Nikon is adding a pair of lenses to its growing Z mirrorless library. The Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR have loads of appeal to enthusiasts and other photographers shopping for mid-range photo gear to use for long-lens subjects like sports and wildlife. It's no coincidence that they come shortly after the Nikon Z 8, an aggressively priced (for the class) high-speed camera that's well suited for use with long lenses.
Z 70-180mm F2.8 Looks Familiar
The Z 70-180mm F2.8 is the third mid-priced F2.8 zoom for the Z system, following the 17-28mm and 28-75mm. Like the others its optical formula and feature set match up with lenses from third-party lens maker Tamron. So while Nikon doesn't advertise it, we expect its version to deliver the same level of performance as the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8, a lens that's exclusively available for Sony E cameras.
The Nikkor Z version costs a little bit more ($1,249.95) than the Tamron ($1,199.99), but is sold and supported by Nikon, and offers support for Z teleconverters, a feature missing from the for-Sony edition marketed by Tamron.
The Z 70-180mm F2.8 is built with a dust- and drip-resistant barrel, and has anti-smudge fluorine on its front element. It doesn't include the vibration reduction (VR) system from Nikon's higher-grade Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S ($2,699.95), but the issue is lessened since all full-frame Z cameras include stabilized sensors. Owners of DX sensor models like the Z 30 will have to live without stabilization, however.
The lack of stabilization is a shame, because at around 6.0 by 3.3 inches (HD) and 1.8 pounds the Z 70-180mm is a good, lightweight telephoto for a crop-sensor camera, but skipping VR helps keep the size and weight of the lens down.
The Nikkor Z 70-180mm is scheduled for mid-July availability at the aforementioned $1,249.95 price point.
Internal Zoom Sets Z 180-600mm Apart
Nikon opted to create a fresh optical formula for the Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR instead of relying on a partner. This zoom is made for photographers who want to capture scenes where you can't get too close to the action. It's a good pick for close-up shots of wildlife and for covering team sports from the sidelines or stands. Like most long telezooms, its aperture makes it a better match for outdoor use under the sun.
At $1,699.95 the Z 180-600mm is Nikon's most affordable long lens for the Z system, though to be fair the other options to date are primes with exotic features like a built-in teleconverter (the $14,000 Z 400mm F2.8 TC VR S is a good example) or ultra-light phase fresnel optics like the $2,999.95 Nikkor Z 400mm F4.5 VR S.
The Z 180-600mm includes some premium features, despite mid-tier pricing. It includes seals for dust, drip, and fluorine protection, along with an internal zoom action that offers fewer points of ingress. Internal zoom is a big plus for a decently heavy (4.3 pounds) lens as it helps keep the center of balance steady when changing focal lengths.
Stabilized optics are a must-have for this long lens, even with a camera with IBIS, and they are included here. The Z 180-600mm also works with teleconverters and can be paired with DX sensor cameras for longer effective reach.
Nikon expects August availability for the $1,699.95 Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR.