Nikon 180-600 Official Announcement / Discussion Thread

[Tom Reynolds]

Looking at the top internal zooms for a single lens bird photography setup. (All data from B&H.)

1-Sony A1/200-600
B&H Price is $8500. Weight is 6.3#. F/stop @ 600mm 6.3, 50mp stacked sensor. Generally available
2-Nikon Z-8/180-600
B&H Price is $5700. Weight is 6.3#. F/stop @ 600mm 6.3, 45mp stacked sensor. Likely available this fall if you haven't acted by now.
3-OM Systems OM-1/150-400.
B&H price is $9500. Weight is 5.4#. F/Stop @ 400mm (800mm FF equivalent reach without built in 1.2 TC) 4.5. 20mp Stacked Sensor. Probably wait a year for the lens.

So, you are willing to spend $10K for a single lens (i.e. a zoom) solution for bird photography and feel like you need 600mm reach or more. It appears to me that the Nikon is a no brainer versus the Sony offering. Maybe the Sony is sharper or maybe the Nikon but most likely you can't tell the difference. I put the $2800 in my pocket and wait for the Nikon.

One question that I ask myself is would a birder who wanted to become a bird photographer and take decent pictures of birds even spend even $5700 for a Z-8/180-600 when a Canon R7/100-500 will take very good images for $4100 and an OM Systems OM-1/100-400 is even cheaper at $3300. Realistically how big is the market?

Tom

 

[Abinoone]

All I can say is that I want one! But, first I need to buy a Z9 or Z8! As always, great first review Steve. Thank you for doing it!

 

[DabitzPhotos]

With a flash!

You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[Richard_M]

I will eventually get the 180-600mm, but will wait until they are discounted. Which tends to occur more often than not here downunder. I'll be using the 180-600mm with my Z fc and leaving the 800mm PF on the Z 9.

 

[JanH]

You don't find it odd that the roadmap goes from a 200-600mm for years to a 180-600mm overnight?

No, the same happened with the Z 24-105/120 F/4. Probably Nikon was able to improve upon the planned lens during its development, and has shown the ambition to do so.

 

[JanH]

That qualifying phrase does suggest that buyers need to temper expectations a bit. But I think it will be a very good lens based on the preliminary reviews. I think Ricci’s review does a pretty good job of helping to set expectations. I’m expecting IQ better than the 200-500, but less than my 500mm and 800mm primes.

I am a bit puzzled that Ricci gets to compare a pre-production lens with other lenses while the other reviewers say they are not allowed to do so.

I have good expectations for this lens. I am very interested to learn how it will work with a Z6ii as I am planning to replace my (back focusing) Tamron 100-400 with it this summer.

 

[John Navitsky]

well, he’s a nikon employee, so

 

[JanH]

well, he’s a nikon employee, so

Yes, and he therefore seems to have had the new lens for a longer time too.

Still, the reason the other reviewers say they can’t make comparisons is “because it is a pre-production model.” Well that does not seem to be a problem when Ricci does the reviewing.

 

[JAJohnson]

I am a bit puzzled that Ricci gets to compare a pre-production lens with other lenses while the other reviewers say they are not allowed to do so.

I have good expectations for this lens. I am very interested to learn how it will work with a Z6ii as I am planning to replace my (back focusing) Tamron 100-400 with it this summer.

Ricci Chera is employed by Nikon UK.

 

[JanH]

The lens I want is the yet to be released S version of the Sigma 60-600mm lens but for the time being the 200-600mm will be useful, particarly when shooting video with a tripod and video head.

When I placed an order by phone with B&H earlier today the salesperson said I was the first person to place an order with them. Evidenly people are hesitant to purchase. For me the $1700 price was enticing at this point in time.

It is nice that the 180-600mm takes a 95mm filter so I can use the one I bought for the 200-500mm lens and now used with the 800mm PF lens.

Interesting comment by the B&H salesperson - I pre-ordered the lens last night and have B&H’s confirmation email to show for it. And I don’t think I am the only one.

 

[FB101]

I'd go 100-400 paired with 800PF (or 400TC or 600TC). I moved from owning Sony 100-400, 200-600, 600GM to selling off the 200-600. As I mentioned so did all my friends save one who only uses the 200-600 if travelling and not wanting to take the big 600GM.

I find the 100-400 is the more versatile lens to pair with one of the big primes. IMHO, YMMV.

I actually kept both the 100-400 and 200-600 in addition to the 600 f:4 and they serve different purposes. I love the 100-400 as my do-it-all long lens for non-wildlife specific travel. It’s much better than the 200-600 for landscape and is smaller, lighter, simply easier to take everywhere.
‘The 200-600 is my one lens wildlife solution. When I need something flexible to walk around, for just wildlife, that’s what I take.
‘And to complement the 600 f:4 when I use 2 bodies, typically I use the 100-400
‘They all serve different purposes so I keep them all, but your point is well taken, the 200-600 went from 100% use when I switched to Sony, to about 10% now.

 

[FB101]

I Think Jared P. had it for at least two days, Jan W. for a week, and Ricci possibly for much longer than either of them. I'd love to have access to one of these prototypes for more time, that's for sure Still, I'm very glad Nikon was able to give me what time they could between our schedules.

When it comes to wildlife, two hours of your assessment is worth a lot more than Jared’s lifetime And he’s definitely got too much hair to be credible

Now Jan is a true wildlife photographer but he is specialized in birds, while you are polyphagous so very complementary to his assessment.

 

[Len Shepherd]

Well, it isn't the same lens that was in the roadmap. The roadmap announced a 200-600.
Has Nikon decided to change horses at mid race?

Nikon did something similar replay sing the 24-105 on the road map with the excellent 24-120.
At £1800 UK retail including 20-% VAT sales tax it compares well with the discounted Sony 200-600 street discounted price, and is well below the Canon equivalent price.

Of some interest for insects - based on the specification it covers a 6 inch wide subject at 7.74 feet at 600mm - improving to 4 inch wide subject with the 1.4 TC. With a 45 MP body you should be able crop comfortably to a 2 inch wide subject with good detail. What time is it

The 70-180/2.8 is a Tamron rebrand.

Does the Tamron take Nikon converters

The 70-180 covers a 3.125 inch wide subject at a working distance (based on the specification) of 2 feet 2 inches from the front element - magnified to 1.5625 inches with the 2x

My speculation is a 180mm f5.6 with very close to 1:1 with good macro quality at a much more useful working distance for insects than the 6 inch working distance of the 105 S.

I did not pre-order on day one - but may well do for the close up ability.

 

[Marco74]

From the announcement: “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.”

I can't judge a lens without having tried it, but expecting good photographic quality from a zoom like this with a luminosity of 6.3 multiplied even by two seems to me to want to believe in miracles. Also because otherwise, all prime lenses like the 600Ztc would not make sense.
Then if we consider the economic aspect, surely this zoom wins hands down, but at that point, we might as well use an iPhone which, in addition to taking decent photos, does many other useful things.

 

[Len Shepherd]

All I can say is that I want one! But, first I need to buy a Z9 or Z8! As always, great first review Steve. Thank you for doing it!

 

[Len Shepherd]

A possible note of caution for some - it has lugs for a substantial lens strap.

This is likely because even without the tripod collar it weighs 4 pounds 5 ounces.
While Nikon does not quote a safe load for a camera body lens mount that I am aware of, the lens weight is well in excess of the safe limit for the FTZ.

The implication is not to hold it hanging from a camera body.

 

[fcotterill]

The standards of quality packaged into these modern telephotos is most impressive. The included glass must set a fundamental lower limit on weight pruning of the design, even with Sereebo, MgAl or other composite materials that Nikon uses in the chassis and lens tubes etc.

The legend that's the 500 PF prime weighs 19 elements, including its thin, wide phase-fresnel front element with the critical role of reducing the length to 237mm and mass to 1460g.

With its 25 elements, and not least the additional zoom mechanism, this 315.5mm 180-600 Z weighs 1955g

Remarkable

 

[agrumpyoldsod]

The video reviewers I’ve watched say that their time with the two new lenses was very limited—just an hour or two. He wasn’t quite as clear but Ricci may not have had much shooting time, either.

Ricci appears to be the guy taking these lenses around europe for others to test - He brought it to the NPS event in London yesterday, which is where I got to hold it.

 

[Johan Schmidt]

The wait is over! Nikon has announced the new 180-600mm zoom - and I have a first look review ready and waiting for all of my fellow wildlife photographers!

A couple of weeks ago, Nikon contacted me and told me this lens was (finally) coming and asked if I wanted to take it for a quick test run. Of course, I said, "Yes!!" The truth is, I've had soooo many wildlife photographers asking me about this one I've been anxious to give everyone the scoop!

The video below contains all the critical specs, my impressions about its performance, how it handles in the field, and some sample photos. Oh, and the price on this one is going to make a LOT of people very happy!

Check it out - if you're a Z shooter that does any kind of bird or wildlife photography, you're really gonna want to see this

MSRP is 1699.95 and is expected to start shipping in August.

My Review:

Photos:

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Press Release:

NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR – Boundless Creativity with an Extreme Focal Range
The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is the thoroughly modernized follow-up to the immensely successful and popular F-mount AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6, a lens that won hearts worldwide for its powerful reach and attractive price. The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR improves upon this winning formula by once again delivering a lightweight, high-performance super telephoto lens with an even more versatile focal range, sure to become a favorite for those photographing birds, planes, sports and more. With fast focus, superior handling and balance that never shifts thanks to its internal zoom, this lens enables the capture of powerful, up-close shots of fast-moving subjects. It also features a minimum focus distance of 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) at the wide-angle position, which is ideal for capturing close-up shots of flowers and insects, even at the user’s feet. The broad range of focal lengths allows users to enjoy shooting a wide variety of scenes and subjects all with this single lens.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
• Super lightweight lens that is easily hand-holdable, weighing just 1955 g (4.3 lbs).1
• 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 enables close-up shots of flowers, insects and more.
• 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.2
• 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 resistance3, 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.4
• 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.


1. Excluding tripod collar ring.
2. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to a camera with full-frame/FX-format sensor, with the camera's VR function set to "NORMAL", and when zoom is set to the maximum telephoto position.
3. Complete dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
4. Depending on the subject, ambient lighting conditions, and the focus point selected, the camera may be unable to focus using autofocus or the focus indicator for electronic rangefinding may flicker while a teleconverter is attached.
5. Focus breathing may be noticeable depending on the distance between the lens and the subject due to the characteristics of the lens.

Thanks Steve - wonderful video as always.
I've notice something on my D9 when shooting full manual with a 400 2.8 (no Auto ISO), that as soon as I add a 1.4TC, the D9 keeps the aperture and SS as set at 100 ISO, but updates the ISO from 100 to 200 - that's really clever! With the new 180-600, does the D9/8 do something similar for the varying aperture and resulting ISO, or only with Auto ISO?

 

[agrumpyoldsod]

The most interesting comparison will be IMO between Z 180-600 and Z 100-400 S. With the main question - Is the new one significantly better than the older one with TC. There is of course minor difference in focal lengths and aperture, but the question is still valid IMO.

Are to asking about the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR - a $13k lens - introduced in Jan 2018 as the successor to the 200-400 f/4.0?

If YES -- then what do you means by Better?

BUT my immediate reaction is "unlikely" or NO the new lens will not perform as well as the AF-S.

You simply cannot compare a top of the line lens to a cheaper/budget lens AND if you wish to then you have to be VERY specific.

The 180-600 is a GREAT budget lens - but it is NOT s-line it does not have the coatings/motors/VR not an in-built TC AND being an f/5.6-6.3 it is NOT an f/4.0

NO the question you asked is not remotely valid for most - the only folk who it might have a valid reason for such a question for are those who own the older lens (and these are rare to find) [I had both the previous 200-400] or are looking to try to find one -vs- the new lens -- still a HUGE difference in price and size/weight

 

[JanH]

A possible note of caution for some - it has lugs for a substantial lens strap.

This is likely because even without the tripod collar it weighs 4 pounds 5 ounces.
While Nikon does not quote a safe load for a camera body lens mount that I am aware of, the lens weight is well in excess of the safe limit for the FTZ.

The implication is not to hold it hanging from a camera body.

In my recollection the weight limit on the mount itself is around 1300 grams or a little less than 3 pounds. Anything larger should be supported by itself.

 

[fcotterill]

Thank you for the first impressions video Steve.

The most interesting comparison will be IMO between Z 180-600 and Z 100-400 S. With the main question - Is the new one significantly better than the older one with TC. There is of course minor difference in focal lengths and aperture, but the question is still valid IMO.

It is most certainly valid to compare Z 180-600 and Z 100-400 S - the leading options in this focal length category in the Z System

Are to asking about the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR - a $13k lens - introduced in Jan 2018 as the successor to the 200-400 f/4.0?

If YES -- then what do you means by Better?

BUT my immediate reaction is "unlikely" or NO the new lens will not perform as well as the AF-S.

You simply cannot compare a top of the line lens to a cheaper/budget lens AND if you wish to then you have to be VERY specific.

The 180-600 is a GREAT budget lens - but it is NOT s-line it does not have the coatings/motors/VR not an in-built TC AND being an f/5.6-6.3 it is NOT an f/4.0

NO the question you asked is not remotely valid for most - the only folk who it might have a valid reason for such a question for are those who own the older lens (and these are rare to find) [I had both the previous 200-400] or are looking to try to find one -vs- the new lens -- still a HUGE difference in price and size/weight

This thread has discussed the F-Mount 180-400 TC

Buy the 180-600 and sell the 180-400 TC F mount?

the 180-600 is overlaps the 180-400 very well, though it is about stop slower below 400 and roughly comparable from 400 to 550. The 180-600 is lighter, no idea if it is sharper (have not seen a test and can not test it until at least August). The 180-400 is probably a better build. Not sure...

bcgforums.com

 

[mdirvin]

Thanks Steve - wonderful video as always.
I've notice something on my D9 when shooting full manual with a 400 2.8 (no Auto ISO), that as soon as I add a 1.4TC, the D9 keeps the aperture and SS as set at 100 ISO, but updates the ISO from 100 to 200 - that's really clever! With the new 180-600, does the D9/8 do something similar for the varying aperture and resulting ISO, or only with Auto ISO?

I might be that B7 is set to ISO...

 

[arbitrage]

Thanks Steve - wonderful video as always.
I've notice something on my D9 when shooting full manual with a 400 2.8 (no Auto ISO), that as soon as I add a 1.4TC, the D9 keeps the aperture and SS as set at 100 ISO, but updates the ISO from 100 to 200 - that's really clever! With the new 180-600, does the D9/8 do something similar for the varying aperture and resulting ISO, or only with Auto ISO?

I’m pretty sure it will update the ISO as you zoom through 5.6 to 6 to 6.3 if you have that setting on. It does on the Canon bodies that have that same type of setting. I never had a variable aperture zoom lens on the Z9 to test. But someone should be able to confirm with their 100-400.

 

[DRwyoming]

Thanks Steve - wonderful video as always.
I've notice something on my D9 when shooting full manual with a 400 2.8 (no Auto ISO), that as soon as I add a 1.4TC, the D9 keeps the aperture and SS as set at 100 ISO, but updates the ISO from 100 to 200 - that's really clever! With the new 180-600, does the D9/8 do something similar for the varying aperture and resulting ISO, or only with Auto ISO?

I assume you mean 'Z9' but it sounds like you have menu item b7 Keep Exp When f/ Changes enabled which is an option introduced in the latest Nikon Z cameras which does what you describe. In addition to making ISO adjustments to maintain overall exposure when you add a TC it does that when you zoom a variable aperture lens so that overall exposure remains the same as aperture changes.