For those looking for a versatile and affordable solution to your telephoto needs in the Nikon Z system, perhaps the time has come to rejoice.
I love photographing birds and wildlife. That doesn’t mean I’m really good at it. In fact, although I’m a professional photographer, my own expertise is far from the crafty genres that require intricately crafted telephoto lenses about the length of a Buick. and can sometimes be of comparable price. However, I still really enjoy being out in nature and taking some pictures, regardless of the fact that the results won’t be in my portfolio. However, I need to keep budget in mind when making a decision to buy a telephoto lens due to my own use case. In the Nikon F-mount system, I have 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. But I don’t have the same option in Z mount till now.
Nikon just announced the release of a new camera NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. Weighing in at 1,955 grams, this lens is easy to hold in the hand for those who want light travel. Covering a wide focal length range from 180mm to 600mm (or longer if shooting in DX mode), this may be the only lens many enthusiasts will need in some cases. The lens is compatible with both TC 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters to extend the maximum focal length of 840mm or 1,200mm, respectively. It has a minimum focusing distance of 4.3 feet at the wide end and 7.9 feet at the far end. It includes 5.5 stops of vibration reduction. Nikon promises that this lens will continue the downward trend on the Nikon line for video work. It is composed of 25 elements in 17 groups and uses an internal zoom mechanism to maintain balance.
But that’s not all. Nikon also announced the release Z 70-180mm f/2.8 . Lens for a trio of more budget-friendly lenses. Sitting underneath the professional Nikon Z trio (14-24mm f/2.8S, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8 WILL) in terms of price, Nikon’s trio of mid-range cameras now include 17-28mm f/2.8, 28-75mm f/2.8, and the all-new 70-180mm f/2.8 lens. These more affordable lenses still offer bright apertures, but at a more digestible price point.
The newly announced Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens weighs just 795 grams. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.27 m at the close end and 0.85 m at the long end. It has the same suppressed focus breathing and dust and water resistance as the previous lens. And can also be used with the Nikon Z teleconverter.
The Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR will be available in August for a suggested retail price of $1699.95.
The Z 70-180mm f/2.8 will start shipping in mid-July with a suggested price of $1249.95.
So what do you think? Is either of these lenses right for you?
