Approaching The Scene 272: Nikon’s New 180-600mm

[@NikonDave]

I have both and at this point have used both quite a bit. Each has it's place in my kit but I was blown away with how quality the 180-600mm really was. WAY better than what I was expecting for the price. Worth the wait and Nikon keeps nailing the Z mount glass.

[@musiqueetmontagne]

I have the 180-600 as part of my arsenal and have to say that at the price point, it is unbelievable, gives quality results too. It's for wildlife and bird shooters really and so reasonably priced just replace the collar and foot...Job done. It's not just for "people on a budget"...Q poorer folk, I have top line wildlife primes too but the versatility of this with good enough quality gives it a much used place in my kit.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

So glad you dig it. Again it's a fabulous budget zoom. Big and a bit clumsy, but the performance is surprisingly good. I find it a real shame that Nikon's chosen friction collar leaves no way to put a proper collar and foot on it that won't bind with the front weight so far out beyond it. I'm sure that was a cost cutting decision, but this lens deserves better. I know Kirk went so far as to design a roller contraption to add to thier foot catching the weight out front, but while probably the only solution it's also awkward and makes packing the lens tricky. As I said, many will adore this lens and I'm sure it will always have strong advocates. :) The 200-500 was similar in that regard, and this update is far better. .

[@calabrais]

I appreciate the fair and honest review. Can't wait to get my 180-600 :D

[@enricoforster5309]

Hi Hudson, just my 2 cents regarding this lens. I was in Africa this summer and had a rented 100-400 and the 400 4,5 with me + the 1.4 TC. I liked the 100-400, especially for the near macro situations and used the 400 for TC situations. I still bought this lens because now I can leave the TC in my bag and I can use the 400 for low light situations. I own the 800 PF as well but it just isn’t a lens I can take with me easily on a plane. So I this lens will be my go to travel lens while I use the 800 for all the places around home and where I can get to with my car (and where I don’t need to bring a backpack with me for extensive hiking. Keep up your great work, I really enjoy your content!

[@NikonDave]

I've found the 800mm fits perfectly under the seat on a 717...but yes, it takes effort to travel with. Must have a purpose to bring it along.

[@cbmilne]

I do a lot of water sports photography and pre-ordered the 180-600. I traveled from Australia to Arizona 2 weeks ago where I used it for the first time and it did not disappoint at all. I am very happy that I waited and purchased this rather than the 100-400 as lots of my shots are taken beyond 400mm.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yep, it's an amazing bargain option that a ton of people will love. No doubt. Glad you're digging it.

[@carlmarch603]

Hudson and Rick, thanks for the review. I’m keeping my 100-400 and just ordered the 600PF even though I have both TC lenses. At 3.24lb (1470g) and based on reviews from Steve Perry and Jan Wegener, it’s just too good to pass up for all day handheld reach. Couple that with your 800PF and you’re set for life!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Hey Carl! I'm sure that the 600PF will be just as good as the 800 PF and better than the fabulous, narrow-mount 500PF. The other reviewers I look to and trust are the Photography Life crew and Thom Hogan. I'll be curious about what thier take is, but if I didn't have the 100-400, 800 and 1.4 TC I'd have already ordered one too. It's nuts that I can handhold the 800 PF all day long and shoot it down to 1/30th of a second. I love it. The lenses I have cover everything I need in a kit I can pack and travel with. If I were packing for Africa, Alaska, Patagonia, or Costa Rica... I wouldn't change it at all. Except maybe if I could rationalize that 400 TC of yours. That's the one lens I covet and yes I'd trade the 800 and shoot dx at 560 when needed in exchange for that flexibility and unrivaled image quality.

[@frankcruz8068]

I have a few months to decide if I want the 180-600, it is hard to find at the moment. My travel Z kit includes the 24-120, 100-400 and the amazing 800 PF (Z9 with 4.1 firmware). I often slap the 1.4 TC to the 100-400 for general bird shooting in the middle of the day, but when I need to get close I use the 800 pf, often with the TC on. I don't think I need more, but I will try it for a few weeks before buying it. I think this lens could go well with the Z6III as a second kit, similar to the D500 with 200-500 in the old days. My findings generally match yours, you have become the only person I listen to for gear. Thank you!

[@Flyers8810]

Been going back and forth between the 100 - 400 and the 180 - 600. I have the 200 - 500 with the d850 but hiking, carrying and shooting handheld all day a lot of the time wears on me. I think your video has helped me make a decision between price, weight, and overall enjoyment. Thanks!

[@lesallan9146]

Thanks for a very useful review Hudson. And thanks for adding the information about the Kirk adaptor plates - I wasn't aware of this company and I will be ordering one of these asap. Keep up the good work.

[@ghillieghost4345]

Great review, as always, so thank you to you and Rick! I've been interested in the 180-600, but I already have the 100-400, 1.4TC and the 2.0TC, so I'll stick with those for now!

[@csc-photo]

I currently don’t have anything beyond 200mm (70-200 2.8 S), so the 180-600 is an easy decision for me. No concern about weight or size, for my use. Thanks for the info!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'll bet you'll love it. I think it's the right lens for a lot of people.

[@sudipguria1974]

With z 70-200@2.8 , works for mammals too , how far i can click in meter or feet ?

[@speedyleewaysports2519]

Just bought the 180-600 and a Z9. Learning them both, a big jump from what I've used before. Thanks for the videos, they help.

[@bobmclaughlin4896]

I agree as well love my 100-400 as my go to lens and then I pair it up with a 2X converter for that extra reach. ...Very pleased.

[@PASquared]

Hard to argue with the internal zoom for fast moving and unpredictable subjects. Cant wait to get mine to photograph aircraft, motorsports and wildlife

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I much prefer the zoom and focus acquisition speed of the 100-400, but again the 180-600 is surprisingly great for a budget lens.

[@tomgodzik8951]

The Nikon 180-600mm lens works great for me. I use it on a bipod because I have weak hands. ❤❤❤ Great video. ❤❤❤

[@stanobert3475]

Your reviews are excellent! I own the 100-400, and I would love to see Nikon release the rumored aps-c Nikon Z90 with its 33 megapixel sensor. This way, we could get a DX cropped 560mm image with 33 megapixels at f/5.6. A semi-pro DX camera without the battery grip wouldn't take too much more room in a camera bag. This would make the 100-400 an even better wildlife lens.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Lots of rumors, but none seem very credible. I would LOVE them to be right though. A Z version of the D500 would be so welcome.

[@rjcoleman5621]

Hudson, As usual your testing in real world situations is so valuable. I have the 100-400 S and love it. I took it to Africa this summer and it never disappointed me. I had the 1.4 TC on it most of the time and the pictures were sharp. I probably will not get the 180-600 because of size. Not a great travel lens. I really liked your moon photos in Moab. The Moab area is so unique, I love going there any time I can. Thank you for your good work and advice.

[@markstemmett5296]

Very good review, I agree 100-400 great, 800 good for sitting still, got the 180-600 today which I hope will be a nice compromise for taking on a game drive to Botswana

[@bobmclaughlin4896]

Great honest lens opinions. Henry, I agree my top carry lens choices are 100-400, 24-120. ...I may add maybe soon 800mm. ... cropping with a 100-400 is standing.

[@DarrenLloydPDX]

Had this and the 100-400 come out at the same time I think I would've struggled to determine which one meets my needs. That said, I *love* my 100-400 for what I do and wouldn't switch. Haven't tried it with the 1.4 but that's probably top of my gear list.

[@ronmarsalis941]

Hudson, couldn’t agree more about the Z180-600 collar, can’t stand it. Love the lens, a really good value. Plan to use on my Wimberley MH-100 hopefully with a new Kirk collar. Thanks for your input on the IQ.

[@craigthompson6519]

Thanks for the review. I have been shooting the Tamron 150-600mm G2 for several years, the Nikkor 180-600 mm is 35 gms lighter, so no change there. Concur that the lens ring/foot is far from ideal (or even good) and am hoping Kirk or RRS will come up with a much better option - (PLEASE!!). With the release of the Nikkor 600 mm PF the choice seems to be shooting several S quality primes (less versatility but better AF, picture quality and less weight) or a zoom like the 180-600mm with more weight and a bit less sharp. There is no S quality zoom with 600mm reach without adding a TC. While I would be willing to spend more for a S level zoom, it is hard for me to shell out for multiple S primes. Again, thanks for your reviews and ATS series, they have been extremely helpful.

[@PatrickSmeaton]

I have a 180-600mm on order (backordered of course). The more I think about it, the more appreciate your take on it. I'm really considering canceling my order and buying a 100-400mm, and then a 800mm later.

[@kenjordan5750]

I heard that the new Nikon Zf has pixel shift technology and can produce 96MP files. Can't wait for you to test that! The 100-400 is an S Line lens, and may hold its value better. As always, appreciate your take/reviews of Nikon gear.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It does, but a bit of wind in leaves tends to muck that up and you have to use Nikon's editing software (which is awful in my opinion) to get the files. I'll test it of course, but like most pixel shift capable cameras, I think it'll be off limited use.

[@ele4853]

Great video! Hudson, the Hoodman eye cup you have it on your Z9 is the "regular eyecup" or the "for glasses eyecup"? thanks in advance.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Mine's regular.

[@smkunder1]

Thanks, always enjoy your honest reviews. I have purchased this lens as I am on a budget, it does work well!

[@1rstKike]

The stabilisation is insane 😳

[@AnitaWooldridge-r8c]

Had it ordered.... then they announced the z600mm pf. I have the z100-400mm and was torn with getting the z180-600mm. Now, I think the z600mm pf is a better choice. I now the price point will hurt, but what do you think?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Great choice

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Great summary. Thank you!

[@Mark-q3z]

Hey mate currently shooting the d500 and I’ve loved it for what I do which is this year mainly birding , can surely see the excitement of the z8, I’m seeing some comments regarding heat warnings when video and a recent one of heat warn8ngs at 15fps and 12 fps on a hot day shoot , also a freeze up a few times on a cold shoot, this is pretty concerning to me with the z8 , have you seen any issues with heat on the z8 , z9 seems fine it’s just on the z8 , im concerned enough to wait 6-12 months before I consider changing and see what eventuates

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No one I know has had any of those issues and I know a LOT of Z8 shooters in my workshop participants and community. :-) When you make the change, you'll never look back.

[@skyace888]

Thanks Hudson! I will likely pick up this new 180-600 soon. I recently traded in my D500 and Tamron 150-600 G2 (plus cash) for a Z8. I never cared for the Tamron much and thought the image quality wasn’t great (plus it tended to underexpose and not sure maybe I just got a bad copy).

[@lesgregory4469]

A friend has the 150-600 G2 and like you I wasn't impressed with the image quality. I ordered the 180-600mm, arrives Monday, thinking its gonna fit my needs well

[@davidziegert7500]

Feeling so woefully behind the times with my D750 and Sigma 150-600 Contemporary. I do the best I can do with the equipment I have. 😀

[@andrewship2410]

I have the 100-400 and love it but miss the extra reach. Do you think I would be happy by buying the 1.4teleconverter for wildlife?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yep, or the new 600PF if it's in the budget.

[@masterblimpy]

Wow great review. Practice shooting with examples. Great job

[@R.Hogarth]

Thanks Hudson great video as always, and to be honest, it was a video that I have been waiting for. If you didn't have the 100-400, do you feel that this would be a lens that you would carry in your camera bag "just in case"? Or do you think it would be too big & heavy? For Rick, considering that you used it for a while, how would you compare it to the Sony 200-600G? Thanks!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

No. I would never change to a huge bag filling insert to carry this lens. Id go with the 400 4.5 to agment the 70-200 S, but thankfully I do have the 100-400 S, so I don't need to own either of those lenses. :)

[@brianrosborough361]

Thought this was a lens I would want but the weight is a concern for me. With the announcement of the 600 PF I will pause and see how that lens works out. Probably will end up costing me a lot of quilt fabric!!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Ha! I'll bet. Yeah, I predict the 600 will be the featherweight champion.

[@jcollins9083]

What bottom plate did you attach to the foot? I am currently using a 80MM from Breakthrough.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

The universal QD plate from Kirk is linked in the video's description.

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Hudson, I think Nikon has a great lens for its price and will sell very well. But for my it has the same problem the the 200mm-500mm has, in that it is to heavy. (Well for my as I only have one working arm). I can and do manage the 100mm-400mm just. The lens I would like to see you and hear your thought on is the new 600mm f6.3. That may well end up in my bag. Thank you for one more interesting video, Not sure if KZbin has do this lens test justest as most of the images with the copy of 180mm-600mm just look a bit soft. From what I have seen of this lens I will but that down to KZbin.

[@Bruce-ko3np]

Hudson, would you explain how you figured out when the moon would be positioned between the rock formations? That was a really cool shot.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Photographer's ephemeris. :) been using it for over a decade for shots like that.

[@hhingle]

Please list the link to the strap you used to carry this lens connecting to the foot... think that would be the way I would want to carry it on a trail, Thank You Hudson...

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Best strap on the planet and sadly there's no way to get one or anything close to it right now. You can see it still though at my links: Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks Stay tuned. I'm working with someone to rectify that. ;)

[@highanddryful]

any update on the camera strap yet ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Still on it. It'll be a while of prototyping yet.

[@Mr09260]

ThankYou >> I just got phoned I have the 1st one in S Africa .. just arrived in the country today and will get delivered on Wed next week.. the 180-600 to go with my 70-200 for African Wild Life >> so interesting to hear what I am getting

[@markstemmett5296]

Somebody not telling you the truth, got mine from Kloppers in Port Elizabeth yesterday

[@Mr09260]

Yes mine got to Outdoorphoto in Pta on Thurs and will be delivered to Hartenbos on Wed Next week as nobody is home Mon/Tues. I used to deal with Kloppers in PE when I lived there but left them for Orms and ODP because of NO Selling of old Kit to Kloppers allowed >> = Zero Customer service or help by Jacques @@markstemmett5296

[@evbushkov]

Speaking of RCI inserts from NYA for long lenses... Would you consider a new XL RCI for your 800 mm lens? It's interesting to see how it fits with all your other lenses.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It fits just fine in the large RCI, but I never carry it that way. I sling it or the 100-400 and 1.4 TC in it's sling carry bag along with a Patagonia hip belt pack with the 24-120 and the Q3. Everything's covered. Whichever long lens I'm using I have on my Luma QD strap with the body at my side. On planes I just carry the 800 bag on. Easy peasy.

[@MrShari123]

Hi Henry, watched you for years. I am 82 now and have been using Sigma 150-600c with my z7. Z8 and 9 too heavy for me to carry around. Do you think the 180-600 would make a difference on z7? I usually shoot wildlife from my balcony in Vancouver🇨🇦 on a tripod. Other option is 400 4.5 but not the reach.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@MrShari123 the 180-600 is really sharp. Its tripod collar is rough though. Loosen enough to rotate and it wobbles. :( great lens optically. Far better than I expected. First name is Hudson, but no big deal. :)

[@MrShari123]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto sorry Hudson. I am a Mrs and never plan to give up photography. Thanks for quick reply. Very impressive. Will the 180 go on my Monfrotto ballhead I have been using or will I need something else. This would be a big deal for me but we only live once😂

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

@@MrShari123 good for you! Long lenses, are rough on ballheads. A pan and tilt head would be far better, but you can make it work I'm sure.

[@MrShari123]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks

[@mikebreazeale2563]

Well, I ordered this lens about 2 weeks after it was announced. I still don't have it!! As of yesterday, Nikon introduces another 600mm lens. I don't know. seems like a slap in the face a little. IDK. but I know I will be happy with this lens if I ever get it. Who knows...Peace...great video...

[@ranjankmsphotography]

Ho Henry, I have purchased Z9 recently. I have been using D850 with Nikon 200-500 mm for bird photography. Now I'm confused if to sell out the 200-500 mm and buy the Z 180-600 or not. Is the focussing, image quality, sharpness eyc better in 180-600 in comparison to the 200-500 ?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Light years better I think, yeah. First name is Hudson, but no big deal. :)

[@ranjankmsphotography]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thank you 😊 Hudson ❤️😊

[@junotfranco7197]

How does it do in outdoor sports??

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Just like it does with outdoor wildlife. Sharp, not the fastest acquisition, but nice sticky tracking once it locks. Not the best ergonomics. It's a great budget lens.

[@pressendforspanish]

Im bought mine for an airshow lens.

[@paulliversage4479]

I went from sigma 150-600mm c with adapter to z100-400mm with 1.4tc for weight to z180-600mm with 1.4tc for reach...must say im happiest with the z180-600mm without tc(..only use tc in bright light which being in britain is rare)...i have it attached to a shoulder strap so dont struggle with carrying around,personally find it better balanced. Nearly totally wildlife shooter with z8

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's a fabulous budget zoom that a lot of people will love. I can't say that enough. I carry too much other stuff on my back freuently to consider trading my beloved 100-400 for it. When I need the reach and can carry a long lens, the 800 is in my arsenal. I'm very fortunate. Anyone who uses a tripod with long lenses should absolutely rent the 180-600 and try that before buying. There's just no good fix for the attrocious collar design. That was a sad hamstring of a very optically good lens and I'm sure they did it to keep the costs low. If you shoot the other new long lenses from Nikon (the 400, 600, 800 or 400 TC primes), you'll see what I mean about the balance issue. All of the weight is way back by the body making handholding an absolute dream. This 180-600 is the first long Z lens to not feel that way.

[@paulliversage4479]

@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks for the great reply...sadly budget restricts me to just 1 long lens, maybe its my build but I find this very comfortable to hold. Hope 1 day to try a long prime but even renting them in the UK is very expensive

[@patrickmolloy6994]

another great video. I have it already and I've been shot down for the same issues with that awful lens collar....by folks who don't have one. Did you notice the strap lugs were also on the collar? So you can't leave it off. Poor design. For me, an occasional shooter, it's the reach as well as price. Cheers. PS a week or so earlier I rented the 100-400 for a Svalbard trip with my Z8.

[@brucesterlowden140]

I have ordered 600mm f6.3 - I had the 180-600 but it was too heavy for me (I like my long lens to be comfortable for a long walk every day) and rather basic controls, and so I returned it. Obviously a big price difference but I can sell my 500pf which I would have kept had I bought the zoom, and that makes it more affordable.

[@brucesterlowden140]

Should arrive late October..

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Great decision

[@m.maclean8911]

I was looking at the Z 600mm but decided to get the 180-600mm instead, and the money I saved paid for half of my Z 800mm.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I adore my 800. :)

[@yervantparnagian5999]

I'm wondering how this Nikon would stack up against the Sigma 60-600.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I'd put a lot of money on much better. There's a huge amount of optical design compromise making a 500% zoom range.

[@robertoblas5100]

Hello i have a Nikon 180/600 lens and 24/120 and also and 500/5'6 pdf i was thinking of selling 500/5 6' and buying a Nikon 800/6'3 lens pdf, . What Do you think? Thanks

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I think that's a wise choice. It's a great lens, but you're unlikely to carry it with those others.

[@robertoblas5100]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto , Selling the 500/5´6 I wanted to buy the 800/6´3 to make small birds. This is the idea.. Thanks.

[@robertoblas5100]

I see your videos that I like a lot.They are very educational.

[@billshreve6835]

It is a great lens, very versatile. For the price it is hard to beat. The collar is trash, crap…Kirk please come to the rescue. Nikon just put a decent collar on the lens and charge more so we don’t have to replace this disappointing collar. Thank you.

[@davebyfield]

😊

[@normk58]

I have the 180-600, I can't afford the 100-400 or the 400, but I do have the 800pf. I have a Z8 and Z9, and I find that they Z8 with the 180-600 is a great walking around wildlife rig. The Z9 is still a better overall camera for wildlife, and the 800pf is a great lens, but I've taken some great photos with the Z8 and the 180-600. I don't find it too much to carry around for lengthy periods, and I think the balance is just fine. I agree about the foot collar. I came across a Sony shooter yesterday when I was out hiking with the Z8 and 180-600, and I handed it to her, and she said it's noticeably lighter than her Sony 200-600. My opinion, the 180-600 is an great value and produces excellent quality images. Because of the lenses I already own, I don't feel the need to buy the 600pf.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Exactly, it's a great budget wildlife lens. It's certainly lighter than sony's 200-600. It is front heavy compared with other long Z lenses though. More old school that way sadly. Glad you're enjoying!

[@jss27560]

You are not making it any easier to decide whether between the 100-400 and the 180-600. I do have the nikon 70-200 and used to carry the 200-500 so I’m used to carrying heavy lenses. I do prefer internal focusing lenses. Now you need to get your hands on the Tamron 150-500 for the z-mount to make it even harder to decide. Also, money is always an issue.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

I don't think the Tamron will compete. If money is an issue and you already have the 70-200, get the 180-600. No brainer. For me the 100-400 + 1.4 does everything between my 24-120 and 800PF and makes for a nice, small, light kit.

[@jss27560]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks, that's the way I'm leaning. I watch many reviews, probably too many, and I don't always see a difference like people talk about.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

As far as image quality you'll have nothing to worry about with the 180-600. It's just big and the foot collar is awful for tripod work.

[@brendanroberts4866]

The shots initally reviewed dont seem that sharp to me

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Maybe try switching to 4k playback. It's surprisingly sharp

[@brendanroberts4866]

thats - indeed it helped and improved sharpness quite a bit@@HudsonHenryPhoto