Nikon is expanding its range with two 70-180mm f/2.8 and 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR telephoto lenses in Z mount

Still young, the Z mount is entitled to two new zoom lenses for lovers of distant subjects. The Nikkor Z 70-180mm F/2.8 zoom is a standard lens, a real Swiss army knife for photographers looking for versatile and easily transportable equipment. For its part, the 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR is a perfect complement for sports or wildlife photographers who often need to aim far.

While there is already a 70-200mm F/2.8 in the Nikkor Z range, the newcomer with the slightly reduced focal range is intended to be a little more versatile and more affordable. Devoid of optical stabilization, however, it offers a much shorter focusing distance at all focal lengths, from 0.27 m to 0.85 m. By adding a x2 teleconverter, we obtain a 360mm while doubling the magnification ratio, which approaches 1:1 (0.96:1).

Compact (151 mm long), light (795 g) and protected against dust and water, this lens with 19 elements divided into 14 groups has five ED glasses, one super ED glass and three aspherical surfaces. We simply regret the lack of stabilization which could affect photos without a tripod, especially with a teleconverter x1.4 or x1.2.

With this Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR, the Japanese manufacturer offers an ideal complement to the 70-180mm to cover all focal lengths. Unsurprisingly, this type of lens will find itself in the wallet of wildlife or sports photographers who will take advantage of its focal length and its stabilization of up to 5.5 stops. In addition, its all-weather design offers good protection so that it is not afraid of showers or the humidity of tropical countries.

On the optical side, this telephoto lens has no less than 25 lenses including six ED glasses, an aspherical surface and a fluorine treatment for the front lens, the whole being divided into 17 groups.

Price and availability

These two lenses should arrive on shelves during the month of August. The first will be a perfect complement to the 17-28mm F/2.8 and 28-75mm F/2.8 already present in the manufacturer’s range to cover a wide focal range. You will have to pay the tidy sum of 1449 €, which makes it a much more affordable alternative to the traditional 70-200mm F/2.8, which is much more expensive.

Otherwise, the 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 should be displayed at 1999 €, which remains a fairly inexpensive positioning for such a focal range.

Illustrative images courtesy of Nikon

Nikkor Z 70-180mm F/2.8