming surgeries will probably necessitate that I sell it also due to weight. I used to have the 200-500mm and shot handheld all the time. It appears the 180-600 is slightly lighter, so shouldn’t be a problem.

 

[Charles Loy]

I've had my 180-600mm for three months and been using it on my Z8. Prior to that, I had been using my 500 PF with the FTZ II adapter on my Z8.

In my experience, I have found that the image quality is quite good. Maybe not quite as sharp as the 500 PF when at 500 or 600mm, but pretty close, and certainly acceptable.

I can agree that mine is just slightly less sharp (if any less) than the 500 PF.. just a toss-up actually.
But the 500PF is a fixed focal lens that cost more than twice the price of the 180-600 - something to consider

 

[Woodpecker]

IMHO you can't go wrong with it. All I can do is confirm the statements of numerous reviews.
We all know that zooms require some compromise compared to primes, but real world experience as well as lab tests show that resolurion fugures are not everything.
My friend (retired pro photographer now doing nature full time) is used to shooting top primes on pro bodies for decades now and he is happy shooting the 180-600 side by side with his Z 400 f2.8 TC. Of course f/6.3 becomes na issue in difficult lighting situations, but apart from that - great.
I got it following his recommendation haven't regretted it a single moment. I shoot with it side by side with an adapted AF-S 500 f4 G. Yes, there are differences in the lab tests, but in the field there are so many other factors that have an impact on getting a (good) shot or not, that I have no problem with it - atleast on the level I am shooting. Since I have it, my 500 f4 stays at homefar more often, unless I go for stationary shooting from a tent or hide with the lighing conditions being known to boe critical, so that I depend on being able to shoot wide open at 500 mm f4 instead of 6 or 700 f5.6 instead of 600 f6.3

I can only confirm what @Steve said: The combination of IQ it can deliver despite of the price tag in combination with this level of flexibility and agility in using it is really hard to beat. It is just great for spending a day outside, hiking around and let the moments come to you. I am not yet 70 but still - for other reasons - getting to the point where lugging 5kg monsters around is not mine any more, but there is still a glimmer of hope that I will be able to afford one of the Z 400 f2.8 TC marvels, before it's too late - it would probably be the last super tele prime of my life and in this case there is no room for compromise .

 

[mikeroelaf]

Good afternoon all! I’m considering purchase of the Nikon 180-600mm lens (when available) for use with my Z9 camera. Anyone that has one, I’d appreciate any comments as to whether you like it or not, sharpness,quality, etc. I’m located in SW Louisiana and know of no one that has one to look at, so your honest opinions matter. Thanks much! Karl

I hve the Z180-600 lens and live in Lafayette. you're welcome to come to our camera club meeting (Lafayette Photographic Society) on 2nd and 4th Mondays and I'll bring it for you to inspect. If you like, come to the GSCCC Annual conference April 11-13, register for the Saturday swamp tour and I'll let you use it!

 

[Lance B]

For its price, size and weight, the 180-600 is a fabulous lens.

This is one of a 32 shot flight sequence that are all razor sharp:

Z9 + Z 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1400

32 shot flight sequence here:

32 Shot Flight Sequence of Peregrine Falcon by Lance B

pbase.com

click on image and then under the photo go to "original" or "Auto" for best image size.

Various focal lengths:

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/3200s f/6.0 at 290.0mm iso1000

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/500s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1600

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/1250s f/8.0 at 440.0mm iso1100

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/1250s f/8.0 at 250.0mm iso900

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/125s f/6.3 at 410.0mm iso2800

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/8.0 at 600.0mm iso1000

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/400s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso560

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/3200s f/7.1 at 600.0mm iso1400

Z 180-600 f5.6-6.5 VR gallery:

Nikon Z 180-600 f5.6-6.3 by Lance B

pbase.com

 

[Activert]

Good afternoon all! I’m considering purchase of the Nikon 180-600mm lens (when available) for use with my Z9 camera. Anyone that has one, I’d appreciate any comments as to whether you like it or not, sharpness,quality, etc. I’m located in SW Louisiana and know of no one that has one to look at, so your honest opinions matter. Thanks much! Karl

I have it and I like it. I have the 600 tc, and I love it. But I also love the versatility of the 180-600 mm. I shot with it last week and it is really very sharp lens and a good deal for what cost this lens.

 

[Karl Gillard]

For its price, size and weight, the 180-600 is a fabulous lens.

This is one of a 32 shot flight sequence that are all razor sharp:

Z9 + Z 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1400

32 shot flight sequence here:

32 Shot Flight Sequence of Peregrine Falcon by Lance B

pbase.com

click on image and then under the photo go to "original" or "Auto" for best image size.

Various focal lengths:

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/3200s f/6.0 at 290.0mm iso1000

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/500s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1600

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/1250s f/8.0 at 440.0mm iso1100

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/1250s f/8.0 at 250.0mm iso900

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/125s f/6.3 at 410.0mm iso2800

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/8.0 at 600.0mm iso1000

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/400s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso560

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/3200s f/7.1 at 600.0mm iso1400

Z 180-600 f5.6-6.5 VR gallery:

Nikon Z 180-600 f5.6-6.3 by Lance B

pbase.com

Excellent examples, Lance! Thanks!

 

[Lance B]

Excellent examples, Lance! Thanks!

Thank you very much, Karl. Much appreciated!

 

[JAJohnson]

For its price, size and weight, the 180-600 is a fabulous lens.

This is one of a 32 shot flight sequence that are all razor sharp:

Z9 + Z 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1400

32 shot flight sequence here:

32 Shot Flight Sequence of Peregrine Falcon by Lance B

pbase.com

click on image and then under the photo go to "original" or "Auto" for best image size.

Various focal lengths:

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/3200s f/6.0 at 290.0mm iso1000

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/500s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1600

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/1250s f/8.0 at 440.0mm iso1100

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/1250s f/8.0 at 250.0mm iso900

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/125s f/6.3 at 410.0mm iso2800

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/8.0 at 600.0mm iso1000

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/400s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso560

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/3200s f/7.1 at 600.0mm iso1400

Z 180-600 f5.6-6.5 VR gallery:

Nikon Z 180-600 f5.6-6.3 by Lance B

pbase.com

These are exceptionally beautiful photos, @Lance B! Thank you for sharing them.

 

[James C.]

Appreciate the info, Keith! I have my order in at B&H Photo, but it appears there’s a back order on these. Checked a few other places, but they were out of stock too. I have an 800mm f5.6, which I really like, but I’ll probably have to sell due to some upcoming wrist/arm surgeries that will limit weight I’ll be able to handle for quite awhile.

I should add that I had pre-ordered my 180-600mm in early July of last year and I didn't receive it until mid-December. A wait of almost 5 and a half months! Perhaps by now the wait is shorter, but be prepared to wait.

 

[Lance B]

These are exceptionally beautiful photos, @Lance B! Thank you for sharing them.

Thank you very much, JAJohnson. Much appreciated!

 

[RichF]

I like my lens. I have not done a sharpness test but so far I am happy with it. Any problems are easily fixed it post. THen again I limit my prints to 16x25 or smaller

 

[Activert]

For its price, size and weight, the 180-600 is a fabulous lens.

This is one of a 32 shot flight sequence that are all razor sharp:

Z9 + Z 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1400

32 shot flight sequence here:

32 Shot Flight Sequence of Peregrine Falcon by Lance B

pbase.com

click on image and then under the photo go to "original" or "Auto" for best image size.

Various focal lengths:

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/3200s f/6.0 at 290.0mm iso1000

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/500s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso1600

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/1250s f/8.0 at 440.0mm iso1100

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/1250s f/8.0 at 250.0mm iso900

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/125s f/6.3 at 410.0mm iso2800

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/4000s f/8.0 at 600.0mm iso1000

Z8 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/400s f/6.3 at 600.0mm iso560

Z9 + 180-600 f5.6-6.3 VR, 1/3200s f/7.1 at 600.0mm iso1400

Z 180-600 f5.6-6.5 VR gallery:

Nikon Z 180-600 f5.6-6.3 by Lance B

pbase.com

Wow! Now I am much happier to have this lens. I used only one time since I got it 4 months ago. Beautiful shots! Bravo!

 

[Lance B]

Wow! Now I am much happier to have this lens. I used only one time since I got it 4 months ago. Beautiful shots! Bravo!

Thank you very much, Activert. Much appreciated!

 

[jimfromno]

I received my Z 180-600mm about 2 months ago and I shoot with a Z9. I'm looking forward to warbler season which is coming up soon as this is the perfect lens for it. I haven't used it a lot because it's still basically winter where I live but it won't be long. I have a 500mm PF that I plan on keeping and also a Z100-400mm which is a nice lens. The 180-600mm is a heavy lens and when combined with the Z9 shooting for several hours hand held is going to be a workout. I'm 70 going on 71 but I'm still strong. I would definitely recommend getting the lens. I would also recommend buying through Nikon. That's what I did. They came thru where other vendors didn't and I was on waiting lists for 4-6 months. I would get on more than one list and who ever comes in first wins and cancel the others.

 

[Karl Gillard]

I received my Z 180-600mm about 2 months ago and I shoot with a Z9. I'm looking forward to warbler season which is coming up soon as this is the perfect lens for it. I haven't used it a lot because it's still basically winter where I live but it won't be long. I have a 500mm PF that I plan on keeping and also a Z100-400mm which is a nice lens. The 180-600mm is a heavy lens and when combined with the Z9 shooting for several hours hand held is going to be a workout. I'm 70 going on 71 but I'm still strong. I would definitely recommend getting the lens. I would also recommend buying through Nikon. That's what I did. They came thru where other vendors didn't and I was on waiting lists for 4-6 months. I would get on more than one list and who ever comes in first wins and cancel the others.

Thanks for the reply Jim! I’m 70 also and was looking at the weight. It’s lighter than the 200-500 I had and the Z9 a bit lighter than my D5. I shot the D5/200-500 almost entirely handheld, so I’m figuring my Z9/180-600 shouldn’t be too bad.