The Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is a versatile super-telephoto zoom lens designed for Nikon Z-series full-frame mirrorless cameras, launched in 2023. It offers a broad focal range, making it suitable for wildlife, sports, and action photography, with a price point around $1,700.
Key Specifications:
- Focal Length: 180-600mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/5.6-6.3
- Minimum Aperture: f/32
- Lens Construction: 25 elements in 17 groups, including six ED elements and one aspherical element
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.3 meters at 180mm, 2.4 meters at 600mm
- Maximum Magnification Ratio: 0.25x
- Filter Size: 95mm
- Dimensions: 315.5 x 110mm
- Weight: 2,140g with tripod collar, 1,955g without
- Image Stabilization: 5.5 stops of VR (Vibration Reduction)
- Mount: Nikon Z-mount.
Build and Handling:
The lens features an internal zoom mechanism, which means its physical length remains constant throughout the zoom range, enhancing balance and making it more resistant to dust and moisture. It is constructed with extensive weather sealing, although Nikon does not guarantee it will be dust and drip-resistant in all conditions. The lens includes a removable tripod collar, which helps in switching between landscape and portrait orientations smoothly. The zoom ring requires a short 70-degree rotation, making zooming between 180mm and 600mm quick and easy.
Performance:
The Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR delivers excellent sharpness, contrast, and color rendition across the entire zoom range. The autofocus system is fast and quiet, suitable for both stills and video. The lens handles well in various lighting conditions, providing good performance even in lower light thanks to its effective image stabilization.
Additional Features:
- Focus Limiter Switch: Limits focusing to either the full range or from infinity to 6 meters.
- Customizable Function Buttons: Four L-Fn buttons can be assigned various functions via the camera’s custom settings menu.
- Lens Hood: The lens comes with a HB-109 lens hood, which is reversible for storage.
Overall, the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is an excellent option for photographers seeking a long zoom range with solid build quality and reliable performance at a relatively affordable price.
