Nikon 180-600mm First Look Review: A Wildlife Photographer's Field Report

[@Ajdhahir]

Now and 7 years ago when I was watching Steve my opinion is the same, he is very well spoken, articulate, and straight to the point. The older you get the more you appreciate Steve is what I discovered.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@JayBlue2U]

Happy to see this lens is now announced. Thanks to Steve for providing a report of his brief test in the field!

[@hishamosman4341]

Be prepared for a loooong waiting period! For the price alone, every shortcomings are forgiven. Looking at the test pictures, they look excellent to me. To rotate from 180 to 600 is such a short twist is a winner here, so as being an internal focussing barrel is a blessing.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

I suspect you are right!

[@joebecker3107]

A part of me thinks Nikon is on top of it with this lens. I think they are aware of the demand for it and got a jump start on production. At least thats my hope!

[@andrewmason8691]

I suspect too that Nikon has been building a large stockpile of this lens before launching it. That’s what they did with the Z8. Nikon has learnt its lesson about making people wait too long.

[@NikkiDog060]

I am thankful to say, that ordering this lens from Nikon online in April 2024, I had it in my hands within 2 wks! I may have just gotten lucky with my timing, but I am very pleased!

[@davidsneddon2242]

At this price point Nikon would seem to have done again Steve. Love this video and can't wait to see the full detailed discussion. I know my 500PF is not a zoom but would love to see a comparison at the 500mm end for sharpness. I'll be using it on my new Z8.

[@ShashankD137]

+1

[@lauramacky4083]

Me too

[@raphbritton5604]

It’d be great to see this compared against a sigma 150-600mm contemporary using Ftz adapter and Nikon z 70-200 f2.8 with 2x teleconverter. Be good to see it’s performance on a z6ii for those who can’t afford a z8/z9 :) Thanks Steve

[@rogneypiedra1355]

Yes... Please Steve, make that comparison!

[@valentingattringer441]

Hi, I‘m also using a Z6ii and not quite sure if it‘s worth buying this lense with that camera.

[@oldiesmore9485]

Would be great to see this comparison, maybe also the Tamron 150-600 as both lenses are available for a couple of years and are relatively cheap when buying a used one. I have heard, that the Z8/Z9 can handle these F-Mount lenses quite well while the Z6/7/II versions have less CPU power and lack AF speed (I own a Z7II 🙂)

[@giovannifx.4945]

Great video Steve, as always. On Z7ii, lens performance is expected to be comparable to that seen on Z8 or Z9? I mean: fully or in part? Please be candid 😊 - Thank you Steve

[@Thunderb3Martin]

Why contemporary? If comparing to sigma, use the proper sport one

[@sbphotography3751]

Superb preview - looks like Nikon has a winner here. Thanks for sharing, Steve!

[@quicktastic]

The 200-500 set the bar pretty high for a zoom lens. I still use mine and it performs great. Nice to hear that they have further improved upon it while also increasing the range.

[@isar-wildlife]

The Bokeh looks quite compelling for a zoom at that price point. Impressive.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Agree - one on my wish list; likely to get this and the 70-180 F2.8 once my F lenses 200-500 F5.6, 70-200 F4 give up the ghost / break down. Good that Nikon is filling up the Lens landscape with most subjects and lengths covered; need more Z PZ zoom lenses including Z DX, e.g., 16-80 F2.8 - F4 , 70-200 F4 Macro, 300 PF, 120-300 F2.8 and PC-E lenses migrated from F to Z. Another pressing matter / market to address is the opportunity to make sales volume and money in a Z6 II replacement, a Z70 (R7 equivalent).

[@backcountrygallery]

I agree - I was really surprised how nice it was.

[@carollynaugh4761]

Great introduction to this lens, very happy to see it finally announced. Your pictures look terrific. I’d be interested to see how it stacks up to the 100-400 with teleconverters. Thank you for sharing!

[@wendellfranks1337]

Thanks so much, Steve. Excellent first view. I would love to see it compared with the 100-400S + 1.4TC as well as the Sigma Contemporary.

[@RitwickSatyaki-wq3nk]

Please test the lens with Z6 & Z7 bodies too since not everyone can afford Z8/Z9. Also, please compare it with sony 200-600, tamron 150-600 G2 lens etc. Test the video autofocus as well as it will help wildlife videographers a lot! Thank you ❤

[@JRodPhotoArt]

Way to go Nikon !!! Thanks for the quick review Steve!

[@mcunner]

Love your content, Steve! As a wildlife shooter I've learnt a lot from you!

[@mylucksmiles]

Top tip with the 180-600 z at 600 it’s a little soft so back off a little at 580 mm I get a good image . Not much cropping need to get the image in post to 600 mm format. The best way to get to know your lens is to use it and remember your setting . Or check them in light room !

[@doderiolarkisso4038]

Ha, i like how you only had a few hours with it, but still managed to produce such an informative video that is almost a half hour long! That's why i subscribed to your channel years ago.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks! I have to say, this is the roughest time doing a preview I have ever done. Between limited wildlife and time, it's a miracle it got done - I only finalized the video a few hours before launch!

[@joanneabramson2645]

I have taken some fantastic photos with the Nikon 200-500mm. The weight and external zoom are a hindrance though. The 200-500mm also has the most annoying hood which loves to jump off the camera. This lens looks like a winner with the internal zoom, weight, and 180- 600mm range. And a hood that might stay on would be an incredible advantage. Thanks for the timely review. I look forward to your future deep dive.

[@rodrigomartin-hidalgo1592]

Pretty sure most of us would love a side by side comparison with the Sony 200-600! Thanks as always for these great and comprehensive reviews Steve!

[@ShashankD137]

True. I’m only just switching to mirrorless and how these lenses perform will play a part in choosing Nikon or Sony

[@BowlesImages]

Wow - that looks great! Thanks for the report. I'm sure there will be a lot of demand for this lens.

[@22welcome]

Size , internal zoom , 180-600mm , price , I think it’s amazing lens for wildlife , thank you so much for this amazing video , waiting the release date 😍

[@abhijeetjagtap91]

Considering the amount of time you had with this lens, you literally did a solid job of finding wildlife subjects and getting them so right. Also, loved the slide show with exif at the end of the video. Definitely would love to see more such reviews from you.

[@enricomarconi8358]

Nikon!! What a great move!! No doubt will invite lots of people to even possibly switch to Nikon!!

[@joerg_koeln]

This was one of the best reviews of a lens I have ever seen.

[@Eddietheking-001]

best review ever, love this channel!

[@CamillaHolm]

Since I am both in the no 1 category (not rich) and no 2 category (thin and not young) this lens is very compelling. I have stuck to my PF F-lenses with FTZ, and I am very happy with them. But there are certainly times when I have wished I could quickly change focal length, sitting out in nature where something interesting might happen a lot closer than anticipated. Thank you for sharing your impressions!

[@nickolasmazzara127]

Glad the lens has finally been announced/released. It seems it was well worth the wait.

[@amitdutta8768]

Delighted to know abt this lens. I am a 200-500 user, so eagerly waiting to see more in-depth reviews in future. Thanks Steve for this review.

[@SnaphypeWorld]

Thank you Steve for the excellent review of this lenses, you have covered from A to Z with amazing details and information!!

[@arjunsengupta1661]

Impressive review, more so given the amount of time you had with the lens. Personally, I would like to see a comparison with 500pf - at 500mm, pretty sure many people still adapt that lens with the z cameras (I am one ;) )

[@MehdiRF]

You won't see anywhere else this much information in a short time, just before announcement. Professional.

[@erkkisiekkinen286]

I managed to buy this lens despite the huge demand in Finland ,getting it next monday. In dark finnish winter I need my Canon EF f4 500mm Is ll ,but many times it is still to heavy and f6,3 is not too dark. That is why I use zoom lenses also in winter - walking in 40cm snow is not very easy with heavy gear. Thank you for your other review where you compared this lens with other Nikkors and Sony 200-600mm ,it was convincing me of the IQ of this lens.

[@TheGarthinator]

I user the 200-500 for a long while, eventually I gave it to my dad when I got a 300 F/4, and about to pick up the 500 PF. I don't miss the zoom to much, however that extra reach was really nice for Birds in flight, hence getting the 500 prime. But when I move to mirrorless one day, this looks like a solid option.

[@Guairenito]

FINALLY Nikon. O my we have been waiting for this lens but now finally it is here. Z8 + 180-600mm = perfect setup for a starting wildlife shooter.

[@billchambers5348]

Looks great can,t wait to get one!

[@amateurphoto5897]

Hi Steve, if possible please compare it towards 1) Sony 200-600 2) 400+TC1.4 3) Nikon F 200-500. I switched from Nikon 200-500 to Sony 200-600 and I noticed a much better quality at 600 than Nikon at 500 and also that 600 for wildlife is much needed than 500 and makes a larger difference than I thought. Thanks for your admirable videos !

[@victorguardia8272]

Thank you Steve for your great explanations! This is the lens I have been waiting for!

[@betacar0tin]

I'm glad you get early access! You are my favorite Nikon guy on the net

[@TinManLee]

Fantastic review. You covered most of the topics I am interested in learning. big thanks. BTW just received the 800 6.3 and Z8, I am broke but happy.

[@frederickpearsall4532]

Hey Steve, Thanks for getting back to me so quick. Looks like I got some thinking to do.

[@chennytango9298]

Thanks for the great preview. Would love to see how it compares to the z100-400 s lens when you get a working copy.

[@shadyninja1]

You are the most qualified photographer to review this amazing lens. It will sell like hot cakes

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much! And I agree it will sell like crazy. I can't tell you the number of people who have asked me about this lens since it showed up on the roadmap. It's gotta be breaking records today.

[@segercliffhanger]

Tnx Steve. I really don't understand how manufacturers got any equipment off the shelves in the pre-YT review era. I'm basing decisions about almost all of the stuff I buy on reviews like yours. I might buy a tripod in a physical store if I feel it would be worth the while, but anything cam body or lens is only after deep diving into reviews. After which I often make they actual purchase in a real store. Then get in my car and drive home, with a shiny pricy box as my passenger. I've worked much of my carreer (it started 35 years ago, deep in the analog era) with the fantastic F 80-200 F2.8 paired with an F 14-24 F2.8, using it on the street, at events, live music, things like that. I've only started hanging out in nature a year ago. Just loving it. Trying to find locations and situations where human and animal life meet and deal with each other. Which in The Netherlands as a tiny country isn't that hard. We don't have the rural space that Colorado offers (or any of the US States :). A 360 degree purely natural horizon, I really wouldn't know many. Anyway, I'm getting off-topic as always. Tnx for making these. Some fantastic catches you made there in just that handful of hours you spent with the pre-prod model. That's absolute craftmanship right there. The step-up from 200mm as a maximum focal length (F TC's, I thought, were not really good) to 400mm on my 100-400mm Z-lens to the 180-600mm that I'm going to buy, in total faith of its value because of your review, is much more than just getting more focal length. It means thinking in terms of telephoto and what that implicates for me as a street photographer, handling the thing, getting practical and fast with it, having a different public 'silhouette' as a photographer. And much more. They're such different instruments, like a flute differs from a bass saxophone. It's simply another universe. One thing I'll miss is having seperate rings for focus and exposure compensation. The latter, I'm expecting, I will have to run off the dedicated EC button on my Z9 and Z6ii. Unless perhaps I can run it off one the lens function buttons, but they seem to sit far out to the end of the lens. I will have to re-educate some of my fingers.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks for the kind words :) Yeah, I wish it has a focus ring as well - you can se the ring for exp comp, but yes, otherwise you'll need to use the one on the camera.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks for the kind words :) Yeah, I wish it had a separate focus ring, but you can set the control ring for exp comp if you want to forgo using it as a MF ring.

[@segercliffhanger]

@@backcountrygallery Right. I'm using my Z9 body f1-button to toggle from shooting to reviewing, and then the f2-button to toggle zoom in/out of each of these views. That works great but you need two f-buttons and they need to be sitting next to each other. That won't work with this lens's single f-function. The dedicated EC-button will probably the practical way to go, like you said. But first I need to actually get the thing on my passenger seat :).

[@jacobhuebert8298]

I'd love to see a comparison against the sigma 150-600 with the ftz. I'm sure this lens is sharper and faster than the sigma, plus the weather proofing. But I'm curious by how much. Considering they're within the sane price range (relatively) I think it'd be a good comparison for even newer shooters

[@franktherabbit42]

I have just got mine this week. It's absolutely awesome, but it's an absolute unit! Weighs a fair bit. But the results speak for themselves.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

All internal zoom and short throw of zoom range. Great replacement for the 200-500!

[@robguyatt9602]

I was toying with the idea of this future lens to go with my Z kit which among other glass, includes the 800mm and 100-400 plus both TCs. But I reckon the 100-400 with or without either TC covers all needs between 100 to 800. Especially when the TC 2x is fitted it is so close to true macro at 0.8. I use that way more often than the Z 105 micro.

[@backcountrygallery]

The Nikon USA site has it up.

[@robguyatt9602]

@@backcountrygallery When I started watching this vid I went to the Nikon Aus site and the lens wasn't there yet. Still had the future 200-600 listed in the chart of Z lenses. A bit later in the vid, I got an email from Nikon announcing this lens and another. :) I just looked again at the Aus site and yep there now. :)

[@JeffandLeslie]

Nice Review Steve. Looks like it will be a winner. You mentioned lenses to test against. I would like to see it tested against, of course, the Sony 200-600 but also the Canon 100-500.

[@Anon-zl4ne]

I looking forward to seeing the difference in image quality between this and my 100-400mm lens. The 180-600mm is tempting me, but I do really like how small and light my 100-400mm is.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Good Call indeed -

[@kirstymcleod6647]

Same here!

[@tallaganda83]

The price isn’t a huge difference with the 100-400, it’s made my decision all the harder. Especially given I’m more landscape guy.

[@Guairenito]

@@tallaganda83for more landscaping oriented work, I think that the 100-400mm is more appropriate, and you can use is as well as a travel lens for cityscapes and others. I would even consider having the 100-400mm and the the 180-600mm if possible. The 180-600mm in my opinion is the perfect first (or only) wild life lens for anyone starting to shoot wildlife.

[@MauricioOutdoors]

Same here

[@ploverlittle532]

Wow love the internal zoom!

[@chipfreundphoto]

When you get your production copy, I would like to see comparisons to the Tamron 150-600mm G2.

[@ajh5124]

Professional and complete, thanks, Steve!

[@ajh5124]

Steve, do you use UV filters on your lenses?

[@harvey6864]

I would agree with you that Nikon is in the lead when it comes to mirrorless long lens options.

[@realnikonlover6207]

Thank you Steve for this quick down and dirty. It really helps me to move forward with the purchase. Ciao. Jim

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

Incredibly built.. Best lens❤❤❤❤❤I'm definitely going to buy this for my Z6ii body..

[@albuonanno5554]

Thanks Steve for your informative video. It was also nice to see my old stomping grounds again. I lived in Bailey, Co for over 20 years and shot around Guanella and Kenosha Pass often. Hope you had a wonderful trip.

[@donsphotoworks1393]

I would like to see the Z 180-600 compared to the Z 100-400, perhaps even with a teleconverter to give the 100-400 more reach. I really want to know whether one should get the 180-600 if they already have the 100-400? Would getting the 1.4X and/or the 2X teleconverter not be a better and easier-to-carry idea? What are your thoughts? Thank you.

[@garybrenner2801]

Great video once again! Looking forward to the review of the production model. This lens gives me yet another option to consider when choosing a replacement for my 200-500mm Nikon lens, (like you mention, Nikon has a lot of choices). Thanks Steve!

[@randyschwager2515]

Thanks Steve! It looks like a great value!

[@BipulHaldar]

Excellent initial review. I would like to see a comparison with 800PF for AF performance & sharpness.

[@davidjohnson4451]

I still use the 200-500 all with the D7500, the Z 9 and Z 8s I have are used with Z S long glass. The 180-600 is THE lens I have been waiting for!

[@amnaturephotography]

Thanks Steve I have been waiting for this lens for a while now, my wife is going to love it..

[@LarryMarvin]

I really appreciated this video review! Thank you for such a thorough explanation. Mine is now on the way!

[@kbhutia8466]

Wow , thats awesome , finally ..Thank you for detailed intro review.

[@Shivashankar]

Eagerly looking forward to this in hand. Thank you Steve, for the insight.

[@Andreas_Schramm]

very nice first impression of that lens! would be interested in a comparison to the z 400mm f/4.5 with and without 1.4x TC

[@edbritelight7683]

Hello Andreas I just watched that comparison in the Ricci Talks video kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHaaHV8o8qlZ5I Seems like the 400 f4.5 with the 1.4 TC attached is sharper...but of course lacks the flexibility of the zoom. There is always some sort of sacrifice there...

[@davidsneddon2242]

Cheers Steve and as always fantastic review and to the point, time limited exposure to what looks like a fantastic, well priced piece of kit. I’m loving my new Z8 and this may be a brilliant addition to my 500PF so I would like a comparison to this lens, please. 😊

[@SpaklesDr]

out of focus areas look awesome. Very smooth.

[@RichardUpstanding]

Thanks, I’d like to see how it compares to the 400mm f4.5

[@audrybella6405]

Another superlative informational video Steve. Thanks for your consistent professional delivery and most important for sharing your extensive knowledge, expertise and experience. One question. Has Nikon totally abandoned us "non-Z" users with respect to new products .......??

[@backcountrygallery]

I think everything is mirrorless now (this is coming form me, Nikon hans't said anything to me about it). Still, I haven't heard or seen any plans for any DSLR gear one way or another.

[@ciureamihai]

Wowwww! Steve, you're awesome! U make my day! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@patriciablyler6484]

Thanks Steve! I’ve been waiting for this lens!

[@samuelsherman5513]

I started out with a z50 and the two kit lenses, using the 50-250mm for any wildlife shots. I finally got tired of waiting for this lens and bought a used F-mount 300mm F/4 PF and an FTZ which has been a massive improvement. I’m definitely considering upgrading to a Z6 II body with this lens as my next upgrade

[@Razzer0693]

Just called my local camera store and booked it! Captured slot 1 ! Can't wait for it

[@rogermaioli]

I am a Sony shooter and do not plan to switch any time soon -- but I'm loving that Nikon is amping up its lens game and also giving the Z8 most of the features of the Z9 for a much lower price. When it comes to supertelephoto lenses, Sony has been rather laid back since the release of the 200-600; and I'm hoping they will feel forced to offer stacked sensors on more of their models.

[@coffeestory9533]

Great video Steve. Will be great if you can compare the af speed and sharpness with Nikon 500mm pf. Looking forward to see your next video.

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Steve, Just to say your thoughts are alway welcome as they do tend to be honest and true. Thamk you for this first look I will look forward to a detailed review. Keep well, keep saffe and enjoy life.

[@joelcrow]

First time I've EVER pre-ordered a lens on Nikon's website the day of announcement! This one is going to be awesome on my Z50 --- 900mm FTW!

[@RobertKingofMaine]

Thank you Steve. You did an excellent job!

[@jodasile2]

What a great new! Would like to see this compared to the 400mm f4.5 S. Thanks for sharing!

[@keithmcfaul9310]

My dream lens is and has been the Nikon 600mm F/4E lens. I also have a Sigma 150-600mm F/5-6.3. In my opinion there is no comparison between the two lenses. I currently do mostly bird photography and the Nikon 600mm is my go to lens.

[@wildlifezillertal]

Keep the price in mind... Of course there are huge differences!

[@jackbrumby1892]

"no comparison" - but you just compared them??

[@keithmcfaul9310]

@@jackbrumby1892 You're right. I stand corrected. My bad. I didn't think of it that way at the time.

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Super glad this lens is FINALLY here! It makes me wonder tho, why Nikon made this non-S-line lens "internal zoom"...when they DIDN'T do that for the Z 100-400 S lens? In any case, I'm happy they ultimately decided to make it a 180-600mm vs the original 200-600. Now it's a great competitor to the Tamron G2/Sigma 150-600. The extra reach on both ends is ultimately why I got the Tamron G2 version over the Nikkor 200-500, despite the small hit in aperture.

[@backcountrygallery]

I know, that's my one disappointment with the 100-400 as well.

[@jacklittle3622]

I would love to see a comparison to the z 100-400 with a 1.4 teleconverter

[@cyrilhamel8289]

As always, great preview! 👍🏻

[@turnerx5]

Great lens preview, your Z8/9 setup guide is top notch!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@conchmk]

Great review. I was considering acquiring the 100-400 now the I'm moving to the Z family. I'm now going to strongly consider this lens instead. Since I have the 200-500, and like it's versatility, this lens looks like a good move.

[@psaunders2112]

Compare with pf500 please

[@robinc-k7162]

Impressive looking lens! Would you please test it with the 500mm PF and the Nikon 100-400mm S lens? Great video, thanks!

[@PeterVaky]

Great video and great news. I’ve been waiting for this lens to be announced. Would like to know your thoughts as to how image quality, sharpness, and focus speed stack up to the 500 PF.

[@candidalean4454]

Thanks for a comprehensive review. When the production version is available I’d be interested in a comparison against the Sigma contemporary 150-600, which I use with my Z6ii. I’m wondering when to upgrade. Thanks

[@HotGates]

This is going to be awesome on my Z8 BRAVO Nikon, Great video Steve;)

[@photo-markus]

this one or 400 mm f/4.5???

[@MrModerate_kane]

Ordered this.

[@danb821]

Would love to see this compared to the 400mm f4.5 prime. Although now that I own the 400mm I’m a bit afraid to see that comparison 😂

[@IsabelRedondoCa]

Same here! Although I'm not too worried. Still might get this.

[@robertlawrence7958]

Canon are lagging way behind Nikon and Sony in their mirrorless lens line-up, especially when it comes to what I would term as mid range (semi pro) models.

[@dannesweden4166]

tomorrow my package will arrive with the Z 180-600❤

[@markshipston4838]

Thanks Steve, I sold my 200-500 simply because of the weight, I bought a 500pf instead and love it to bits on my z9…. However I have been waiting for this for a long time

[@TiNGvision]

Hey Steve, thanks again for another great video. As i am slowly moving into Z lenses, i had almost settled on the 400 f4.5 until this announcement. I am sure a lot of people will be making that decision. As I am used to shooting with the old 300 2.8, I always found that my images on my old f6.3 zoom were just far inferior and there was just never enough light. But it seems that with the VR and the image quality of the Z series, it might be time to re-think that!

[@Interbeing_CDN]

I have the Z 400mm f4.5 and it is a cracker of a lens, so light, fast focus, and handles a TC well. The Z 180-600 is definitely more versatile and I have ordered it, as I believe they will compliment each other well. If you can swing it, the combo should be killer in the field.

[@johnredrup1036]

Excellent as always Steve, thanks. I would be interested in a 500 PF comparison.

[@tectorama]

I have my name down for one of these when it's released. Along with a Z8. As far as buttons on the lens are concerned, I have never ever used them. I would find a prime lens too limiting for wildlife photography.

[@jackbrumby1892]

Thanks a lot, Steve! I've had this lens (formerly 200-600mm) as a "pre-order of a pre-order" for a few years. I just rang my go-to-only camera store in Sydney, Georges Cameras, and their answer was "Yep, you're still first on the list". I'm sure in your future comparisons the Z 400, 600 & 800mm will be sharper etc. I'd love 'em!! But for my needs/budget, this lens will fit the bill. Cheers.

[@rezberry.x]

Hey i always buy from them too, did u get discount on the lens?

[@josephparks4270]

I'd love to see this lens compared to the 100-400 with the 1.4 TC.

[@tomfranic]

And Sony 200-600mm too 👌😊🥂

[@anna82865]

Me, too!

[@tenrec]

I like how Nikon one-ups the competition again with this lens. In the case of the 200-500, that lens had a constant aperture and was f/5.6 at its longest focal length, compared to f/6. 3 for most of its competitors. In this case, it's the extra 20mm of focal length at the short end. (Although I guess this argument falls apart if you compare the lens to the 150-600 Sigma and Tamron lenses, or the 100-500mm Canon. Never mind! : )