Nikon 180-600 Z vs Sigma 150-600 C [And Sharpness Testing]

[@kalimarus]

Great review. This reflects the experience I had when I rented a 180-600 and compared it with my Sigma 150-600 C. I found everything about the Nikon better overall with the optics being ever so slightly better in the center wide open, about the same stopped down and better in the corners as you did. VR was a huge difference between the lenses and the Nikon is silent while the Sigma makes a lot of noise in AF-C in comparison. Overall the Sigma is still going to deliver very similar results optically, but the Nikon has a big advantage in VR and every other attribute of the lens. Ultimately I went with the upgrade to the Nikon. Another note of significance is the Nikon was more accurate to focus vs the Sigma on the FTZ for me. I used a Z8 in my case.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Absolutely worth the initial 1700$ price tag. Sadly, now it has gone up in price.

[@kalimarus]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective I kicked myself for not buying it earlier, then waiting through the Black Friday sales period, then the one ongoing now and concerned we may see a 10% Tariff going into place I picked it up. It'll probably go on sale in a few months.

[@CarlosGutierrez-cu4tu]

Thanks!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thank you Carlos! My first super😎

[@CarlosGutierrez-cu4tu]

Well deserved! Great video, served me well. Also like you incorporate your yak. I do the same down in the Everglades

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

@@CarlosGutierrez-cu4tu Oh man I'd looove to go through the Everglades. some day. So much more opportunities for wildlife.

[@bigbluespike5645]

Very much needed comparison. Thx!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Welcome and Thank you 😎 Don't forget to sub 😅

[@gregclaxton338]

Just ordered it over the weekend. Should be here later this week

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Best luck! Surprised your getting it so fast.

[@psoon04286]

I can’t believe that this econo Z lens from NIKON performs so admirably and it’s internal zoom as well. It’s high on my list😄👍

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

I would probably put an order in as soon as you can. Who knows how long it's going to take. I'll probably have a video soon-ish about using this lens for "macro" work period specifically insects on flowers and bugs. The quotations are because it's not a real macro lens of course but it's certainly produces nice quality images and video.

[@romanhar4151]

Thank you for the very detailed and insightful video. Especially for the AF comparison. I am also a happy owner of the 180-600: I especially appreciate the internal focus/zoom and the acceptable weight for handheld photography. On a football field I have already had very positive experiences: I started (Z9) with f1:8, 1/1000, 800 ASA and ended with 1:6.3, 1/500, 40000 ASA (pitch lighting).

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

How did you get f/1.8?

[@romanhar4151]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective f1:8 not f1:1.8

[@thomasfox5476]

Thanks for the update, waiting on delivery of z 180-600mm.👍

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Best choice ever. 😁

[@JbombTheGreat]

Great video. I've seen a lot of people asking for a comparison between these 2 lenses.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thank you. If yih know anyone looking, send them over 😅

[@JbombTheGreat]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective I certainly will!

[@stephenluxton1235]

Interesting, the sharpness comparison seemed much closer than I expected given the Sigma reputation for soft images at 600mm on SLRs (my real-world experience confirms that). I've got a Sigma at the moment, a Z8 arriving next week, and one 180-600 on the way for wife's camera. I think I'll hold off committing to the second one for a while until I see what the Sigma/Z8 combination is like in the field. Thanks for the comparison.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

The area it differs is the corners. Center to center is close, but the Nikon is a smidge better. Sharpness outside of the center is nice for recomposition and cropping. No one really shoots their subjects dead center of the frame.

[@Eikenhorst]

I agree, I obviously expected the new Nikon to be sharper, especially in the corners. But they held up pretty well on the Sigma. This is a very much a very zoomed in image to make the differences more clear, but in real terms I would not say corner sharpness is that different. To be fair, most sharpness issues with such a strong telezoom are typically less due to lens design and are more due to movement of the subject and or the lens. Especially for wildlife, test chart sharpness is just a theoretical concept. It is good to see no chromatic aberration on either lens. The question for me is not, is the new Nikon better in every way. The question is, is it worth double the price

[@inspiredartphotos]

I bought the Sigma knowing that it performed really well out to 500mm. In fact better the Sport version. When I bought the Sigma, the Nikon 200-500 had just come out and was having focus issues. No regrets with the Sigma.

[@Blum7206]

Co według Ciebie będzie lepsze. Nikon 180-600 i Z6 II czy sigma 150-600 C i Z8? Stoję przed wyborem i nie mogę się zdecydować 🤔

[@bobdalton2062]

@@inspiredartphotos I regularly use my Sigma with TC and am very happy with optical performance. I am pleased that very nearly matches the Nikon - but for less $

[@20DYNAMITE06]

Thank you so much for this comparison. I really appreciate it!

[@RiveraLuis808]

Great video thank you for this!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thank you 😎 Don't forget to sub 😅

[@inspiredartphotos]

Thank you for the excellent video. I have considered the Nikon 180-600 to my Sigma 150-600. Before I ever bought the Sigma I knew it really shined out to 500 mm in sharpness. In fact it was sharper than the much heavier Sport version. I regret not buying the Nikon 200 to 500. My Sigma auto focus was tuned for optimal performance with the Sigma dock. That was more of an issue using it with my D750. I have used it with my Z6 MK2 with FTZ adapter. I sold that camera and not really tried it with my Z9. Smooth focus “grabs” matter to me more than super fast focus for my video work. I had the custom mode tuned for birding. I am going to re-watch the video to see if you have any corner sharpness tests done at 500. The Nikon 200-500 had focus issues when it was first released. I needed a long lens that worked so bought the Sigma at the time. I often carry my camera and lens protected by a plastic bag. Dust contamination is definitely a factor out in Arches when the wind is blowing. My issue is will I use the 180-600 enough to justify the purchase.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Hey thanks! If you plan on owning it for a long while, the internal zooming will be a huge plus no matter where your shooting. Even just keeping it in the car or home it will reduce the amount of dust pumped into it. Along with environmental factors like seasonal pollen.

[@inspiredartphotos]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective actually I shoot a ton of video so better image stabilization in the Nikon lens is a huge motivation for me.

[@bobdalton2062]

I am NOT happy with Sigma auto-focus, esp with a TC. I often and shooting 1000K mm and more, hunting is not good, and it seems too slow for my birding flight

[@frugal-photog]

Thanks for the very thorough review. You deserve a lot more subscribers than you have. Although I must say, I very much disagree with your conclusions (and BTW, part of what makes a good thorough review is that one shows their work so that the viewer can come to their own conclusions - so again thank you for that). I think you're underestimating a number of important things: Weight, size and cost in particular. Personally, I find those very important. I found the image quality comparisons closer than you suggest in your verbal comments and the auto-focus differences small enough to be unworthy of an upgrade. I can see why others may find the internal focus, weather sealing and focus noise for video compelling reasons for upgrading, but for me, I'd much rather save the weight (which becomes notably substantial if you need the FTZ for any other lenses) and the space in my bag... plus keep an extra thousand dollars for some other lens upgrade. But again, I thank you for the thorough review.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thank you! Its hard to convey image quality across youtube videos. Its best to find some image samples from websites to view on your own screen. It can be splitting hairs on the basis of images produced. But if you need something just built better than the Sigma you'll be looking at the overweight sport version or just buying the Nikon 180-600. And the 180-600 weighs a few pounds less than the Sports. Along with native mount and internal zoom. All things considered its not really a fair comparison. I just happened to be upgrading from the Sigma to the Nikon as many people do. If someone isnt in need of the better quality of life functions, theres not much reason to upgrade from Sigma C to the Nikon. This week I'll be posting a Nikon 105 2.8 MC Macro review, hopefully.

[@cgescape]

good review, thanks.. i saw the tripod you have... what setup is it.. i recently got the 150-600 sigma and i need something sturdy n stable for it... thankss.. i also thought of doing a DIY with my telescope motorized mount.. which will be crazy and could be controlled by a hand held controller

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thanks! The Fluid head is a Manfrotto 504X And all the rigging is from SmallRig. On my channel there's a review for the 504X and how to setup a telephoto lens support. Edit: I'll probably do a new rigging video for the 180-600, but the parts and setup is 98% the same. Just depends what camera body your using and if it had a battery grip.

[@stevetqp9152]

THank you for your excellent review/comparison of the new NIkkor Z 180-600 and the older Sigma. I too, was surprised at how "good" the Sigma was (not having had or used either of these lenses), though I look forward to getting the NIkkor for use with my Z8. One question please...Do you agree that the Wimberley P-30 lens foot plate be a good choice for the NIkkor 180-600? (I got it in advance of the lens, based on a recommendation from another photographer.) Thanks again!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thank you, The stock lens foot on the Nikon is big enough for carrying. I don't use the lens foot on a tripod anymore though. I use a rail support system.

[@stevetqp9152]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective OK, thank you!

[@Barleyman-SD]

Nice video. Thanks for the comparison. waiting on delivery of my lens... can't wait to get out and shoot.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Best luck!

[@scuba-people]

thx for the comparison would love to know about the ibis on photography... is the ibis available from the menu in photography with the sigma on the z9?

[@scuba-people]

ps i know there is the evr in video.... it shows as unavailable on my z8 thank you

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Ibis is just the camera sensor being stabilized. It's on with every lens. Electronic VR is jerky and sucks. I wouldn't use it.

[@scuba-people]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective it s also what i thought, i was lent a z9 on an assignment in nepal and yes it was the case but on my z8 the ibis option is not on anymore this is only the case with my sigma any of my nikon f mount are getting the ibis. I ge the feeling when i just got the z8 it was the case and with the firmware update its now not compatible with non nikon f lens..

[@scuba-people]

ps to be clear i'm not talking about the electronic vr but the actual ibis setting in the cam menu

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

@@scuba-people if your lens has a VR switch, it will turn on and off the lens VR and camera IBIS together. And the in camera VR options will be greyed out. Sadly, Nikon doesn't let you have VR on in lens and IBIS in camera controlled seperated. So turn your lens switch to VR On and ibis will continue to work.

[@sunking9050]

Very good comparison. Thx

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thank you

[@MrShari123]

That is on the Z9 which I cannot handle the weight. Can you say what the comparison would be using the Z7. I usually shoot my Sigma on tripod from my balcony as lots of wildlife. Would switching to 180-600 be worth it with Z7? Thanks

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

@@MrShari123 I would absolutely switch. For all the quality of life improvements. You just wouldn't have the extra stabilization added by nikon syncro VR. Id consider looking for a referb Z8 though in your situation. The Z7 is pretty painful to use for auto focusing.

[@MrShari123]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective thank you. The Z8 is too heavy for me to carry around and I can’t afford not to sell z7 if I went that route. I will look at refurbished tho. So maybe not worth going for 180-600 with z7.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

@@MrShari123 the Z8 is only about 8 ounces heavier. Or you could consider the Z6iii. I actually forgot about that camera. It's about the same size as your Z7, but far superior. I've seen used ones go for about 2200$.

[@nelsoninpallit]

Can i use my sigma 100-400mm 1:5-6.3 DG with nikon z6ii ? And if not is there adapter to that

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

If your lens is a F mount, you need a FTZ adapter for Z

[@IanAtkins5]

Curious why you don't use sport's mode VR?

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Because the subject was not moving erratically. And the Sigma doesn't have Sports VR. So it wouldn't be accurate comparison. The previous video from the Cleveland Airshow, the photo and video was all used with Sports VR.

[@br2v]

thanks a lot , nice review 👍

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Welcome!

[@kirillKKD]

It would be interesting to compare 180-600 with sigma 60-600 for SLR cameras. Still, additional focal lengths from 60-180 can be very useful. I wonder how they compare in terms of AF speed and image quality. In terms of stabilization, Sigma will definitely lose.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

If they sent me one, I'd gladly do it.

[@ALIONFORYAHSWORD]

I wonder how the newer software update affects focus for Nikon. IN April 2024 I tested a Z8 auto focus, and it was extremely sticky while in B&H. Internal focus is nice on this lens.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

I'm sure it didn't get worse. Lol

[@ALIONFORYAHSWORD]

@MannsWoodlandPerspective Yeah, no, I didn't think that it got worse either. As accurate as tracking was in B&H I would like to see you re-evaluate this lens with the better software updates.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Reevaluate with which camera?

[@ALIONFORYAHSWORD]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective with the same camera the Z9 I'm guessing would be perfect. The software is leap years ahead if the 1st issued firmware with the last update.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

@@ALIONFORYAHSWORD I've been on the newest Z9 firmware and it feels basically the same. There's not been a big difference between fw 4.1 and fw5.0

[@victorbastos5859]

Nice video. Does the Bird Eye AF work with the Sigma? Thanks!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Yes. The Nikon Z9 AF types and modes are not dependent on what lens is used. As long as the lens supports auto focus.

[@victorbastos5859]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective Many thanks!

[@MrAddieb]

Thanks for your vid... You made a tiny mistake in the excel file you published... The shortest length of the Sigma C+FTZ isn't 368 mm, but 290 mm (without lens hood). The longest length is not 460,5 mm but 370 mm. I just measured it. I think I'm going to conclude, I'm not selling my Sigma and buy the Nikon Z 180-600 (yet...) So your video is been helpful to make it a bit more clear for me... But I'm going to look for more. Regards from the Netherlands, Europe.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

For longest length, it's extended at 600mm with the hood. At the end of the video, it shows the lens being measured.

[@camilo8cheryl]

Just got this sigma for $750, nikon is superior but it’s out of stock and back ordered and i need the 400mm range for the solar Eclipse this coming april 8.. i might just sell the sigma together with my old gear’s, D500/D750..but for now i need it badly for the eclipse

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Best luck with the eclipse!

[@stjepanjina]

Tx for test! Loved Nikon

[@wasil3k]

Internal zoom is awesome

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Gives me a lot more confidence in sealing 😅

[@carolinagorodetsky8200]

From your comparison I don't see the reason to "upgrade".

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Optically, it's a 15% improvement for the Nikon. But for the other things like internal zoom, sealing, native mount, lens program buttons, better stabilization, having Syncro VR+IBIS together, build quality ect it's a no brainer to upgrade.

[@wayanadanpixels]

Hi , can you compare sony etz21pro adapter and 200-600 on z9 ( with nikon 180 600) . Both lenses looks very similar and wondering how the sharpness , IBIS works for video recording on z9

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

I can't, sorry. The cost to buy or rent is to high just for a video. Everything on my channel is my own money and equipment. But hey if Sony and Megadapt wanted to sponsor a video I'd be all over it. Lol.

[@wayanadanpixels]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective that's true 🙌

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

​​@@wayanadanpixelsjust going by weight, sealing, cost, minimum focus ect that can be seen in the chart 4:00 comparison there's really no reason for someone to buy a Sony lens when the Nikon finally exists now.

[@wayanadanpixels]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective checking alternative for sony is because i am not 100% trusting nikon . because when i was buying z6 , a7iii was cheaper but focusing better than z6 . when i got z8 , 2 hardware issues reported by nikon 1 was already identified in z9 that is the lens mount issue and my preordered z8 was effected. Now nikon introduced 180 600, not able to trust 100% . its same price as sony but reviews show its less sharper compared to sony when 6.3 aperture but sharper for f8 . slower motors wondering will it be ok for video autofocus.. So that's the history i just checking sony when nikon is out

[@cablecarpify]

Welke arca swiss lens plate word hier gebruikt op de 180-600??

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

De plaat voor de Nikon of Sigma staat vermeld in de videobeschrijving. De Nikon heeft een 150mm Leophoto plaat.

[@Bartek9957]

Was the AF on Sigma in the default or fast mode?

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

You mean the VR? It was on the first option.

[@Bartek9957]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective No, I meant the options that can be set via USB Dock - one of them makes the AF faster.

[@joshstraley7195]

i wanna see the newer 60-600mm sigma compared to the z

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Send me a copy and your wish will be granted 😂

[@vikashs7102]

Nice Video ! If possible please compare Nikon Z 180 - 600mm vs Sony 200 - 600mm

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thanks! Unless Sony sends me a 200-600 or someone else does, I wouldn't be able to. All these are my own equipment.

[@vikashs7102]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective Sure! But really a nice comparison video it was between Nikon and Sigma

[@uchithahettiarachchi8304]

@@vikashs7102 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZLJnammj5x-ZtU

[@rbob4931]

5:50. You were using vehicle tracking while there was nothing resembling a vehicle anywhere to track. Everybody has to start somewhere. The video is informative otherwise though it is a no-brainer which lens is better. Keep at it!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thanks Yeah it was a leftover setting from the airshow previous. But in those modes it will still focus on anything in the frame if it doesn't see a vehicle/animal/human ect to detect and track. In single point AF-C the AF near to far worked the same. Regardless of what AF type it was.

[@jfphotography69]

What's with that strap on the lens hood of the Sigma, the noise it makes is annoying as heck.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

It comes in the kit from Sigma. I liked using it to pull the cap off the lens in a rush so I didn't have to reach inside the hood.

[@jensenbell4429]

I’m not seeing much difference at all. Still stoked on my Sigma!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Just for the quality of life updates the Z lens brings is worth it's Wright in gold.

[@getabey]

Excellent video! How does the combo of Z7ii +180-600mm Z compare with D850+200-500mm in performance? What's your take on it?

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Thank you, This was a Z9 + 180-600. But overall I'd consider the Z7ii pretty equal to the D850 setup for photo. Video isn't much of a comparison.

[@ds8680]

Why testing the contemporary, instead of the Sports. The Sports is much better.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Because it's what I owned?

[@wasil3k]

Its not much better than contemporary

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

@@wasil3k optically no, but the rest of the build and usability is worth it.

[@wasil3k]

@MannsWoodlandPerspective Sorry i was talking about Sigma sports is not that much better than contemporary, Nikon is way better than both of them for sure 😁

[@stanleyyow4496]

No, you can't compare one with single AF and the other with wide-L AF

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

In person it was the same speed when racking near to far focus. Really doesn't change the outcome.

[@ele4853]

You made a HUGE mistake dude. 2.8 meters minimum focus is for the Sigma on the 600mm. Nikon is superior on minimum. Please be careful when you are making these comparisons.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

What mistake did I make? The Sigmas minimum focus distance is the same at 150mm or 600mm. It doesn't change. In the video you can see the lens didn't even extend. The Nikon focuses closer at wide end, but at 600mm it increases a little bit. But it is still a lot closer 600 v 600 on the Nikon anyway. I don't understand your point?

[@camilo8cheryl]

The “ Be careful” made me laugh😂 it’s a very deadly lens comparison and someone might get hurt✌️ so Be careful next time.

[@ndenyer]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective I certainly didn't understand the minimum focus section - it was unclear which lens you were talking about at any point, and even the photos didn't help as it wasn't clear whether the titles related to the picture above/below or to the left/right.

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

@@ndenyer yeah I understand the confusion after the fact. But the Nikon was able to focus almost twice as close. Next time I'll add lines / arrows.

[@ndenyer]

@@MannsWoodlandPerspective brilliant - thanks

[@baredesigns1]

Nikon bodies are notorious for AF hunting and these tests simply reaffirms the issue. Nikkor lens are great but bodies suck

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

What kinda thought is that 😂 I would not judged a near to far AF test as anything useful 😂 No one actually focuses from 4ft to infinity and back on any lineup in a serious manner at 600mm. When things actually mattered, my D500, or Z9 never hunt.