Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens

Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR - a versatile but affordable telephoto zoom

The Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is perhaps the dream lens for nature photographers using the Nikon Z system. While the focal length range is head-turning, the price is nothing compared to the big 600mm f/4 lenses. Sure, the luminosity isn't quite at the top end, but it's perfectly adequate for most photographers. In practice, the lens is the mirrorless Z-series equivalent of the popular Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 -lens. Sony's near equivalent 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS is a very equal competitor to this lens. However, the Nikon 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 has the advantage of an extra 20mm at the wide end.

Nature photographers will certainly be most excited about this glass, but don't forget that it is also ideal for sports or aerial photography, for example. It is the wide focal length range of 180-600mm that makes this lens a very suitable choice for a wide range of shooting situations. It also has the widest focal length range of any lens in the Nikon range. If for some reason 600mm is still not enough, the lens is compatible with the Nikon 1.4x and 2x with telecommunications. In this case, of course, luminosity and image quality suffer a little. The 1.4x telephoto extends the maximum focal length to 840 mm and the 2x telephoto to 1 200 mm.

For its wide focal length range, the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is surprisingly lightweight. This, combined with the internal zoom, allows for very handheld shooting. On longer sessions, however, the lens' weight of just under 2kg can start to make itself felt, so the lens also comes with a tripod mount to quickly attach, for example, a monopod. The tripod mount can be quickly rotated to a vertical or horizontal position, depending on the shooting situation. For added convenience, the lens has a short zoom range: from 180 mm to 600 mm is achieved by just 70 degrees by turning the zoom ring.

Sometimes the subject can get surprisingly close, and the shortest focusing distance of 130 centimetres at 180 mm and the high magnification ratio of 0.25x are useful. To prepare for unexpected situations, the lens' programmable L-Fn knobs and control ring can help. Nikon's fast and quiet STM autofocus ensures that the subject is always accurate in both stills and video.

The VR image stabilizer built into the lens provides as much as 5.5 stops of vibration reduction. This allows you to lower the shutter speed without blurring the image. The image stabilizer is very useful when shooting handheld, especially when light is low.

When shooting in nature, you are exposed to all kinds of changing weather conditions. The Nikkor Z 180-600mm doesn't care much about the weather, as its moving parts are protected against dust and moisture. However, in full downpour, it is recommended to protect the lens with something waterproof.

Key features:

• An ultra-wide 180-600 mm focal length offers excellent opportunities to get close to your target
• A budget-friendly choice for nature or sports photographers
• Internal zoom with very short zoom ring rotation
• Compatible with Nikon 1.4x and 2x -with telecommunications
• Fast and quiet STM autofocus
• Closest focusing distance only 130 cm
• Powerful 5.5 stop image stabilizer
• Protective seals against dust and moisture
• Nikon's reliable fluorine coating on the front element
• Weighing just under 2 kilograms

Technical specifications:

• Bayonet: Nikon Z
• Burning range: 180-600mm
• Zoom factor: 3,33
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6 (180-300mm), f/6 (300-500mm) and f/6.3 (500-600mm)
• Minimum aperture: f/32-36
• Maximum angle of view: 13° - 4° (APS-C: 9° - 2°)
• Maximum magnification: 0,25x
• Optical structure: 25 elements in 17 groups
• ED glass elements: 6
• Aspherical glass elements: 1
• VR modes: off, normal, sport
• Dimming lamps: 9 rounded
• Coating: fluorine
• Focusing motor: STM (stepping motor)
• Closest focusing distances:
  • 1.3 m (180mm)
  • 1.36 m (200mm)
  • 1.67 m (300mm)
  • 1.94 m (400mm)
  • 2.19 m (500mm)
  • 2.4 m (600mm)
• Focus limit: Full (∞ - 1.3 m) or ∞ - 6 m
• Filter thread: 95 mm
• Dimensions (diameter x length): 11 cm x 31,6 cm
• Weight: 1 955 g