Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens

Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR telezoom

This is Nikon's new favorite lens for photographers! This 180-600mm focal length covers most situations, especially for nature photographers.

Additionally, the Nikon 180-600mm is compatible with the Z series 1.4 and 2x teleconverters and the focus still works. With the more powerful 2x extender, you can get a focal length of 1200mm even when shooting from a little further away.

According to initial tests, the image quality is very good, meaning the new lens is comparable to the Nikon Z 100-400mm lens, especially with teleconverters, and to some extent even to the 400mm F4.5 fixed focal length super telephoto lens.

• Image Stabilizer: 5.5 f/1.8 power and works in conjunction with in-body stabilizers
• Weight 2124 grams and length 31cm
• Closest focusing distance 1.3-2.4m
  
• Programmable control ring for example, exposure adjustment directly from the lens
• L-FN programmable buttons, e.g. for saving focus distance and activating settings
• Weatherproof construction

New lens design and technology

This 180-600mm lens has been in the planning and testing stages for several years, but now, with the announcement, it was confirmed that the focal length range is wider than originally announced and starts at 180mm instead of 200mm. These millimeters bring a lot more flexibility to the application. And as you can see from the long development time, the decision is certainly justified and does not compromise image quality.

The variable aperture of the 200-500mm lens compared to the old one was a surprise, but the difference in aperture is not even easily noticeable with the sensors of the new Nikon bodies. In addition, focusing on the new bodies, as mentioned earlier, can be done with up to a 2x teleconverter.

But otherwise, this optics is not traditional in any way, this is a completely new design for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. It uses Nikon's most modern lens technology, such as Super ED aberration-correcting lenses and an SR lens element. This special lens reduces chromatic aberration that occurs at certain wavelengths, which would be more difficult to remove in post-processing.

Autofocus and video recording

The autofocus works quickly compared to lenses in its class, so it works well for bird photography or sports photography. The lens's closest focusing distance is 1.3-2.4 meters, depending on the focal length, and there is also a focus range limiter.

Additionally, Nikon's focus breathing design helps with video recording, which means high-quality video even when the focus distance changes.

You can start focusing correction at any time, just turn the focus ring.

Supertele usability

This type of super telephoto lens is often used in shelters, in variable conditions in nature and on the sides of sports fields, and usability is sometimes as important a feature as raw image quality. Do your fingers hit the right spot in the dark and cold, do you need to stop shooting in the rain, or is the weather protection in order? According to Nikon's tradition, the photographer's perspective has been the most important starting point in the design work.

The lens has a programmable focus ring, with the default setting it handles manual focus, but the same ring can also be used to change the aperture value or correct exposure. There are also programmable L-Fn keys. These can be programmed to, for example, the location of a bird's nest or the distance to a football goal, so that in the event of a situation, the correct focus is just one press away.

The zoom is quite nimble, meaning you can adjust the focal length with a very small movement, making it easier to react to fast-paced situations. In addition, the zoom works internally, meaning the size or center of gravity of the lens does not change with the focal length, which makes it easier to balance with the rocker and of course the structure is also sturdier as there are fewer moving sliding surfaces.

The center of gravity is quite close to the center, so shooting without a battery grip and with a smaller body is also natural.

The Nikkor Z 180-600m is reasonably heavy for its focal length, and the tripod collar can be removed or turned to the side, so you can shoot handheld. And of course, the lens's image stabilization helps here.

The Nikon 180-600mm is weather and dust sealed in several places, and the outer lens element is coated with a fluoride coating that repels dirt and makes cleaning easier. In addition, the filter thread is a reasonable size of 95mm, so the use of protective filters and polarizing filters is easy.

Specifications:

• Compatibility: Nikon Z mount
• Focal length: 180-600mm
• Aperture: F5.6-6.3 (minimum F32-36)
• Closest focusing distance: 1.3-2.4m (maximum magnification 0.25X)
• Optical construction: 25 elements in 17 groups, 9 rounded diaphragm blades
  
• Image stabilizer: yes, power 5.5 f-stops
• Adjustable and removable tripod collar
• Filter thread: 95mm
• Size: 110 x 316mm
  
• Weight: 2140g (1955g without tripod collar)

• Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens (Nikon Z)
• Nikon LC-95B 95mm Snap-On Front Lens Cap
• Nikon LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap
• Nikon HB-113 lens hood
• Nikon CL-L6 Lens Case