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!

[@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.

[@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

[@sbphotography3751]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@JRodPhotoArt]

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

[@raphbritton]

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

[@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 😍

[@BowlesImages]

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

[@DennisGingerich]

Thanks so much! I love my old Nikon 200-500 but since my Z9 ended up in my bag 15 mo. ago, I've been waiting for this one to appear!

[@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.

[@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 ❤

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@mcunner]

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

[@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

[@frederickpearsall4532]

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

[@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.

[@enricomarconi8358]

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

[@pierrederumine1295]

Thanks for drawing my attention to this new lens. Its very interesting for me. I am now quite old and don't particularly can carry & use heavy lenses. Great to the subject presentation.

[@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.

[@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.

[@JornVangoidtsenhoven]

Great video! I would be interested in seeing this lens compared to the 200-500 f/5.6 (is the new lens worth the upgrade?) and the 180-400 f/4 (is the extra f stop worth over 10K?). Thanks!

[@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 ;) )

[@richardshevalier9896]

Hi Steve, I have been watching your KZbin channel for a while now. I thoroughly enjoy the content and have come to rely on it when making Nikon equipment purchasing decisions. As such, I have a suggestion for a new video for you to make. With the release of the new Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 lens many KZbinrs (yourself included) have done introductory videos, but NO ONE (and believe me I have looked and looked) has shown the lens on the Z6ii (or Z5, 6, 7, 7ii) with the lower megapixel sensor and less responsive Auto focus. I can only find videos showing the lens with the Z8 or Z9 (it’s actually spooky, it’s like these are the only Z cameras anymore). A whole huge segment of the market has been ignored. I am sure there are 10’s of thousands of Z6ii owners, many of whom have been waiting for the release of this lens and are looking for some information before spending their hard earned cash (myself included). I’d be interested in a video showing how fast the AF is with this lens compared to the 200-500 with an FTZ, both using the Z6ii (and between the Z6ii and the Z8 or Z9). I’d like to see how sharp the images from this lens are compared to the 200-500, both using the Z6ii. I’d like to see if it makes a difference on the Z6ii with or without the MB-N11 grip (faster to AF or something). I’d like to see what the low light performance is using this lens with the Z6ii. I’d like to see how responsive this combo is for BIF images (better, worse, or the same as with the 200-500, both using the Z6ii). I’d even like to know how the balance is using this lens and camera combo with and without the MB-N11. As a wildlife photographer who uses a Z6ii currently, I am really looking forward to someone providing this kind of information. Thank you again for all your wonderful videos and sharing your knowledge. Thank you also for considering this request. Happy Shooting… Rich

[@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.

[@MehdiRF]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@nickolasmazzara127]

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

[@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 !

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@betacar0tin]

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

[@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. 😊

[@realnikonlover6207]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 !

[@Photographersforyou]

As always great preview and I am sure your full review will be great. You asked about what tests to conduct once you have a full production copy so here goes. AF speed at 600mm and sharpness at 600mm wide open. If you have an 80-400mm nikon lens as I am upgrading from that. Also with VR on and continuous autofocus is there any Chromatic aberration in the images, as I noticed some lens misbehave when several shots are taken and VR On. Thanks as always, what ever you conduct Im sure it will be very informative.

[@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.

[@joerg_koeln]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@BipulHaldar]

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

[@robinc-k7162]

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

[@chipfreundphoto]

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

[@kdikun]

I'm really excited about this lens. I have really enjoyed the 200-500 and I would be happy to have an extra 100mm reach for birds while shaving off a tiny bit of weight. However, at my price point I'm not sure what body I would put this on. I have the Z50 but I don't find the autofocus good enough for photographing birds (my primary subject). And I can't afford a Z8. I like the extra "zoom" of a crop-sensor body, which I suppose I could get using a z7ii and using crop mode, or cropping in post, but is the AF system suitable for birds? I'm feeling a bit left behind by Nikon and feeling a bit impatient waiting around for a capable crop sensor camera.

[@jacklittle3622]

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

[@AndyHawkins-m5j]

Great to see this announcement! Thanks for the quick review. Compare to NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S and the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

[@mailtoswarup1]

Thank you for a great insight on the lens in a short time you got the lens to work with. Would love to see how it performs with Z6ii and Z7ii. I hope Nikon comes up with a goo APSC z series body. With this lens it will be a great combo for bird photography

[@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!

[@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!

[@Razzer0693]

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

[@billchambers5348]

Looks great can,t wait to get one!

[@natures-nomads]

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

[@GustafssonFotografi]

Hi Steve. You seem to have good knowledge and Experience. I have had this lens now since it was released and I love it! However I wanted your opinion on the weather seal? I contacted Nikon support here in Sweden and they do not recommend to use this lens in the rain without using a rain cover. I sold my 200-500mm for this just because this is a internal zoom and was announced as sealed.. But now Nikon say it’s not recommend to use in rain. That’s disappointing, maybe it was a “selling trick” and I fell for it. What is your thought? Best regards Alfons

[@jodasile2]

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

[@victorguardia8272]

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

[@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 :).

[@dannesweden4166]

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

[@johnredrup1036]

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

[@randyschwager2515]

Thanks Steve! It looks like a great value!

[@RichardUpstanding]

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

[@kbhutia8466]

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

[@GarethDanks]

im hoping that with this slapped on my Z7i ill notice a better afc rate over my 200-500. Plus that internal zoom is ace! but is it better than the amazing 100-400 with a 1.4tc?? amazing vid as always mate. my goo too for nikon gear 100%

[@user-zp6jc9zu4w]

Hi Steve, lovely review. Now all are awaiting the release of Z90 APSc Nikon body

[@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. :)

[@roderickwho1983]

Thanks Steve. You got some wonderful sample photos with that lens :-) I'd like to see a comparison to the Tamron 150-600 G2 ( with the adapter of course) when you get the production copy.

[@chipsrafferty8362]

Thank you for justifying my order……now off to Grand Teton in October……hope Nikon steps up.

[@ploverlittle532]

Wow love the internal zoom!

[@ajh5124]

Professional and complete, thanks, Steve!

[@ajh5124]

Steve, do you use UV filters on your lenses?

[@dimitrisskyhunter9827]

Definitely curious as to how it differs from the Tamron 150-600 G2

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

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

[@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.

[@mzeeshanch]

Thank you so much for your absolutely great advice and insights... As someone who has started wildlife photography not long ago, your advice has been REALLY helpful for me when buying my lenses... That aside, your pictures are just AWESOME as well... Just amazing work man...

[@jefife750]

Another very informative video. I would like to see a comparison to the Nikon 200-500. I bought a Nikon 200-500 less than a year ago for use on my Z9, for sports and wildlife, until the 180-600 came out. I need more info , especially regarding AF and sharpness to determine if it’s worth it to upgrade. The 200-500 takes great pictures, but I’m unhappy with the lack of weather sealing, the extending barrel, and the crazy long throw of the zoom ring. First impressions from your video suggests to me that it is a must have lens for what I shoot. Thanks.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@annmccutcheon13]

Please also show test shots with the two TC’s attached! Excited for this lens.

[@romanhar4151]

Thanks for your review. I would like to see the comparision to the 70-200/2.8+TC2 (both @400mm). I orderd mine 🙂

[@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?

[@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

[@Zap09060]

Great Video Steve … I think we can use separate menu banks and assign LFn button mapping is separate banks. Perhaps you can confirm this 😊 Nikon is on a roll… now they got great lens selection as well…. Perhaps now, We just need a real baby Z9 in DX mode - Z500 with 26 or 33 MP .. that would be killer 😁 Need a comparison of this lens with following combos is possible 😊: 1) A1 with Sony 200-600 2) Z9 with Nikon 180-600 3) Z9 with Sony 200-600 plus Megadap ETZ21 adaptor

[@backcountrygallery]

Yes, you can use the Custom Settings Banks to assign different function to the single Lens Fn button. However, I think that's tricky from a muscle memory standpoint. In addition, there's not a super-quick way to jump between custom setting banks (you can assign a button to photo shooting banks, but not custom settings banks).

[@RobertKingofMaine]

Thank you Steve. You did an excellent job!

[@SpaklesDr]

out of focus areas look awesome. Very smooth.

[@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.

[@jefife750]

Thanks for another great Video! Your Z9 AF guide allowed me to tame the Z9 AF system; Now I need your guidance to determine my next purchase. I’m impatiently waiting for your in-depth testing and comparison(s). I have the Nikon 100-400, which has exceeded all of my expectations. With sharpness being the goal; Do I order the 180-600, or the 1.4x TC for my 100-400? In the past (DSLR), i was never a fan or user of TC’s. However, I’ve read everything I can find on the performance of the 100-400/1.4x combo and it seems to perform extremely well. It would be quite a but cheaper to go that route, but given that I usually keep glass forever, I will buy the lens if the difference is worth it or even present at all. I also have the Nikon 200-500, which is a good lens, but has a few things I cannot live with, so I will be selling it either way. Thanks for your invaluable contribution to our profession/hobby!

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

Thanks, a comparison vs the 400mm f4.5 S would be appreciated!

[@Shivashankar]

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

[@mikedavis1110]

Great intro video and I was waiting on this lens for AirShows and Wildlife. Personally I think it’s a great consumer/entry level lens for sports or wildlife. On another, reviewers comments, the lens foot is different in that the whole foot comes off the barrel. With it off it’s easier to hand hold, but it could roll off the desk. A better solution is an Arca-Swiss foot or just the foot to replace. This might be a lens to add my 300PF/f4, 500f4G and 1.4TC to add the zoom flexibility, as you mentioned! Great intro and looking forward to your further testing!!