Nikon 200-500mm Vs Nikon 180-600mm | Should You UPGRADE?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

BTW! If you’re a Nikon 500mm F5.6 PF owner, I wouldn’t be letting that lens go in exchange for the Z 180-600mm (or any lens for that matter 😉). I do get asked this question a lot. I’d rather keep the PF and just crop in post. That of course is only if you need a fixed long focal length lens. If you need a versatile focal length like what you get from a zoom, then obviously the Nikon Z 180-600mm is definitely the lens for that 🙏📸

[@paulconnors2078]

Adrian, I have the 200-500 f5.6 for F mount and have no intention of getting rid of that lens, either.

Wow that's some lens Adrian, many thanks for sharing the info and demo's. Have a great weekend

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks Shaun much appreciated. Hope you have a great week mate, cheers 🍻 🤙🙏

[@fildiablos]

Another thing to consider is weather sealing. If you're gonna be shooting in adverse conditions having the 180-600mm would advantageous over the 200-500mm w/ftz.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Good point. Thank you for watching and commenting. Much appreciated. Enjoy your day 🙏

[@gewglesux]

500 PF Owner here. I agree with you... it's a keeper.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

100%. Thanks for watching 🙏

[@mikebartow9415]

I have the D850 and Z9 and the 200-500 mm lens. I think it is fantastic! I will keep it. Like you said the only annoyance is the zoom extending style. You have to remember when walking around if you are on the short end to use zoom lock so it doesn’t self extend.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting Mike, really appreciated 🙏

[@ddmandd]

Thanks for the insight Adrian. I've been using the 500pf on the new Z8 since June with amazing results. Have been waiting for a comparison to the 180-600mm and now feel comfortable with the system I have. Keep up the great work!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting. I do love that Nikon 500mm PF, a superb lens. I would not be upgrading that lens for the Z 180-600mm. Have a great weekend 🙏

[@tonyh4266]

Hello, I’m the same although my wife and I used Zac and Z9 cameras, I don’t intentionally parting with my D500 and D850. I only own 4 Z lenses, but have 10 AF lenses that are too good to sell. I like the 180x600mm, but also like the sound of the latest 600mm f6.3 prime too! We are getting spoilt for choice. Great channel, TonyH

[@BrendanHarington]

Love your honesty, and totally agree with you. If you don’t have a telephoto, get the 180-600. If you have a 200-500, hang onto it. I have a 200-500. Absolutely love it ❤

[@davidsaylors]

You and Phil both have great videos about this lens. It is a winner. I like your notes on whether or not upgrading is needed too. That is good intel. Side note: those little black birds in the surf are cute. That is probably my favorite photo of yours that I have seen in a while. Thanks for taking the time to do all this for us. I for one appreciate it. 👍📸

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching David. Both lenses are very good. It's a tough decision, but the new Z 180-600mm is currently my "go to" lens for bird photography. Have a great weekend buddy cheers 🙏

[@leod1671]

Adrian, I was waiting for this video, thank you! This validates that the 200-500 that I own is still an excellent lens. So while I am still toying with the idea of switching to mirrorless, the 180-600 is not the full driving factor. Again, thank you for another excellent video review.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

You’re most welcome. There are some benefits of the Z 180-600mm, but when I had the 200-500mm I was impressed by its image quality and sharpness. Have a great weekend and thanks as always for watching 📸🙏

[@RussandLoz]

Nice balanced review, trading in a 200-500 won't get much now so it'll be quite a bit extra to upgrade. Meaning to buy a used 200-500 will be under half the cost of the 180-600. Also meaning the 500pf used will be a similar price to the 180-600! Not an easy choice. But sure, i'd much rather have the new lens lol

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@cookwithnikki8897]

I love the F mount 200-500. I borrowed it for an air show with my Z7ii (and only the 1st gen FTZ mount!) and it worked beautifully; very happy with the results - especially when taking it out into nature. Super clear/sharp, beautiful bokeh. I was considering the Z mount 180-600 for that little bit of extra reach, but any comparisons I see don't tempt me into justifying the jump in price when I already enjoy the resilts from the 200-500. Very thankful that we can adapt F mount lenses to Z camsras. 😅 I use all Z lenses otherwise (20mm, 24-70mm, 40mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm macro), but the F 200-500 is gold.

[@tonytfuntek3262]

Great comparison, as a D850 and Z7 owner I feel as long as my F series lens work with the FTZ adapter I would stick with my older lens. That said I did add a few S series lens to my collection mostly because they are quite a bit sharper. Thank you for theses videos.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thank you very much for watching Tony and sharing your views. Much appreciated. Have a great weekend 🙏

[@christian.irmler]

Hi Adrian, a great video buddy! I see it like you, it is not always necessary to upgrade. Often there are just one or two little reasons that make us wish to upgrade. But which effect will that have on the images we get out in the end? In my experience, the best advice is to work with the gear we have and try to get out the best possible. Otherwise, we would have to replace our gear all ~2-3 years😆

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Christian. It certainly is food for thought as to whether you upgrade or not. I do like this new Z 180-600mm and would most definitely buy it if I was only using a Nikon Z mount camera. Have a great weekend buddy cheers 🙏

[@sohan8602]

very frank and clear advice ... I am similar to you with a raft of F mount cameras that I love ... great video ...

[@peterviragphoto]

Great in depth comparison Adrian with some cool test shots ( not the moon… but Yoda ofc😀😀😀). A lot of Nikon users will find this very useful, I’m sure. Cheers

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Hi Peter, thanks heaps for watching mate. They are both great lenses and it is a tough call. The Z 180-600mm has surprised me so far and I was not expecting such great results from it. Have a good one, cheers 🙏

[@PhilThach]

Great comparison, Adrian!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks very much Phil 🙏

[@wingsofaustralia]

Awesome vid. Thanks for this.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Cheers, thanks for watching 🙏

[@wingsofaustralia]

Really appreciate you making these vids@@adrianalfordphotography

[@paulcookphotography]

Yoda never looked so sharp! I dont have a horse in this race, but they both sound like great lenses, but i think you are spot on how and why you should upgrade to this new lens. Great advice !For yourself, it sounds like a great addition to your arsenal of lenses for your Nikons. Always great information and well put together videos mate. Hope you are doing well and having a great weekend!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks so much for watching Paul. I was just out with the new Z lens yesterday and oh man, I got this one shot I’ve waited 2 years for! I’ll be making a video on it. It’s such a good lens. Have a great week ahead mate, take care 📸🙏

[@scottscrufari]

I think the 200-500mm has better contrast and the 180-600mm is a bit more washed out looking. I've noticed this with a lot of the newer lenses.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting Scott. Yes, I did notice that a little as well. Have a great weekend 🙏

[@reuben404]

Thanks a great video. Between the 100-400 bs 180-600 which one will you recommend? I shoot landscaoe & wildlife and has a Z 7 ii body.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. I'm a landscape and wildlife shooter too. I've found I only need two lenses. You can see them in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3SsZpVunaikbNk - however since making this video Tamron have just released a travel friendly Z mount 150-500mm lens. If I could only have 2 lenses that cover both landscape and wildlife today it would be the Nikon 24-120mm F4S & Tamron Z mount 150-500mm. I have made videos on both of them here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipC7eHWIl6aIfdk and here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJuWdYmVrdp1l7s

[@reuben404]

@@adrianalfordphotography thanks for the info and link. Will review them.

[@reuben404]

Watched the videos and they are very good. New fan of yours as your reviews are very thorough. In the past I have rushed to save some dollars and regretted it later so this time I am cautious. Willing to spend some extra dollars if I can get the right one. So what I like is with zoom, and also can travel with it. So after seeing the tamron comarison, what is your take on 100-400 bs tamron ( I know it is 500 and currently I have the 200-500 and happy with the range) so should I get the 100-400 with TC 1.4 or straight to Tamron as it gives you the 100mm reach but 100-400 gives u the F stop. I am not a big bird photographer rather more landscape / Wildlife Safaris. Hope u can direct me on the right direction.

[@reuben404]

Since with TC the F stop jumps to 8 would you say Tamron is a better choice or should I even wait as there are no safaris in the horizon. I do have 24-120 and 70-200. Overall sharpness, F stop and travel is my main things.

[@TrashPanda-jw8ry]

Thanks for the review and honest opinion, I have a 200-500 and I'll wait a while. I'd rather get another Z body for now.

[@slimbirdy]

Great run down. All good points to consider. Both amazing lenses. Thanks for sharing your point of view and loved the moon shot - how cool was that??!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. Enjoy your weekend cheers 📸🙏

[@capturelifestories]

Hi Adrian, i have two questions please answer 1. On Z8/Z9 with ftz adapter is the performance good and gives you sharper images 2. Is it too soft at 500mm ?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. I think on the Z8 or Z9 I wouldn’t mess around. You will get better efficiency, performance and usability from the Z 180-600mm. However if you still have a DSLR then the 200-500mm is ok in conjunction with the FTZII adapter. But my preference would br the Z180-600 on those cameras 📸

[@highanddryful]

Thanks Adrian. Sitting on the fence between canon RF 100-500 and the Nikon 180-600 ..... soley for birds and wildlife. What would you suggest?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Both are brilliant lenses. You can't go wrong with either. The only obvious choice is - are you going to use a Canon or Nikon camera to shoot birds and wildlife with? Then that's your answer for which lens. Side note - Canon 100-500mm is more compact though.

[@ryancooper3629]

Fantastic video, thanks for this. I'm curious you didn't touch on focus performance at all? How did you find they compared in that regards in terms of speed and accuracy? My biggest complaint with my 200-500 on FTZ is focusing feels sluggish and accuracy is hit or miss. Especially in lower light. Also, probably hard to test so soon but I have noticed my 200-500 is slowly accumulating internal dust. It doesn't really impact IQ yet but eventually I suspect it will. Presumably the 180-600 is better sealed due to being internal zoom?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. Focus speed, the Z was just a tad quicker, probably due to no FTZ. The Z I think has better sealing for dust due to internal zoom. I’d buy the Z just for that short throw from 180-600, very quick and great for birds and wildlife 🙏

[@MurielLitchfield]

hi,a lot of people talk about the throw of the lens to zoom from 200to500mm moose peterson, wildlife photography, said turn the camera and not the lens once zoomed turn the camera the right way up, allowing the lens to slide through your hand supporting the lens, this can be done very quickly,this method i have been using with great success since i bought the lens!!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

And you’ve obviously used the Z 180-600mm to compare right??? What a load of garbage! Turn the camera! 😂😂😂 Yeah good advice Moose 🫎 And how do you keep your eye to the viewfinder while turning the whole camera clockwise twice 😂😂😂 You’re obviously biased cause you own a 200-500mm

[@wingsofaustralia]

I agree with Adrian. I sold my 200-500mm for the 180-600mm and never looked back. Perhaps you should physically compare lenses first.

[@kjb_tennessee]

Thanks for this video. I still have my d500 w/200-500, and also a z8 with ftz, 1.4tc and 300 pf. Autofocus is faster on the pf lens and I guess would be faster with the 180-600.

[@claytonsmith1906]

You can get the 200-500 for $900 used vs $2,300 for the 180-600 new (no used market yet) therefore there still is a comparison for the mirrorless owner as the new lens costs basically 3 times as much. Prices in CAD.

[@MrBubinski777]

I no longer own a DSLR but will absolutely keep my 200-500 some of my favorite pictures have been taken with it. One question I have is it still an F5.6 with the adapter on a z body?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. Yes still 5.6 with adapter

[@lour7753]

I sold my 200-500mm a year ago anticipating a new Z lens. I will get the 180-600mm.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Well done. Thanks for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it 🙏📸

[@madst7521]

Your experience of the focus ring being "jumpy" is likely the new accelerated mode. There's been a bunch of lenses getting firmware upgrades to make linear focus mode an option. This lens is new enough that it will likely have the option to choose the focus mode (can't say for sure because I didn't use the 200-500 enough to warrant getting the 180-600)

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching and sharing this, much appreciated. Have a great weekend 🙏

[@NikonDave]

I was blown away by the 180-600mm. I was expecting it to be like the Sony 200-600mm and most of my complaints with that lens don't exist with the Nikon (I'm not typically a Sony shooter so most of my complaints are probably user error in fairness). You can pick up used and refurbed 200-500mm's fairly cheap and super bargain priced direct from Nikon from time to time. If you have nostalgia for the 200-500mm...I say keep it. Like me and the 80-400mm. I have "rebought" several F mount lenses after selling them and that gets more expensive than hanging on to kit you may or may not use. Everyone's finances obviously are different and that's not always practical for everyone.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing your thoughts and insight. Hope you have an amazing weekend, cheers 🙏

[@TheAccidentalPhotographer]

Really helpful. Slightly different question I would love to hear your opinion on - if you have a 100-400 would you trade that in for the 180-600 for the extra reach it provides or keep it and save for the new 600 prime IF the likely use is the 400-600 range?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

That 600 prime at the moment is ridiculously overpriced. I’d rather spend the extra grand and get the 800 6.3 prime. Re the 100-400. If you live at the 400mm then yes you need the extra reach of the 180-600. If photograph things more in the range of close ups and 200mm then keep the 100-400.

[@TheAccidentalPhotographer]

Thanks@@adrianalfordphotography that's helpful; appreciate its all about use case and no one answer fits all. My original thinking is I have both the 70-200 and 100-400 so the short end is covered (and actually having the 100-400 often means I don't take the 70-200 which at the short end is superior.) Having the 70-200 plus the 180-600 feels more balanced for the different type of shooting I do, but the 600 prime does get good reviews hence my consideration. In the long term I am saving to do a Safari so perhaps your point on the 800 makes a lot more sense - hadn't considered that!

[@duncangroenewald]

200-500 looks noticeably sharper to me in your video.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate it. Yes, I think people wanting to buy the new Z 180-600mm in the hope of getting sharper images over the 200-500mm won't happen. It's the operational features and extra focal length where the Z shines. Have a great weekend

[@duncangroenewald]

@@adrianalfordphotography Hmm, for wildlife it's all about sharp - I won't give that up for any other feature! Oh well at least Nikon got the message about bird detection in FW4.1. That's a massive improvement for acquisition and tracking BIF imo - finally auto area just works - like Canon/Sony.

[@Ibris622]

What is the length of the 200-500mm lens?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Pretty sure Mr Google can answer that

[@josefmolina3510]

I don't like any FTZ adapter. I moved to Z Mount and this completely, the Z9 with the Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC is simply stellar, it is all what I need for birding.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks so much for watching. Totally agree that 600mm is simply amazing 🙏

[@arielfields6135]

Thank you !

[@FotosyMas.]

Hi Adrian, I recently got the 180-600 after using the 200-500 for a while. I wonder if I got a bad copy because the pictures I took with the old F mount lens are noticeable sharper than the ones I’m getting with the new Z lens. Any idea why? Maybe because I shot the 200-500 when I owned a Z6 II and now I’m shooting on a Z5?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

No idea what is happening there without being there to see what’s going on? The VR is definitely switched to on inside the Z5?

[@FotosyMas.]

VR is switched On and in Sport mode

[@adrianalfordphotography]

@@FotosyMas. then it could be anything. You may have to have that looked at by a tech. As I said I’m not there so too hard to just guess what it is

[@LucianoStabel]

Have you noticed any differences in the autofocus performance between these two lenses? I have a Z6ii and the AF performance with the 200-500 is awful. Birds in flight is 1000 times more challenging. My keep rate with my D500 and the 200-500 is significantly higher than my keep rate with the Z6ii. So, I was wondering whether the 180-600 offers a better AF performance or it's kind of the same. And keep up the great work!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching. I used the 200-500mm on the Nikon Z7 via the FTZII adaptor. For birds in flight you can forget it. For birds sitting on a branch, great. If you jag a photo in focus flying then it was by pure luck. I can also say it would be the same with the Z 180-600mm. We both need either a Z6/7III with bird AF or for Nikon to give us a budget friendly APSC like the D500 in a mirrorless camera with bird AF. Hopefully won;t be too far away.🙏

[@MurielLitchfield]

they always say a bad workman always blames his tools, I have the 200-500 and use it for photographing wildlife and birds flying or not here in Spain, it just takes practice,!!!

[@LucianoStabel]

​@@MurielLitchfield ok. Glad for you. Maybe you have more than 25 years of practice, and someday I will reach where you are (30 years of practice? 35?). What I'm saying is that my lens did not perform well with my former Z6ii, whereas with my D500 and my Z8, it works brilliantly.

[@MurielLitchfield]

​@@LucianoStabel yes hi, talking about years in photography, seeing as you asked I first picked up a Nikon camera 58 years ago, and still enjoy using Nikon cameras today!

[@LucianoStabel]

@@MurielLitchfield great, it explains a lot your first comment and its words...

[@gavindouglas732]

I have a Z7ii and I was disappointed with the low shutter performance. I’m not really sure what’s going on. With my sigma 100-400 and an FTZii mount I was perfect fine doing 1/30 pans but now I can barely do 1/200 with the 180-600 and Z7ii, any idea what’s going on?

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Impossible to say without actually being there to see what’s wrong

[@bobrfotos]

I have the z8 and D500 and use the 200-500 and love it. I just recently tried my friend's 180-600. I liked it alot, it was nice not having to twist all the way to zoom in. Also I noticed it locked on my target faster. I will be getting one, but will also keep the 2-5.

[@paulconnors2078]

Hello Adrian, I tried this lens on a Nikon owned Z9 at a demo event yesterday. I currently own the f mount 200-500 mm and am debating buying this lens.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Thanks for watching Paul. It is a touch decision I'm sure. I think the Z 180-600mm paired on a Z mount camera most certainly more efficient and user friendly. I have been getting some great results with it. Have a great weekend and take care.

[@paulconnors2078]

​@@adrianalfordphotography Thank you Adrian. Please keep the great content coming. I'd be curious to get your take on Nikon's new "retro" Zf. I played with it at the same demo event and while I don't need this camera, was very impressed with it as it reminded me of the Nikon film cameras, I grew up with in the 1970s and '80s. I especially liked the switch that allowed the user to switch to B & W without having to go back into the menu. Full disclosure: I have been shooting a lot of B & W film of late with my F100, F5 and F6 and just today purchased another 'pristine' F100 at an estate sale; however, the instant switching to B & W in the Zf is a real "eye opener" and a feature I smiled about, then chuckled and then, said to myself, this is really great technology in such a small FM2 like package.

[@davidmatney5033]

Thank you Adrian...Fantastic content as usual, although your videos always end-up costing me $$$$! :) P.S. JK - I would be spending it on Camera gear anyway.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Many thanks for watching I really appreciate it 🙏📸

[@TK421-53]

You can get the 200-500 used in good condition for half the price of the 180-600, ignoring the adapter, that seems to be a good deal.

[@Swiatoikadr]

Good job

[@chrisnielsen9885]

You should upgrade and sell me your 200-500 cheap!

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Many thanks for watching 🙏