Nikon Unveils Two New Zoom Lenses: Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

In a continued effort to cater to the needs of long-range photographers, Nikon has launched two new lenses that are set to impress. The Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 promise to deliver outstanding performance while offering affordability, completing the trio of affordable zooms in the Nikon Z-mount lenses with f/2.8 aperture.

NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR

First up is the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, which can be considered the “spiritual” successor to the renowned Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 F-mount lens. Boasting an impressive optical formula comprising 25 elements in 17 groups, including six ED glass elements for reduced chromatic aberration, this lens is truly a marvel. Weighing in at a mere 1955g (or 2140g with the included tripod leg), it is surprisingly lightweight for its range.

Notable features of the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR include an internal zoom mechanism, nine aperture blades, and two custom function buttons. Movie shooters will appreciate the click-free control ring and the lens’s ability to suppress focus breathing during video recording. Furthermore, the stepper motor ensures silent autofocus, adding to its appeal.

With up to 5.5 stops of vibration reduction and a minimum focusing distance of 1.3m at its wide end, this lens offers impressive versatility. The zoom ring also provides a short rotation angle of 70 degrees, allowing photographers to swiftly change focal lengths between extreme ranges. Additionally, the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens is compatible with the Nikon TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, which enable zooming capabilities up to an astonishing 1200mm. Nikon describes the lens as being resistant to both dust and drops, ensuring its durability even in challenging shooting conditions.

• Focal Length: 180 to 600mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/5.6 to 6.3
• Lens Mount: Nikon Z
• Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Tripod Collar: Removable and Rotating
• Front Filter Size: 95 mm
• Price: $1,696.95 on Bhphotovideo.com & Adorama.com

NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f2.8

Moving on to the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8, this lens joins the already impressive lineup of Nikon’s Z series zoom lenses, alongside the Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and Z 28-75mm f/2.8. Notably, the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 shares similarities in performance with the highly regarded Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD lens. However, Nikon’s version utilizes a stepper motor instead of Tamron’s linear drive, showcasing their commitment to innovation.

The optical formula of the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 boasts 19 elements in 14 groups, which include five ED elements, one Super ED element, and three aspherical elements. Compact and lightweight, weighing a mere 795g, this lens offers excellent portability without compromising on quality.

Equipped with a stepping motor for autofocus, the lens ensures silent operation during movie shooting. It also boasts a minimum focusing distance of 0.27m at the wide end and 0.85m at the telephoto end. Video enthusiasts will appreciate its video-optimized features, including focus breathing suppression, a customizable control ring that can be programmed to control aperture, ISO, or focus, and focus position linked to the rotation angle, providing precise manual focus control.

Just like its counterpart, the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is compatible with Nikon TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, extending its reach to a maximum distance of 360mm. When used with the TC-2.0x converter, it achieves an impressive magnification factor of 0.96. Nikon assures users that this lens is resistant to both dust and drops, ensuring its reliability in various shooting environments.

• Focal Length: 70 to 180mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
• Lens Mount: Nikon Z
• Lens Format Coverage: Full-Frame
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.68″ / 1.73 cm
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: No
• Weight: 28 oz / 795 g
• Price: $1,246.95 on Bhphotovideo.com & Adorama.com