Nikon just announced the highly-anticipated 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR! This lens has been several years in the making, beginning with the appearance of a 200-600mm “non-S” lens on Nikon’s roadmap in October of 2019. The wait has been agonizing, but the lens’s $1700 starting price and impressive specifications will almost guarantee it’s a hit.
Specifications
- Full Name: NIKKOR Z 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 VR
- Focal Length: 180-600mm (3.33x zoom)
- Maximum Aperture: f/5.6 to f/6.3
- Minimum Aperture: f/32 to f/36
- Lens Elements: 25
- Lens Element Groups: 17
- Filter Thread Size: 95mm
- Angle of View (FX): 13° 40′ to 4° 10′
- Maximum Magnification: 0.25x (1:4)
- Minimum Focusing Distance: 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) at 180mm; 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) at 600mm
- Vibration Reduction: Yes; normal and sport
- Aperture Blades: 9, rounded
- Fluorine Coating: Yes
- ED Glass Elements: 6
- Aspherical Elements: 1
- Focus Motor: STM
- Internal Focusing: Yes
- Internal Zooming: Yes
- Teleconverter Compatibility: Yes (with both Z teleconverters)
- Focus Limiting Switch: Yes (two positions: full, and ∞ to 6 meters)
- Function Buttons: Yes, one (repeated four times around the front of the lens)
- Dimensions (Length x Diameter): 316 x 110 mm (12.5 x 4.4 inches)
- Weight: 2140 g (4.72 lbs), includes tripod ring
- MSRP: $1699.95
These are some impressive and high-end specifications despite the low price of the lens! What really caught my eye is the internal zooming, which should make the lens easier to hand-hold (no balance issues at 600mm) as well as provide better weather sealing. The Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 also has a large slate of handling features, including a function button, focus limiting switch, and normal/sport VR modes. Finally, the lens’s weight is really impressive considering that the F-mount 200-500mm f/5.6 weighs more (2.3 kilos / 5.1 pounds) while having a shorter zoom range.
As for the price, $1700 may seem expensive for a non-S lens, but it’s on the lower side of my expectations. For context, Nikon’s F-mount 200-500mm f/5.6 launched for $1400 in 2015, which is about $1790 in today’s dollars. In other words, Nikon is currently launching a (seemingly) much improved lens for basically the same price, if not a bit cheaper, considering inflation.
Pre-Order Links
Nikon says that the Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR will begin to ship in August 2023. Because of the $1700 price – and, frankly, because of the production delays that have obviously already happened to this lens while in development – I expect it will be out of stock for a while. I recommend pre-ordering the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 sooner rather than later, since you can always cancel a pre-order but never jump in line if you’re late:
More Product Photos
Sample Photos
Press Release
SUPER TELEPHOTO PERFORMANCE IS CLOSER THAN EVER WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NIKKOR Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR LENS
Also Introducing the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, Completing the Trio of Affordable F/2.8 Zooms
MELVILLE, NY (June 21, 2023) Today Nikon announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, two new super telephoto NIKKOR Z lenses for enthusiasts that combine outstanding zoom capabilities with lightweight design. The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR has been highly requested from Z series users, especially those capturing wildlife, nature and aviation, while the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 completes Nikon’s trio of affordable f/2.8 zooms for enthusiasts.
“Within a relatively short time period, we have built an extensive series of lenses for our mirrorless system with a selection of lenses that differentiates itself with options for all kinds of users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “We already have a collection of extremely fast pro-level super telephotos, and with these two new lenses, I firmly believe Nikon builds upon what was already the most appealing collection of telephoto lenses available on the market today for the enthusiast and professionals.”
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.
The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8: Nikon’s Trilogy of Affordable f/2.8 Zoom Lenses is Complete
The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a truly compelling option for photographers and videographers looking to step up their lens collection with a fast and affordable telephoto zoom. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 joins the recently released 28-75mm f/2.8 and 17-28mm f/2.8, rounding out the trio of ideal upgrade lenses for those looking to take their creativity to the next level.
The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is approximately 40% smaller when compared to the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8, but offers a similar versatile focal range that’s perfect for weddings, portraits, sports and video event coverage. The combination of fast f/2.8 aperture and telephoto zoom range allows the user shoot in low light scenarios like at a reception or indoor gym, but also gives flattering compression and enticing bokeh that draws attention to the subject.
Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8
- Creative possibilities are expanded with the constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 which provides great low light ability and smooth-looking background blur.
- Extremely compact and lightweight, weighing in at only 795 g (1.75 lbs), making it an easy lens to carry all day.
- Excellent ability for close-ups with a minimum focus distance of 0.27m (at 70mm) and 0.85m (at 180mm).
- Optimized for video with suppressed focus breathing5 and near-silent focusing. Additionally, the customizable control ring can be programmed to gradually change aperture, ISO, and focus. Because the focus position moves in accordance with the rotation angle, regardless of how fast the focus ring is turned, videographers can also control MF as intended.
- Fast autofocus with a stepping motor (STM) that supports quick focusing on moving subjects for both stills and video.
- Dust- and drip-resistant3 design with an antifouling coating on the front-most surface of the lens.
- Lens construction consists of 19 elements in 14 groups including five ED elements, one Super ED element, and three aspherical elements which help to suppress chromatic aberration and flaring.
- Use of the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× extends the maximum focal length to 252 mm or 360 mm, respectively4. When the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× is attached, the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.96⨯, which is close to life-size reproduction.
Price and Availability
The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens will be available in August 2023 for a suggested retail price of $1699.95.*, while the new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens will be available in mid-July for a suggested retail price of $1249.95. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and technologies for photo and video capture; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional Z Series mirrorless cameras, digital SLR cameras, a vast array of NIKKOR and NIKKOR Z lenses, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram,TikTok, Vimeo and Flickr.
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Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
- Excluding tripod collar ring.
- 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.
- Complete dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
- 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.
- Focus breathing may be noticeable depending on the distance between the lens and the subject due to the characteristics of the lens.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Thanks. Looks promising. Pre-ordered with above link!
I agree, it looks like a really compelling lens. I’m hoping to snag a copy before going on a trip next month, but it’s probably going to be backordered for a while. By the way, thank you for ordering it with our link, that’s how we keep the lights on!
It was a long wait for this lens. I bought the Z 100-400mm and for more reach bought the Nikkor 500 mm f5.6 pf. These two lenses, either in the DX mode or with the 1.4TC will give me plenty of focal length on my Z9
To me the 500pf is kind of the ideal lens for the Z9. I use it often without, but also with 1.4 and 2 times TC and or in crop mode. For images / pictures my favorite lens when it comes to the mix of optical quality, weight, and price. I do not own the 100-400 and preordered this weekend the z 180-600 since for video I wanted a zoom complementing my 24-120 mm. I would have gone for the 100-400 instead in case the 180-600 would have not shown up. The advantage of the 100-400 is weight and magnification ratio, but the 180-600 has more reach and an internal zoom. So tough choice.
It’s always the same when a new lens is introduced. The average user asks how sharp the lens is, how heavy it is, and how much it costs. The new Nikon 180 – 600 mm would be very interesting for me because it covers a larger focal length range than my Nikon 200 – 500 mm. But the 200 – 500 mm has properties that are very rarely found anywhere: In the range of 300 – 400 mm you can compose photos wonderfully with circular points of light in the bokeh – and that already at f/8 up to the picture corners. Hardly any other lens offers this great feature in this form, and the new 180-600 will have to measure up to it. – With my wallet, I will probably do without the 180 – 600 mm this year and wait for the Nikon f/1.8 135 mm. What do I care about the sharpness of the good Z lenses, they are all good, no longer worth a permanent mention. The dreamlike bokeh is what I want for longer focal lengths of over 100 mm.
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The len is 50% heavier than the z 100-400 but the price is attractive. I am a little bit worried about its sharpness because it’s not an “S” len. If it has a decent performance, it would be quite competitive for wildlife photographers.
OK, here’s where I try to make myself feel better about buying the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S a little over a year ago and not waiting for this.
Um, the 100-400 is a little faster
The 100-400 is more compact and fits easier into my backpack
Something about using a teleconverter
The 100-400 is an “S” lens, so it must be better right?
Extra control ring?
Oh well, I’m still happy with he 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S. I don’t know if this would have change my decision.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR outperforms the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 in the 100-400mm range. (Well, I’m quite sure about the 100-179mm range :) – Conversely I expect the 180-600mm to outperform the 100-400mm + TC combo at the longer focal lengths.
Both lenses make sense in Nikon’s lineup, and it really depends how often you would be using the longest focal lengths. You definitely can’t go wrong with the 100-400mm and I hope the same will be true of the 180-600mm.
I’d be willing to bet that the 180-600 is better than the 100-400 is at 400 mm, maybe even at 300 mm as well.
I’m interested to test it. The 100-400mm does get weaker at 300mm and beyond, but it’s still good. The 180-600mm could turn out the be the better performer at those focal lengths, depending on how sharp it is.
I also wouldn’t be surprised if the two lenses measure similarly at the narrower apertures, while the 1/3-2/3 stop advantage of the 100-400mm makes it look better in the lab at maximum aperture due to less diffraction. Small differences can make a big difference with lenses this sharp!
If the 100-400 gets weaker beyond 300mm, then doesn’t it suffer from the same problem as its predecessor 80-400? If so, the irony is that the remedy for the 80-400’s weakness was to get a 300/f4 (and 1.4TC). Cheaper to boot.
But there isn’t a Z mount 300/f4 …
Hmm.
If you want maximum 400mm performance on the Z system, either of the 400mm primes is the way to go. As for the 100-400mm, while it is weakest at the longer focal lengths, it is still very sharp even at its worst. It is in a totally different league from the F-mount 80-400mm.
I know the 100-400mm is softer towards the 400mm end, but I have really have to zoom in to see it.
I really do like having the extra control ring. I usually keep it on ISO as I prefer that to using auto-ISO.
Also, I have a Mindshift 26L (I think) backpack, and the 100-400mm fits snuggly in there without me having to reverse the lens hood. I don’t think I could get away with that with this 180-600mm lens.
I can get to 600 with a teleconverter but I do have to pay quite an aperture penalty for that. I do like being about to get down to 100mm as well.
Well, you definitely need to reverse the lens hood with the 200-500mm in the Mindshift 26L, so I would also assume so with the 180-600mm.
I also hope that Nikon do a better job with the lens hood on the 180-600mm than the 200-500mm, where it’s really poor! Not a very good click when fitting and it falls off all the time.
The 200-500mm focuses so slowly on the Z6ii, it was never wonderful anyway, but the FTZ seems to slow it down considerably..
I’m left very content with my 100-400mm.
I have trialed it in many situations that have similar light subject and subject distance to captures made on older F mount equipment.
Captures on the Z9 >100-400 are in my assessment as good as the Captures I got using a 400mm F2.8G.
The 100-400 was selected for versatility, and the Close Focusing is extremely attractive, even more so with the FW 4.0 Capture options.
The ZTC 1.4 >100-400 satisfies my needs very well at 500mm or slightly under this Magnification.
I have a Zoom that meets my needs, which leaves me still pondering the notion of where I will acquire extra reach and wider using Z Lenses.
I remain where I was at least 9 months ago in relation to the subject of reach, I continue wishing for a 600mm F5.6 Prime (maybe PF) to be an item for 2024, or go for the 800mm PF in 2024.
I don’t see why similar options as seen on the Z400mm range of lenses, does not realise for the Z600 range of lenses.
Nikon are making the market place a very uncomfortable place for their competitors, what not add a few more ‘thorns in their sides’, and secure a additional segment on the Pie Chart.
Canon 100-500 anyone?
I’d take an R7 with that lens over any Nikon offering at the same price.
800mm efl without a TC. 32mps. Let the birds fly along.
It would be interesting to see a comparision review wouldn’t it – a BIF bang-for-the-buck shootout.. After trying to capture some puffins in flight today with the 200-500mm (FTZ also) I understand the complaints about the z6ii now.. I tried every focusing mode, with a poor success rate.
Just noticed one of the sample landscape photos in this article is for the 70-180 f2.8 instead of the 180-600mm.
I actually look forward to eventually reading your thoughts on the 180-600mm for landscapes, though. Hopefully the 180-300mm range will be solid.
It’s all in the size and weight, IMO. For travel, where these matter, the 100-400 seems to be a very reasonable choice (particularly if the focus is landscapes, not animals). However, for activities where size is less of a concern and reach matters, the 180-600 completely obliterates the 100-400. Just MHO of course.
Hi Spencer, Always Great Articles from you! My biggest concern is the new Nikon’s rating against similar offerings from Sigma. I’ve come to realize one of the REALLY great differences with Sigma is how contrasty the lenses are. So in exchange for being heavy as gym dumbbells, I guess we get a really sharp and CONTRASTY lens. But the weight is too much after a while.
I’m hoping that Sigma makes some native Nikon Z lenses with autofocus! (Beyond the DX primes they’ve already released.) Until then, this lens should beat adapting similar DSLR lenses like the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 or the competing Sigma/Tamron lenses – possibly in pure sharpness, although that remains to be seen, but definitely in terms of focus speed and weight.
Purposely waited for the pre-order link here before ordering this lens. I want Photographylife to get credited for the sale.
The features, MTF and price of this lens explains why Nikon could not release this lens until some time has passed after the Nikkor 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S became available for sale.
Now hoping that Nikon will release a Nikkor Z-mount 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR that surpasses its F-mount counterpart as well as the VR-less Tamron Z-mount 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3.
I really appreciate it, thank you, Larry!
Man, I’ve been waiting for a Z 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 (or a 70-200mm f/4) since basically day one. Now that there are only two lenses left on the Z roadmap, we are probably due for some new surprises before long. Hopefully that’s one of them.
Don’t think it’s going to happen with the Tamron now available, which I guess means Nikon doesn’t have any plans..
Yeah, maybe in another year to let this lens soak as many people as possible.
The Z8 came out what, a year and a half after the Z9? So figure it’s going to be something on that timeline.
Is it possible to tell how much is down to the lens and how much to the camera?
Those of us who can’t lay down £4,000 for a Z8 could do with seeing what it’s like on, say, a Z6.
With the Z system, frankly, the limiting factor has been more about the camera than the lens so far. That’s because the main limitation with the Z cameras isn’t autofocus speed. Even the oldest Nikon Z cameras focus very fast. The real issue (except with the Z8 and Z9) is autofocus tracking – not something a new lens has much impact on.
That said, with the right AF settings, even complex subjects like birds in flight are certainly possible with the original Z6 and Z7 (if you haven’t seen my article on the topic: photographylife.com/bad-a…hotography)
For most subjects, a Z6 will work. For birds in flight, not really. It can work but it will be frustrating. I’d still get this lens, but save up for a used Z8 or Z90 (if such a thing ever comes). The original A9 retailed for more than the Z8 and yet the A9 is going for under 2K now, about the price of a new D500.
So you can use the lens on the Z6 now, get a lot of good shots, and then get a used Z8 when the Z8II comes out.
Sorry I disagree the Z6 works great for birds in flight using the contrast tracking that the Z6 II / Z6 I offers. It’s not the fire and forget solution many people are getting used to. Sometimes I hook up my Z9 for remote videography and I do not hesitate to put the pf500 with the 1.4 TC on the Z6 to get really nice results. Since the Z6 have larger pixels they are also great for low light photography of animals.
There is a lot of upcoming testing on this long awaited lens.
I would not put too much emphasis onto one Test Report only, plenty of shooting scenarios will be put in place for this lens. It won’t be too long before is is known where the strengths are to be found.
At present I do like the Internal Zoom, it looks like the not being able to create a compact zoom lens is the compromise.
The Z 100 – 400 Stops down wider, which has proved useful for my needs, especially when in woodland shade at shorter focal lengths.
Is the 180-600mm a f5.6 at 400mm ?
I am assuming it will be a little difficult to have comparisons done with parity Magnification and Aperture at the Increased Magnifications.
If the Z1.4 is used on the 100 – 400 at 400mm, it is to be expected that a loss of IQ is detected.
It would be interesting to learn of the results of a comparison with both lenses at approx’ 500mm or slightly under, my experience is that the Z1.4 > 100-400 optimises with the Lens set at 350ish mm or a very slightly reduced magnification under the 350mm.
I’m looking forward to testing it regardless! The difference between f/5.6 and f/6.3 is only 1/3 of a stop, but I’m curious at what point in the zoom range the switch will officially happen (granted, it’s a gradual thing).
The comparison you mention would be nice as well as on the 400mm f4.5 with the Z1.4 teleadapter.
Although this lens is lighter than the 200-500 (4.3 lbs vs 5.07 lbs), it is still quite a bit heavier than the 500 PF at 3.21 lbs. Frankly, I’m getting tired of schlepping around the 200-500 so I’m looking at other options, if/when I move to the Z system, and this probably won’t be on the list. The 400 5.6 looks awfully attractive at 2.7 lbs, and the 100-400 is only 3.2 lbs. Granted, the price is quite attractive, but I’m definitely more interested in weight savings at this point.
In terms of weight, going with a prime like the 500mm f/5.6 PF or the 400mm f/4.5 is definitely the better approach. All things considered, this new lens is pretty light, but a 180-600mm zoom just will inherently be a heavy piece of glass.
If it’s weight savings you are after, the 400 f/4.5 or 500 f/5.6 are superior. I’ve used lenses of the weight of the 180-600 and I currently use the 500PF. Huge difference. But, the 180-600 weight without the tripod collar is not bad at all! It’s certainly lighter than the old 200-500! That was a beast.
Error in my post. As noted, the 400 is f/4.5 not 5.6.