Nikon 180-600 Official Announcement / Discussion Thread

[DRM]

I would love to know how many of these lenses they will have ready for distribution when they start shipping. In fact - as a matter of interest - I wonder what has been their best selling lens to date and where the 180-600 will be placed.

Here’s the Nikon lens serial number tracking site referenced by others.

Nikon Lenses

The lens looks great but the further we get from announcement the easier it is for me to wait for a lighter weight 600 mm prime alternative. Nikon followed the 200-500 with the 500 PF and shortly followed the 100-400 S release with the 400 f/4.5, and seeing that they’ve had a patent for a 600 PF for sometime, I believe the lighter weight alternative is coming, and fairly soon. Soon enough for me to wait given that the Z9 and its crop resolution makes it easier for me to manage with a 400 mm length.

 

[Geoff_G]

Here’s the Nikon lens serial number tracking site referenced by others.

Nikon Lenses

The lens looks great but the further we get from announcement the easier it is for me to wait for a lighter weight 600 mm prime alternative. Nikon followed the 200-500 with the 500 PF and shortly followed the 100-400 S release with the 400 f/4.5, and seeing that they’ve had a patent for a 600 PF for sometime, I believe the lighter weight alternative is coming, and fairly soon. Soon enough for me to wait given that the Z9 and its crop resolution makes it easier for me to manage with a 400 mm length.

I have no interest in the 180-600 but I would be on the preorder list for a 600PF...I hope it happens...

 

[Photographer_Bill]

Here’s the Nikon lens serial number tracking site referenced by others.

Nikon Lenses

The lens looks great but the further we get from announcement the easier it is for me to wait for a lighter weight 600 mm prime alternative. Nikon followed the 200-500 with the 500 PF and shortly followed the 100-400 S release with the 400 f/4.5, and seeing that they’ve had a patent for a 600 PF for sometime, I believe the lighter weight alternative is coming, and fairly soon. Soon enough for me to wait given that the Z9 and its crop resolution makes it easier for me to manage with a 400 mm length.

Thanks for that resource to the lens database, I have bookmarked that one.

Regarding a possible 600mm f/5.6 PF, has this even shown up on their roadmap at all? Not that that means it won't happen but curious why they'd leave a lens like that off the roadmap. I do hope it will happen but not sure I would let that hinder me from getting another option today. Also, it would seem the 180-600 fills a different gap than a 600mm PF would and I can see photographers who would choose a 180-600 and a 400 f/4.5 and a 600mm f/5.6 PF. Honestly, I thought the Nikon 180-600 would end up being "more" than the Sony 200-600, but it is less, showing Nikon's continued commitment to bringing top performing lenses at competitive prices in a day and age where almost everything around us is costing more and in some cases considerably more. Kudos to Nikon.

 

[DrBob]

Ordered one with my NPS priority. I need a lighter lens. I'm getting old and hand holding the 600mm f/4 is just too much for me. I already switched to the 400mm f/4 Z with 1.4X TC. I love the 600mm f/4 (non-Z lens) but can only use it with tripod or monopod with the Z9.

 

[John Navitsky]

For those that placed their pre-orders, I"m curious whether you had to pay the full amount of the lens, or was a deposit was enough. One store said I must pay the full amount of the lens and be charged right away, subsequently another store said they need the full amount as well. I would think a deposit would be sufficient enough.

$100. that’s standard for my store for pre orders

 

[Cameron T]

$100. that’s standard for my store for pre orders

Huh. That's interesting. I just got put on the list for the second one coming in, after an NPS member.

 

[John Navitsky]

For those that placed their pre-orders, I"m curious whether you had to pay the full amount of the lens, or was a deposit was enough. One store said I must pay the full amount of the lens and be charged right away, subsequently another store said they need the full amount as well. I would think a deposit would be sufficient enough.

are you in the US?

 

[Photographer_Bill]

For those that placed their pre-orders, I"m curious whether you had to pay the full amount of the lens, or was a deposit was enough. One store said I must pay the full amount of the lens and be charged right away, subsequently another store said they need the full amount as well. I would think a deposit would be sufficient enough.

Service Photo and Camerlandny - neither require any money down, they put you on a list and call you in order once items arrive. I got my Z8 from cameralandny the day after all stores got them in, but I try to contact these places the moment something is announced or potentially announced so that probably helps too.

 

[arbitrage]

Hopefully now that all the super telephotos on the long standing roadmap are released Nikon will add some more teasers to come over the next couple years. I think there are only two unreleased lenses on the roadmap now (135 and 35).

Maybe they can tease us with a 600/5.6 lens (which we will all assume to be PF). They will probably wait till all the initial demand wanes from the 180-600 release and then throw up a new silhouette to keep us interested.

 

[groob]

Here’s the Nikon lens serial number tracking site referenced by others.

Nikon Lenses

The lens looks great but the further we get from announcement the easier it is for me to wait for a lighter weight 600 mm prime alternative. Nikon followed the 200-500 with the 500 PF and shortly followed the 100-400 S release with the 400 f/4.5, and seeing that they’ve had a patent for a 600 PF for sometime, I believe the lighter weight alternative is coming, and fairly soon. Soon enough for me to wait given that the Z9 and its crop resolution makes it easier for me to manage with a 400 mm length.

There’s no way in the world I would wait for a 600mm f/5.6. There’s no reasonable reason to think one is coming. The speculation is all random Internet forum chatter. If one needs 600mm but doesn’t want to pay or deal with the size of an f/4, this is probably the best you’re going to do. And if the mythical 600mm f/5.6 does materialize, you could always sell the 180-600mm for a small loss.

 

[Von F]

As I have said previously, until Nikon came out with this lens, they did not have an offering for the amateur bird photographer who wants a single lens solution, i.e. a zoom.

It looks to me that a Z-8/180-600 is a direct competitor to a Sony A-1/200-600 at a significantly reduced price. It is also less expensive than an OM Systems OM-1/150-400 and hopefully easier to get.

If comparing to the OM 1 the lense to compare to is the 100-400 f5-f6.3, significantly less expensive than the Nikon Z8 and 180-600. The Om 150-400 F4.5 is a different beast than the 100-400 $7500 vs $1500. The packaging of the OM-1 and the 100-400 is quite a bit smaller and lighter if that is a consideration, and for me it is.

 

[NWGuy]

There are two things that I don't like about this lens. First is that the whole ring comes off rather than just removing the foot. So you're either stuck with the foot or there's no way to attach a strap.

I'm wondering what Nikon's rationale is for keeping with the lens foot they use rather than an Arca Swiss with QD. I don't see how the stock foot can be used on anything without the addition of a plate or other adapter. Is there a tripod head that takes that foot directly? Anyone with knowledge about which type of lens foot tends to be preferred or most often used by photographers?

 

[Steve]

I'm wondering what Nikon's rationale is for keeping with the lens foot they use rather than an Arca Swiss with QD. I don't see how the stock foot can be used on anything without the addition of a plate or other adapter. Is there a tripod head that takes that foot directly? Anyone with knowledge about which type of lens foot tends to be preferred or most often used by photographers?

I've asked them about it. Basically, they tell me that they don't want to favor any one specific type of mount over another (although Arca-Swiss is common, there are a lot of other options out there as well). I think they believe it opens a can of worms. One you put it out one way, then people using the other mounts want to know why you don't have it for their style. Plus, not every Arca-Swiss plate / QR release is identical. I've had times where one brand didn't work in a different brand's clamp. Based on the conversation, it kind of seems like they just want to stay out of it.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see an Arca-Swiss style dovetail, but I doubt it'll ever happen.

 

[Nimi]

I'm wondering what Nikon's rationale is for keeping with the lens foot they use rather than an Arca Swiss with QD. I don't see how the stock foot can be used on anything without the addition of a plate or other adapter. Is there a tripod head that takes that foot directly? Anyone with knowledge about which type of lens foot tends to be preferred or most often used by photographers?

My store (big) sells more Manfrottos than all other brands combined. Not Arca.

 

[Photographer_Bill]

If comparing to the OM 1 the lense to compare to is the 100-400 f5-f6.3, significantly less expensive than the Nikon Z8 and 180-600. The Om 150-400 F4.5 is a different beast than the 100-400 $7500 vs $1500. The packaging of the OM-1 and the 100-400 is quite a bit smaller and lighter if that is a consideration, and for me it is.

The OM System is setup to be an ideal compact system, but there is serious considerations when using a sensor that is half the size of full frame, most notably bokeh, so while the 100-400 f/5-6.3 might equate to 200-800mm in FF magnification the f/5-6.3 does not equate, the "look" of the Oly lens would be more equivalent to a 200-800 f/10-13 on full frame when it comes to how it will render. That being said, I really like the OM System/Oly Zuiko combination especially for travel. One thing Oly got right is their feet have dovetail built in, I understand what Steve mentions above that Nikon doesn't want to alienate other mounting systems, but even with built in dovetail you still have the 1/4-20 threaded holes for other adapters, seems like a win win.

 

[Nimi]

The OM System is setup to be an ideal compact system, but there is serious considerations when using a sensor that is half the size of full frame, most notably bokeh, so while the 100-400 f/5-6.3 might equate to 200-800mm in FF magnification the f/5-6.3 does not equate, the "look" of the Oly lens would be more equivalent to a 200-800 f/10-13 on full frame when it comes to how it will render. That being said, I really like the OM System/Oly Zuiko combination especially for travel. One thing Oly got right is their feet have dovetail built in, I understand what Steve mentions above that Nikon doesn't want to alienate other mounting systems, but even with built in dovetail you still have the 1/4-20 threaded holes for other adapters, seems like a win win.

A quarter the size.

 

[Ken Miracle]

Ordered one with my NPS priority. I need a lighter lens. I'm getting old and hand holding the 600mm f/4 is just too much for me. I already switched to the 400mm f/4 Z with 1.4X TC. I love the 600mm f/4 (non-Z lens) but can only use it with tripod or monopod with the Z9.

I sold my 600 f/4E as soon as the Z800 arrived 5-1-22. Heavy to hand hold yes and in some ways even worse just long big and a logistics head ache. The Z180-600 is slotted for me between Z100-400 and my Z800 and is an area I like variable focal length in.

 

[Alistair]

I'm wondering what Nikon's rationale is for keeping with the lens foot they use rather than an Arca Swiss with QD. I don't see how the stock foot can be used on anything without the addition of a plate or other adapter. Is there a tripod head that takes that foot directly? Anyone with knowledge about which type of lens foot tends to be preferred or most often used by photographers?

When it comes to video heads, there are many plate variations, none of which are Arca Swiss. Even some ballheads and Wemberly style heads don't use Arca Swiss.

 

[hrv]

For those that placed their pre-orders, I"m curious whether you had to pay the full amount of the lens, or was a deposit was enough. One store said I must pay the full amount of the lens and be charged right away, subsequently another store said they need the full amount as well. I would think a deposit would be sufficient enough.

If it is a smaller store, I get why they do this. It simply shows commitment from your end.
So may people place a pre-order, but do it at multiple stores to maximise their chances. Or don't even intend to keep the lens, or don't know yet. Some great examples on this last bit recently on this forum where people order everything Nikon has to offer, only to realise they cannot afford all of it and will send half the stuff back.

In my opinion, that all messes things up and ultimately makes gear more expensive for the rest of us.

But consider you are a relatively small shop. And you order based on your waiting list, that could be a rather large investment and if then 75% of your customers back out, that could be a big risk.

 

[RockvilleBob]

I've asked them about it. Basically, they tell me that they don't want to favor any one specific type of mount over another (although Arca-Swiss is common, there are a lot of other options out there as well). I think they believe it opens a can of worms. One you put it out one way, then people using the other mounts want to know why you don't have it for their style. Plus, not every Arca-Swiss plate / QR release is identical. I've had times where one brand didn't work in a different brand's clamp. Based on the conversation, it kind of seems like they just want to stay out of it.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see an Arca-Swiss style dovetail, but I doubt it'll ever happen.

Thanks Steve. First time I've heard an explanation.
The 180-600 foot/collar bothers me a little, not enough not to have immediately ordered one. Combining the foot and collar means I cannot just replace the foot.

 

[fcotterill]

This makes solid sense. Thanks
And this article by Jobu confirms that Arca Swiss is a Quasi standard at best. Although I standardized on ArcaSwiss I stick to 2 brands based on their safer design of the dovetail, which minimizes adjustments of clamps. I also use heavy duty 501 video system for heavy loadings, which is a twinned telephoto rig on a Gemini dual gimbal

https://web.archive.org/web/20190710181050/http://www.jobu-design.com:80/Arca-Swiss-is-NOT-a-standard-time-for-a-change_b_8.html

I've asked them about it. Basically, they tell me that they don't want to favor any one specific type of mount over another (although Arca-Swiss is common, there are a lot of other options out there as well). I think they believe it opens a can of worms. One you put it out one way, then people using the other mounts want to know why you don't have it for their style. Plus, not every Arca-Swiss plate / QR release is identical. I've had times where one brand didn't work in a different brand's clamp. Based on the conversation, it kind of seems like they just want to stay out of it.

Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see an Arca-Swiss style dovetail, but I doubt it'll ever happen.

 

[Ken Miracle]

For those that placed their pre-orders, I"m curious whether you had to pay the full amount of the lens, or was a deposit was enough. One store said I must pay the full amount of the lens and be charged right away, subsequently another store said they need the full amount as well. I would think a deposit would be sufficient enough.

The mid sized store I buy from has never required advance payment or a deposit for a pre-order.

 

[fcotterill]

Brad Hill's first view, to quote:

22 June 2023: Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR - Better Than I Expected!​

As most Nikon-shooting wildlife photographers already know, the long-awaited Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR zoom lens was announced yesterday. The announcement was, of course, anticipated and definitely not a surprise. But, at least to me, there were 3 surprises in the lens's specifications, and each of them contributed to the lens already being slotted into the "better than expected" category (at least by me). Here's the three surprises:

1. Short-throw Internal Zoom! I (and I think most) expected the Z 180-600mm to be a "typical" super-zoom lens which expanded in length as one zoomed from its shortest focal lengths to its longest one. But...it's an internal zoom lens that is the same length at all focal lengths! Not only does this mean the lens's balance point changes only minimally when zooming, but it's WAY BETTER for those (like me) who use rain covers a lot. Not only can it be hard to get a good rain cover fit for a telescoping zoom, but the zooming action itself can real hard to use in the field when the lens has a rain cover on. The internal zoom puts the Nikkor Z 180-600mm on par with the Sony FE 200-600mm zoom (with both ahead of the extending Canon RF 100-500mm zoom). And...owners of the Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6E zoom lens will be pleased to hear that you can zoom from 180-600mm with only a 70° turn needed to go from 180 to 600mm.

2. Weather Sealed! This was another knock against the Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6E zoom - it wasn't weather sealed. Well...the new Z 180-600mm IS weather-sealed. Which it needs to be for serious wildlife shooting. Another check-mark for the lens.

3. Weight! If Nikon's weight claims are accurate (and they usually are) then the Z 180-600mm is going to be really easy to handle and hand-hold. Nikon claims the lens is 1955 gm (4.3 lb) without its tripod collar, and 2140 gm (4.7 lb) with its tripod collar. While I expected the lens to be light, I was anticipating it to be in the 2250-2500 gm (or about 5-5.5 lb) range.

Of course, these are just specifications, and how a lens performs in the field (in terms of optical, autofocus, and VR performance) matters infinitely than specs do. To that end, I have contacted Nikon and requested a production model lens for testing purposes (and note that Nikon always prefers I get production models for testing as they know I am going to thoroughly test it over an extended period of time). At this point I can't say when it will arrive, but when it does I will begin sussing out how this very promising lens really performs in the field. I have no real doubt that it will be quite sharp, but how it renders out-of-focus zones still remains to be seen (and in my books the quality of out-of-focus zones is as important to a lens as sharpness is).

And, last but not least, I have confirmed with Nikon that this IS a "pure" Nikon product - it is not a re-branded Tamron (or any other 3rd party lens maker) lens.

While I'm reserving my own feelings about this lens until I test it, I think there's already no doubt that if Nikon can meet the demand and fulfill orders in a reasonable time frame, it's going to be a big hit among Nikon-shooting wildlife photographers.

Cheers...

Brad

Feedback to: [email protected]

Natural Art Images: Voice: Brad Hill Blog

The Blog of Brad Hill, wildlife photographer. Cameras, lenses, camera gear, field tests, conservation, photo tours, and other bits of questionable wisdom from a young-at-heart nature photographer!

www.naturalart.ca

 

[Photographer_Bill]

Brad Hill's first view, to quote:

22 June 2023: Nikkor Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR - Better Than I Expected!​

As most Nikon-shooting wildlife photographers already know, the long-awaited Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR zoom lens was announced yesterday. The announcement was, of course, anticipated and definitely not a surprise. But, at least to me, there were 3 surprises in the lens's specifications, and each of them contributed to the lens already being slotted into the "better than expected" category (at least by me). Here's the three surprises:

1. Short-throw Internal Zoom! I (and I think most) expected the Z 180-600mm to be a "typical" super-zoom lens which expanded in length as one zoomed from its shortest focal lengths to its longest one. But...it's an internal zoom lens that is the same length at all focal lengths! Not only does this mean the lens's balance point changes only minimally when zooming, but it's WAY BETTER for those (like me) who use rain covers a lot. Not only can it be hard to get a good rain cover fit for a telescoping zoom, but the zooming action itself can real hard to use in the field when the lens has a rain cover on. The internal zoom puts the Nikkor Z 180-600mm on par with the Sony FE 200-600mm zoom (with both ahead of the extending Canon RF 100-500mm zoom). And...owners of the Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6E zoom lens will be pleased to hear that you can zoom from 180-600mm with only a 70° turn needed to go from 180 to 600mm.

2. Weather Sealed! This was another knock against the Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6E zoom - it wasn't weather sealed. Well...the new Z 180-600mm IS weather-sealed. Which it needs to be for serious wildlife shooting. Another check-mark for the lens.

3. Weight! If Nikon's weight claims are accurate (and they usually are) then the Z 180-600mm is going to be really easy to handle and hand-hold. Nikon claims the lens is 1955 gm (4.3 lb) without its tripod collar, and 2140 gm (4.7 lb) with its tripod collar. While I expected the lens to be light, I was anticipating it to be in the 2250-2500 gm (or about 5-5.5 lb) range.

Of course, these are just specifications, and how a lens performs in the field (in terms of optical, autofocus, and VR performance) matters infinitely than specs do. To that end, I have contacted Nikon and requested a production model lens for testing purposes (and note that Nikon always prefers I get production models for testing as they know I am going to thoroughly test it over an extended period of time). At this point I can't say when it will arrive, but when it does I will begin sussing out how this very promising lens really performs in the field. I have no real doubt that it will be quite sharp, but how it renders out-of-focus zones still remains to be seen (and in my books the quality of out-of-focus zones is as important to a lens as sharpness is).

And, last but not least, I have confirmed with Nikon that this IS a "pure" Nikon product - it is not a re-branded Tamron (or any other 3rd party lens maker) lens.

While I'm reserving my own feelings about this lens until I test it, I think there's already no doubt that if Nikon can meet the demand and fulfill orders in a reasonable time frame, it's going to be a big hit among Nikon-shooting wildlife photographers.

Cheers...

Brad

Feedback to: [email protected]

Natural Art Images: Voice: Brad Hill Blog

The Blog of Brad Hill, wildlife photographer. Cameras, lenses, camera gear, field tests, conservation, photo tours, and other bits of questionable wisdom from a young-at-heart nature photographer!

www.naturalart.ca

Those were some of my thoughts as well, seems like a really good upgrade (in features) to the 200-500 f/5.6. I wish it had more LFnX buttons but understand Nikon had to make some decisions to keep price competitive (very competitive in fact). My expectations are this: the lens doesn't need to be the sharpest on the planet but if it can deliver really good IQ with smooth bokeh and fast AF, then combined with the rest of the features above this could be a really beneficial tool for a lot of photographers both amateur and pro. I really liked Steve P's preliminary review with tips on how to get really good shots when limited to using larger apertures, I think a "how to get the most out of your 180-600 lens" video would be highly beneficial once the production models start getting into competent reviewers hands. I have to keep reminding myself this is not an S lens and it is priced as such, and my expectations need to be tempered accordingly. But, for not being an S lens, it certainly appears to offer a lot of what has been asked for since the popularity of the 200-500 came about.

 

[Garfield]

FWIW I asked my dealer if they had a long waiting list for the 180-600 and he said no, not really, which I found a little surprising. Apparently they have a lot of customers looking to trade-in their "third party" superzooms for the new Nikon, but the used market for those is saturated and they won't take them on trade. So, many of their potential customers are holding off buying until they can sell their existing gear.