Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Review by Ken Rockwell

Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Review by Ken Rockwell
Written Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Review & Sample Image Files www.kenrockwel...
I got mine at www.bhphotovid...
I'd also get it at www.adorama.co...
or at www.amazon.com...
or get it used at www.ebay.com/s...
if you know How to Win at eBay www.kenrockwel...
When you click on the links above or below to various merchants and make a purchase, this can result in me earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
PHOTOGRAPHY
How to Take Great Pictures www.kenrockwel...
FART First for Fantastic Fotos www.kenrockwel...
Sony vs Canon vs Nikon www.kenrockwel...
I get all my gear at www.kenrockwel...
Contribute at www.paypal.me/...
Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max www.kenrockwel... at 1,080/25
Lit with Norwegian-made Luxli lights at 3500K www.kenrockwel...
Left & Right: Timpani at 67% with Angler soft boxes www.bhphotovid... & Angler grids www.bhphotovid...
Top rear: Cello at 35% with Luxli diffuser www.bhphotovid...
/luxli_orc_cello_10_dk_diffusion_filter_soft_box.html?BI=287&KBID=1037
Audio recorded with one Senal SCM-660 microphone FD0517 set to figure-of-eight www.kenrockwel...
on Auray desk stand www.kenrockwel...
with Auray PFNY-6 Pop Screen www.kenrockwel...
on my TASCAM DR-100 MK II www.kenrockwel...
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
©KenRockwell.com. All rights reserved.
Ken Rockwell® is a registered trademark

This is my the most favourite lens, I had Tamron 70-200 G2 on Nikon F and sold it immediately when I bought this one.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@calebchristensenviolin]

Really?? I have a G2 that’s not working too well adapted (yes the software is up to date) and I was rather dubious of getting another Tamron….have you found it sharper and better than the G2?

​@@calebchristensenviolin I would say it is definitely at least as sharp as G2 maybe even sharper, but it is half the weight which was the dealbreaker for me. You can have a look at MTF charts and 70-180 is slightly better. It doesn't have VR, but I would say that it is not a problem with IBIS.

[@calebchristensenviolin]

Thanks for the reply! I am very much tempted…weight would be nice for sure.

[@ShotByCLM]

Personally, my favorite lens at the moment. It’s perfect for concert photography

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@seaeagles6025]

Hi Ken, Nikon are making nice Budget Lenses lately, and being made in China is not a bad thing. If you say the Optics are good, that's good enough for me. Cheers Ken 😊.

[@KenRockwellTV]

You got it. Optics are great; I’m just a stickler for authenticity and respect rather than exporting jobs.

[@seaeagles6025]

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks Ken, good point 😊

[@Phoyographer]

As we grow older we tend to go lighter

[@KenRockwellTV]

We get smarter. Also cameras have been getting lighter for all of history.

[@HotGates]

It's a very nice lens. My friend has one and I'm thinking of buying it also. But the Z cameras do have VR built in the camera right?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes, many but not all Z have built in stability

[@LouisLuzuka]

Is the 16 pro max unboxing coming 😮what is the first impressions 😊

[@KenRockwellTV]

No unboxing; too boring since it’s just a phone and cable. Mine is transferring and updating right now. First impression is larger screen !!

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@KenRockwellTV 😍

[@404Anymouse]

How similar is this to the Tamron one?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Beats me!!

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

It's the exact same lens made for Sony. Tamron let Nikon rebadge the older version of the 70-180 and sell it with the added Nikon tax. There's a newer version with better optics, image stabilization (VC) for Sony, and hopefully for Nikon in the future.

[@cameraz99]

@@shang-hsienyang1284 -- I heard that Nikon made some modifications to this lens ... coatings, etc. In any event, it's a great lens.

[@FawfulDied]

​@@cameraz99 unlike the Tamron version for Sony E, the rebranded Nikon works with teleconverters

[@hughjohns9110]

The lack of VR on this lens is a tragedy.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Oh well, price is right and many Nikons have sensor-wiggling.

[@trevorsneath4665]

This is a Tamron re-badged and u may save a few dollars buying the original Tamron one.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I’ve heard that before. Thanks!

[@cameraz99]

Except that the Tamron one won't have the Z mount, and you'll have to use the FTZ adapter, making it heavier and longer.

[@FawfulDied]

​@@cameraz99 they probably mean the Tamron for Sony E, using an ETZ adapter. It's not much cheaper though, $1000 (plus $250 for ETZ) vs $1050.

[@gregoryrogalsky6937]

Made in China..? No thanks... Ill stick with my Nikkor 80-200 2.8 ED AI-s

[@KenRockwellTV]

Such a beast! The huge manual focus one at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/80-200mm-history.htm Thanks!

[@ShaunYCheng]

but the problem now is all Z lenses are no longer made in Japan...

[@cameraz99]

Then I hope you're not using an iPhone -- or most Apple products, for that matter -- made in China.

[@natedagreat90]

Oh grow up

[@FawfulDied]

​@@ShaunYCheng 24-70 f/2.8 and the Noct are made in Japan.

[@hpaula1946]

Ken, As a long time subscriber and fan, I would really like to know which cameras you actually personally own and use on a regular basis. THANK YOU!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Glad someone finally asked!!!R6 Mk II. RF 24-240mm. Reviews all at www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm