SURPRISE!!! Nikon 180-600 REVIEW: The BEST “Affordable” Wildlife / Sports Lens?!
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2023
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This is a Review of the Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 Lens. I took it out into the real world to photograph at the Philadelphia Zoo as well as the Philadelphia Phillies. I used the lens on the Nikon Z9 and it will work perfectly well on the Z8 and modestly well in terms of auto focus on the Z6 II, Z7 II, Z5, Z50, Z30 and Zfc.
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Looks like another winner from Nikon!
Nikon is making a nice comeback!
Nikon's telephoto range is the more complete in the mirrorless market right now. Unique lenses like the 400mm TC, the 600 TC, and the 800mm pf. Also common lenses like the. 400mm f4.5, the 100-400mm, and now the. 180-400 completing the line. Finally, if you are willing to use adapters you have lenses like the 300mm pf and the. 500mm pf.
And the 120-300mm 2.8!
I wish Sony do some competition do APS-C sensors... like 500 mm f4.5 .. or at least 400 mm f4
Thanks Jared. I have preordered the 180-600 tonight. A thing of beauty. Great job.
One of the best reviewers on CZcams, plus there is a ton of humor. Very nice. Thank you.
Nikon has fully fleshushed out it's lens line up to max spec ...
Now canon is the sleeper of the bunch ... For the past 20 years we have been asking for a 600 zoom from canon ... And no response .....
Great post, as always, Jared. I've been waiting for this beast for a long time and it looks like I'm going to get just what I was waiting for...
Just wanted to let you know, I have enjoyed your reviews. The humor is great too-it’s free!!
Thanks!
thanks Jared.I have the z70-200 with the 2x as my stop-gap while I expected the 200-600 sometime maybe 2024 ! Ordered the 180-600 already. Great review. Best sniff test ever
Clear, factual, perfectly illustrated, and not too long : one of your best (pre)review video ever 👍👏👏👏👏
Just my opinion but Nikon is getting ahead in this mirrorless game with its lenses - amazing value for money, I don’t need this lens but Damn do I want it!
In a world where E-mount and L-mount aren't open standards and third party lens manufacturers do not exists, you might be right. But imho the value Sigma, Tamron and alike provide to those camera systems makes them the better choice (if value is what you are after). E.g. the Sigma 150-600 f/5-6.3 costs $900 right now, that's about half of what Nikon asks!
@@christophmayer3991 tried the big sigma before and to be honest it was garbage
@@christophmayer3991Tamron is allowed to make Z glas and some Tamron lenses are whitelabled as Nikon, for instance the 70-180 F2.8.
The Sigma 150-600 is ok but that's it is heavy, not that sharp and not that fast. The Nikon 200-500 outperforms the Sigma but has shorter reach.
@@christophmayer3991 Can easily run one of those on my Z6.
@@christophmayer3991 it's also half the quality
Jared, loved the positive up-beat review! I think Nikon have knocked it clean out of the park with this lens, they are going to sell loads more than they can make! 👏😀👍 Massively pleased its an internal zoom, like my old 200-400 f4 vrII!
I've been wanting to switch systems (coming from fuji) for a long time now, and it always frustrated me how Canon has the right cameras but not the right lenses for me, while it was the exact opposite with Sony. Now out of nowhere within a couple of weeks Nikon has both. I think once this becomes available, I go grab a z8 + this Badboy.
Absolutely right , I tried the Sony system after being a lifetime Nikon shooter and while the Sony is excellent at what it does it just didn’t work for me ergonomically. I bought the Z9 which is fantastic but heavy ! Saving for the Z8 now .
@@Chris-13if you sell me the z9 for $500 that’s $500 closer to a z8 for you! Lol 😂
As a Canon shooter, I fully agree
@@Uisci81 🤔🤔😂😂😂😂
the Z8 is the best camera on paper when you account for specs and price, but its AF is still a tier below Canon and Sony, which makes its high FPS kinda moot if you're gonna be trashing a lot of shots.
Sony would kill the market if they released an A1-spec camera at the Z8's price point. It's been 2.5 years, surely they've got the manufacturing costs down enough that they can do that? If the A9iii is 24MP again, I can't see the point of it. Gotta be at least 33 but even then, 40+ would be ideal.
Awww, I’ve been waiting for this one!
the lens I've been waiting for! :)
Great video Jared just recently subscribed I like your content glad i found you! I think i am going to purchase the Z8, and definately the 180-600mm thanks for all the info much appreciated!
Amazing lens for wildlife! Preordered with no hesitation
95mm filters are deal breaker for me so here is the hesitation for some people, haha
As a canon shooter I am so jealous. Canon only has the 100-500mm f4.5-7.1. For almost $3k. It’s ridiculous
Get the Sigma 60-600, I mean you’ll be using an EF adapter but it’s a great versatile lens. And only $1999. And the 150-600 version is only $900
to be fair the 100-500 is an L lens so probably has better coatings & snappier AF vs. this non-S Nikon
Canon has some of the most stupid telephoto lenses
600 mm f11 / 800 mm f11… f11 that’s freaking ridiculous
@@rpungello stop defending Canon. The 100-500 is overpriced big time.
There is a video on here comparing the older Nikkor 200-500 which is selling for $1050usd to the $3000 Canon. Sharpness was similar and the Canon actually had worse focus breathing.
@@photobunny This. The Canon 100-500 isn't cheap that I'll agree to but it's absolutely one of the best zooms out there and will beat a Tamron 180-600 copy hands down.
A very nice and comprehensive review Jared. I value your feedback so I'm especially appreciative of your comments here.
Thanks for review. This is my next lens.
Nikon is on a very good path - seems they do a lot of things right
Jared is officially back on the Nikon train, at least for their lenses. LOL!!
I know what you are all here for. Sniff test: 15:40, Wind tunnel test: 15:58
you know it!
Love the sniff test & wind tunnel test!!!!!
I been listening to your podcast lately.... Enjoying it
Nice review. I have the 100-400 ZS lens. As soon as my local shop get a 180-600 in inventory, I will do my own side-by-side comparison. The 180-600 looks good. Saw you comment on the Fro packs. I will explore them next. Thank you
I chose the right path among the three best selling brands on the planet, Nikon you did not disappoint me, you please me even more with those impressive lenses. If the good is already here in 2023, which awaits us in the coming years, surely many more wonders 👏👏
Holy crap. I can finally strap a proper Z lens to my Z6ii.
My thoughts too🎉
How's the AF performance of this lens on a lower line body?
Pretty much looks like the Sony 200-600 with an extra 20 mm on the wide end....and that is a good thing as the 200-600 is likely my most used lens. Good to see Nikon having something similar to use with the Z8. That is a fantastic and reasonably priced combination for nature photography with a stacked sensor camera. OK, Sony where is your reasonably priced stacked sensor high resolution camera :)
Good Review! I like what I see and 180-600 will bet on my wish list.
For many teleconverters their benefit depends on the resolving capability of the central area of the lens. If the lens is acting as an OLPF even in the center, then a teleconverter will not offer any meaningful benefit while introducing many negatives. On the other hand, if the lens is outresolving your sensor, then there will be a massive benefit from the teleconverter.
One thing I always ask when talking about teleconverters is if you have 20 pictures in front of you, could you tell the difference between those shots with the teleconverters and those without?
I'm ordering one today!!! Skittles is my go to preset..
Thank you so much for this information! ❤
Sounds great for aviation too!
I'm happy NIKON IS BACK.
Nice review. Thank you Jared.
nice and well balanced/informative review, thanks
Canon people are sleeping. They are not like the Nikon people who always have hearts for all types of photographers.
Congratulations to Nikon, the budget photographers will always appreciate your strategy for all players ❤
Distance to a subject and focal length is more important for background blur than the f-stop number. Going from 400mm to 600mm is the same as going from f/8 to f/3.5.
No way there is more than two stop difference with 400mm vs 600mm.
@@pahafx DOF is quadratic with regard to the focal length and linear with regard to an f-stop number.
(600 / 400)^2 ~ (8 / 3.5)
@@tshev Wait, you're telling me the quadratic formula from grade 10 math has actual real world application?
I really like the internal zoom. I had it twice were it was cold, stormy and raining and I need to shoot a TV Show MAZ Production. (This days I worked with Sigma 60-600 mm) and even I had a rain cover on it, the rain found his way by sliding the zoom inside and after the half I had change it... lucky it came easily also out but them close to the heatingradiator. But I had to change after the half production from 60-600 to 70 - 200 (nothing else with me). (The rain was so hard and heavy, I weared army-Boots, Jeans a army rain jacket and on top of it one of the plastic Rain-covers giving to the audience (yeah there were hardcore audience this days) and the rain found his way from my boots, up to my jeans, into my underpants, t-shirt to the inside of my shirt und wet all my army rain jacket from inside.... )
I left Nikon for Sony early in the mirrorless revolution but this might make me want to come back. That Z8 paired with this lens sizzles!!! ;-) Thank Fro!
Wow! You always surprise, great review!
that lens makes me wanna get the Z8。
The internalk zoom is super awesome, specially when shooting in inclement weather, thanks for the video as always !!
Agreed ! Looks like I will replace my 200-500 F5.6
As a Nikon and Olympus shooter, I thought i would drop in on THE most entertaining camera dude on the internet. I had the 200-500, way too heavy for what i got. Boy oh boy, a Nikon Z9 and this lens ... gold baby!
For 1600 bucks, this is quite possibly the best value for money.
Just like the old 200-500 that was a great lens
@@matthewbell1968 never had the pleasure to shoot with that lense, but never doubted it when I saw Jared's review on it.
@@matthewbell1968 That lens never failed me, it was tack sharp all the time.
@@jrodewald2010 agreed. For me the difference from the pf was minimal.
@@drpork1360 best value lens I've ever had!
Nice video Jared, as usual. Keep it up
Rgds
Deepankar
Hi Jared thx for yet another great video. Now although the 800 6.3 is in another price class but how would you say these 2 lenses compare at 6.3 especially when you shoot in dx mode as then the lens is at 900mm at the long end. thx Doug
Thank God … this time you didn’t say it’s a Gorilla Focus problem with Nikon and they suck 😂
Truth is Nikon is on a roll and now it has even better lens collection than any other system period and a topping on that is Z9 and Z8. You can’t say Nikon sucks anymore.
Which other system has this kind of lens collection at “affordable” price points with “great quality”:
1) Z 400 4.5 - what a lens - no match for it in other systems
2) Z 100-400 mm f5.6
3) Z 180-600
4) Z 70-180
5) Z 400 f2.8 with inbuilt TC (Game changer no one has it)
6) Z 600 mm f4 with inbuilt TC (no other system has this kind of lens)
7) Z 800 mm f6.3 - $6500 telephoto lens… no other system has it… period.
Whole bunch of other small primes and medium telephoto lenses
They just need to release Z500 equivalent of D500… all other systems are then done for good.
Great review Jared. You are wrong about the z 1.4 teleconverter though. In daytime light it makes no difference to sharpness or picture quality . I use mine all the time
I disagree .
its good that Jared is doing the wind tunnel test after the sniff test 😁
Thank you for your hint about the Teleconverter. I had the same with a SIGMA TC-1411 (1,4x L-Mount). The quality was noticeably worse with the Teleconverter than without.
Finally quite affordable and capable telephoto for Z lineup!
The S vs Non-S has a lot to do with the anti-reflective coatings and such. I imagine the 100-400 will do a bit better optically with less reach, but like you said at $1000 more. I already have the 1-4, and have pre-ordered the 180-600 so I'll get to compare them a lot.
would love to know your conclusions when you eventually do
Yeah! Love to know the details afterwards!
Yep, please do.👍
Same here. I will put my TC 1.4x on both and compare.
I'm not sure about this, surprisingly. It's only one sample, but Ricci recently compared this lens to many competitors and they looked quite close in this comparison, maybe the 180-6 even edging out a bit.
czcams.com/video/k0w7BFner10/video.html
Hi Jared thx for another great video. Would you recommend the 180-600 over the 200-400 f4 vr ii for birds and wildlife on my current Z6ii. and I can get the f4 actually for less than the 180-600. thx Doug
This lens looks awesome. I was looking at the Sigma/Tamron 150-600, or even the Sigma 60-600. The fact that this is a Z lens, no need for an FTZ adapter is a win. The biggest one for me is the internal zoom. The price as well is absolutely insane. This is definitely on my wish list.
I'm definitely going to buy this amazingly cheap lens..❤impressive..
Ahhh Crap!!! Now I have to go out and buy a Nikon Body too!
Now the market is getting intresting. With Sony 200-600, Canon 100-500 and now the Nikon 180-600.
Jared hopefully a comparison is coming soon.
I would never consider the Canon. Much higher price and F7.1. Why?
@@photobunny oh yes I completely forgot about that category. 🤣
Nothing wrong with the AF in any of those shots! ;)
The flamingo photos are awesome.
Nikon just solved a conundrum for me with this lens, it will be in my bag!
Awesome Jared!. How do you feel it compares to the 100-500 Canon or 200-600 Sony for IQ and Blown out background?
Nice review!
Man do i envy people that have other systems. I made the apparent mistake to stick with canon, moving from EF to RF and boy do they charge for the few lenses available. The 100-500 is like twice what this Nikon costs and probably not better (smaller aperture) and besides that there’s only a low end 100-400.
I feel entirely ripped off, having expected that there would be third-party RF lenses just like with the other brands. I would NOT have purchased an RF camera and some lenses had i known at the time that canon would restrict others from offering AF lenses.
At all the Nikon Z mount shooters: enjoy the lens, I wouldn’t even hesitate ordering it.
Cut your loses and switch
@@michaelgomez4314 I'm waiting until I really need another lens and if there's still no sigma, tamron and non high- or low-end glass from Canon, I'll switch to sony. I will dread the ergonomics, but enjoy the much wider lens selection.
Will you also have the 70-180 2.8 review up too?
Thanks for the review Jared. I’ve not watched you for a couple of years and forgot how informative and interesting your posts are.
Like to see which works best that on a z8/9 or canon R7 with the rf 100-500
Paired with the Z9 how to you think the 180-600mm would perform at airshows? Especially compaired to the old 200-500mm?
I'm almost always stepped down due to what I photograph, but honestly how much are we really worried about f4 vs f6 at say 500 mm with today's editing tools to blur backgrounds? On film, totally understood. Looking forward to this lens!
I'm finding that tne new denoise feature in LR Classic is really nice. Makes photos taken with my 1" sensor cameras look great, and seems to retain detail.
interesting, but how would you compare it to the sigma 60-600 as I personally prefer that range for wildlife. thx
Jared. During your lens test did you have the cameras in Auto ISO ?
I'm still enjoying my Z7... I can't imagine buying another camera for a while even though this one is now a couple of years old to me. I look forward to using this 180-600 on it, currently using an F mount adapter and autofocus lacks.
Great video! Thank you so much.
And what is your opinion with a Z50?
Same question here. I used my Z50 with the latest software update and it was quite successfull at an aviation show this past weekend ...
I can ask you this neighbor. At Conowingo on a Z8 would you use this lens or a 500pf/tc 1.4 with adapter?
There is a possibility of 200-600mm S lens in the future!
And suddenly a lot of Canon shooters getting jealous (including my old self)
I was eyeing the 100-400, but the price tag was rough...this is verrrry intriguing!
been travelling the world and using teh 24-200 as my daily driver lens. this is the first lens from nikon in awhile that makes me scream "shutup and take my money." The versatility is hard to beat and I see a lot of places where I can make use of this
Nikon system is getting more and more room to play with right now, I have a R6 and still stuck with old tamron EF lens because RF lens is rare like Unicorn and too expensive for hobbyist like me. Hope Canon will official allow third-party lens really soon.
Even if they do (which I highly doubt) it will take years and years to form a respectable third party lens lineup
I guess it's time to switch to Nikon from Canon. The biggest frustration as a Canon shooter is that Canon only has cheap shitty non WR lenses or ridiculously expensive and heavy L lenses. All I need is a moderate lens like Z 50mm f1.8, not Rf 50mm f1.8 nor f1.2.
almost every canon pro lens is lighter than nikon...rf 70-200 2.8 is the smallest and lightest of all three brands, rf 50 1.2 is much smaller than Nikon 50 1.2, Canon 85 1.2 is smaller than Nikon 85 1.2. They really isn't much difference in price between pro glass from different brands.
@howiestern3972 I am talking about moderate options, not the weight. Most people don't need bulky and heavy f1.2 lenses. Decent f1.8 lenses are more than enough for most shooters. The issue of Canon is there are no decent moderate lenses.
@@howiesternphotocanon lens cheaper? You are duped big time bro
@@michaelgomez4314 bro, lol...They are all roughly the same, within 10% brah.If you're a pro, it don't matter. You use what works for you.
Great Review- I"ve been waiting for this lens a few years. No more F adapters- Hoozah
i own the f-mount 200-500, i find the image jumping horribly when the image stabilization is active on the lens to the point it drives me nuts when framing a shot is useless, does this lens have the same issue?
That is a sweet looking lens. At this price point, the Z shooters will be incredibly happy.
As always, a informative video, with a lot of beautiful shots. Start wondering if it's time to sell all my Canon gear, and switch to Nikon. Canon is really falling behind when it comes to affordable lenses.
Is it oke for the Z 6ll ? ....or is that 24 mp sensor to small for the '6 3' ??
Now we just need a mirrorless version on the D500 and I will be fully back to Nikon 🤪
Z8, and it also gives you full frame
While the Z8 is an incredible camera and the only camera I currently have, not everyone can or want to spend that much money on a body. Z6iii/Z90/Z500 make a lot of sense for many others, although my top choice would remain Z8 even given those choices.
@@jamesma524 When adjusted for inflation the Z8 is only $500 more than the D500 when new.
Wow, $300 cheaper than the Sony lens, and 20 mm wider. Good job Nikon.
And a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.25x vs 0.2x on the Sony. It took them a long time to release the lens but they sure did a great job
Well.. Sony 200-600 was $2k on release. These days you can find it new under $1.7k so yeah, but actually no. Either way both great options for what you pay depending on what system you own.
How does this compare to the Tamron 150-600 G2 or the Sigma 150-600? I have a z50 currently.
Thanks!
You said there are four customizable function buttons. Can each button be assigned a different function?
This is one of the first Z lenses I have seen that economically transitions quite smoothly from the f mount variant. Affordable. Should be a top seller as you say. Nice that the quick readout of the Z9 sensor gives you a round ball.
1/3 more expensive than the 200-500 is far from economicaly smooth transition ...
@@Wizzardus really? Because they're such a thing as inflation and $1400 in 2015 actually equals $1796 today. So $3 difference. Sue me.
The lead Nikon is taking in mirrorless is unheard of. What's most remarkable with this 180-600 is the bokeh, just beautiful!
I totally disagree about tele-converters. My results are the exact opposite of yours, TCs, in particular very high end teleconverters such as the Z ones, make a significant difference over cropping. But of course admitting this means that you would also have to admit that the Nikon 400mm f2.8 TC and 600mm f4 TC are game changers vs the Canon and Sony offerings, which you don't want to do...
Almost nothing changes in quality for 1.4x TC, avoid the 2x TC
Could you make a comparison video between the 200-500 F-mount and the 180-600? I'd really like to see if it's worth the change!
Off-topic somewhat but I’m assuming you apply your fro pack presets to all of your pictures… Would it be possible to add which preset (if any) you’re using when you display the photos?
Good idea. We will look into it. But most nature photos and the sports ones are going to be skittles modified.
Do or have you tried this lens with a z7ii ??
what is the best setting for wildlife and sports
How does this compare to the Sigma 150-600mm
Simping for this lens and at the same in doubt about the tamron 150-500 on a xt5 being a better option for wildlife/hiking, about 400g of difference
Damn I should of kept my Nikon camera
loved your wise words on teleconverters. currently using my 200-500 and cropping in if needed. would do the same with this lens. dont invalidate your aperture and focus.
Yes and no. The Version 3 TC's have very little impact to focus, and the 1.4x is applied to your focal RANGE as well. It's not like zooming in post is a free lunch: you lose pixel density and get closer to noise doing this.
I think DX and Nikon's 2.3x 120p IRL sensor zoom options should be discussed more w Z8/9 than zooming on computer -- having the EVF also zoom in is niiiiiiiice
@@northofbrandon Also the Z Tc's perform very well with right lenses, especially the 1.4x (having rented it).