An unprecedented super-telephoto zoom lens for Z-series mirrorless cameras, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens from Nikon provides outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range. Created for the demanding needs of sports and wildlife photographers, this lens covers an expansive telephoto range allowing you to capture thrilling photos and videos in a relatively compact and lightweight design.
An unprecedented super-telephoto zoom lens for Z-series mirrorless cameras, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens from Nikon provides outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range. Created for the demanding needs of sports and wildlife photographers, this lens covers an expansive telephoto range allowing you to capture thrilling photos and videos in a relatively compact and lightweight design.
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The lowest price for Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Z right now is , compared across 24 retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Z
An unprecedented super-telephoto zoom lens for Z-series mirrorless cameras, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens from Nikon provides outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range. Created for the demanding needs of sports and wildlife photographers, this lens covers an expansive telephoto range allowing you to capture thrilling photos and videos in a relatively compact and lightweight design.
An unprecedented super-telephoto zoom lens for Z-series mirrorless cameras, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens from Nikon provides outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range. Created for the demanding needs of sports and wildlife photographers, this lens covers an expansive telephoto range allowing you to capture thrilling photos and videos in a relatively compact and lightweight design.
The all-time low was $2,000.00 on 18 Mar 2026 — today's price is 15% above the lowest ever. That's a little above the best price we've seen.
Prices last updated 7 June 2026.
Last updated at 07/06/2026 14:34:49
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens | Super-Telephoto Zoom | Extends to 1200mm with Teleconverter | Lightweight 1955g | Wildlife, Birds &
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Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR
Free delivery
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens (Nikon Z) - Brand New
Free delivery between 10–16 June
Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens SPOT DEAL
Delivery $14.95
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Delivery between 12–16 June $8.95
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Delivery $9.90
Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Delivery between 10–15 June $12.90
Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6 - 6.3 VR Telephoto Lens
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Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Free delivery
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Free delivery
originally posted on adorama.com
For the past several years I've been using a Sigma 150-600 sport lens and have been happy with it but the weight was always a concern. It's a bit heavy to hold steady for long periods of time. So I decided to give the Nikkor Z 180-600 a try after buying a Z8 earlier this year. The Nikkor is definitely easier to hand hold and is significantly sharper than my version of the Sigma. For those two reasons I'm very happy with the lens and would certainly buy it again based on those two reason. But there are a few things that keep me from giving it a 5 star review. First is the extensive use of plastic, which helps reduce weight, but give is a lower quality feel - especially the lens hood. Second is a minor detail but the Sigma comes with a nice padded soft sided case and ... MoreFor the past several years I've been using a Sigma 150-600 sport lens and have been happy with it but the weight was always a concern. It's a bit heavy to hold steady for long periods of time. So I decided to give the Nikkor Z 180-600 a try after buying a Z8 earlier this year. The Nikkor is definitely easier to hand hold and is significantly sharper than my version of the Sigma. For those two reasons I'm very happy with the lens and would certainly buy it again based on those two reason. But there are a few things that keep me from giving it a 5 star review. First is the extensive use of plastic, which helps reduce weight, but give is a lower quality feel - especially the lens hood. Second is a minor detail but the Sigma comes with a nice padded soft sided case and the Nikkor comes with a cloth wrap. I usually have my camera bag filled with other lenses and carry the "long lens" by itself. I don't feel comfortable doing this now without a case so I need to rethink my process.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I have this product for my 200-500 lens, so naturally, I purchased one for my new 180-600. The fit for this lens, however, is terrible. I hate the fact that I'll need to cut the product to make the lens usable. I have no access to the fn lens buttons, and the zoom ring does not rotate freely without trimming. The cover for the lens hood is too wide and interferes with the hood's removal and reassembly. I don't think I should have to take a razor or scissors to a brand new product to make it functional.The diagrams in the instructions are such that it is difficult to distinguish which piece goes where, and still can't understand why there is a piece to impossibly fit the collar. Why do I have 2 pieces left over? I suppose it is better than being a piece short. I ... MoreI have this product for my 200-500 lens, so naturally, I purchased one for my new 180-600. The fit for this lens, however, is terrible. I hate the fact that I'll need to cut the product to make the lens usable. I have no access to the fn lens buttons, and the zoom ring does not rotate freely without trimming. The cover for the lens hood is too wide and interferes with the hood's removal and reassembly. I don't think I should have to take a razor or scissors to a brand new product to make it functional.The diagrams in the instructions are such that it is difficult to distinguish which piece goes where, and still can't understand why there is a piece to impossibly fit the collar. Why do I have 2 pieces left over? I suppose it is better than being a piece short. I also don't understand why I should have to go to a website for instructions. A simple insert or instruction on the package would serve well and give easier access. Each time my phone screen went to screen saver I had to enter the model number again. This was aggravating. I'm being generous with 1 star because the product would be good otherwise. I think the company should assess these design flaws and offer either replacement parts or rebates for the adaptation this product will need.
originally posted on lensrentals.com
Lensrentals always does a great job with the shipping and packaging of their rentals. But the only ship with Fedex, which is a real hassle. Fedex continuously screws up deliveries. I did not recieve this shipment until the very end of what was supposed to be the first day of my rental. That cut me out of a full day of shooting.As for the Nikon 180-600, it's a very good lens. It is sharp and its weight is manageable given its size. Focusing is generally fast, but I disliked the fact that the lens struggled to find focus on the eyes of darker colored animals (crows, bison, horses, etc.) I think this has more to do with the narrow aperture than anything else. This is not a 400 f/2.8 and does not focus like one. But it's also 8.5 times less expensive, so you must be ... MoreLensrentals always does a great job with the shipping and packaging of their rentals. But the only ship with Fedex, which is a real hassle. Fedex continuously screws up deliveries. I did not recieve this shipment until the very end of what was supposed to be the first day of my rental. That cut me out of a full day of shooting.As for the Nikon 180-600, it's a very good lens. It is sharp and its weight is manageable given its size. Focusing is generally fast, but I disliked the fact that the lens struggled to find focus on the eyes of darker colored animals (crows, bison, horses, etc.) I think this has more to do with the narrow aperture than anything else. This is not a 400 f/2.8 and does not focus like one. But it's also 8.5 times less expensive, so you must be fair and accept that there is a compromise that comes with spending so much less money. Other than that, this is a great lens that I would buy. The images are great so long as you have good enough light to ensure solid focusing. Recommended. PS: I'd love to stack this one up against the Tamron 150-500. I think it would be a great showdown!
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens | Super-Telephoto Zoom | Extends to 1200mm with Teleconverter | Lightweight 1955g | Wildlife, Birds &
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR
Free delivery
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens (Nikon Z) - Brand New
Free delivery between 10–16 June
Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens SPOT DEAL
Delivery $14.95
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
Delivery between 12–16 June $8.95
For the past several years I've been using a Sigma 150-600 sport lens and have been happy with it but the weight was always a concern. It's a bit heavy to hold steady for long periods of time. So I decided to give the Nikkor Z 180-600 a try after buying a Z8 earlier this year. The Nikkor is definitely easier to hand hold and is significantly sharper than my version of the Sigma. For those two reasons I'm very happy with the lens and would certainly buy it again based on those two reason. But there are a few things that keep me from giving it a 5 star review. First is the extensive use of plastic, which helps reduce weight, but give is a lower quality feel - especially the lens hood. Second is a minor detail but the Sigma comes with a nice padded soft sided case and ... MoreFor the past several years I've been using a Sigma 150-600 sport lens and have been happy with it but the weight was always a concern. It's a bit heavy to hold steady for long periods of time. So I decided to give the Nikkor Z 180-600 a try after buying a Z8 earlier this year. The Nikkor is definitely easier to hand hold and is significantly sharper than my version of the Sigma. For those two reasons I'm very happy with the lens and would certainly buy it again based on those two reason. But there are a few things that keep me from giving it a 5 star review. First is the extensive use of plastic, which helps reduce weight, but give is a lower quality feel - especially the lens hood. Second is a minor detail but the Sigma comes with a nice padded soft sided case and the Nikkor comes with a cloth wrap. I usually have my camera bag filled with other lenses and carry the "long lens" by itself. I don't feel comfortable doing this now without a case so I need to rethink my process.
I have this product for my 200-500 lens, so naturally, I purchased one for my new 180-600. The fit for this lens, however, is terrible. I hate the fact that I'll need to cut the product to make the lens usable. I have no access to the fn lens buttons, and the zoom ring does not rotate freely without trimming. The cover for the lens hood is too wide and interferes with the hood's removal and reassembly. I don't think I should have to take a razor or scissors to a brand new product to make it functional.The diagrams in the instructions are such that it is difficult to distinguish which piece goes where, and still can't understand why there is a piece to impossibly fit the collar. Why do I have 2 pieces left over? I suppose it is better than being a piece short. I ... MoreI have this product for my 200-500 lens, so naturally, I purchased one for my new 180-600. The fit for this lens, however, is terrible. I hate the fact that I'll need to cut the product to make the lens usable. I have no access to the fn lens buttons, and the zoom ring does not rotate freely without trimming. The cover for the lens hood is too wide and interferes with the hood's removal and reassembly. I don't think I should have to take a razor or scissors to a brand new product to make it functional.The diagrams in the instructions are such that it is difficult to distinguish which piece goes where, and still can't understand why there is a piece to impossibly fit the collar. Why do I have 2 pieces left over? I suppose it is better than being a piece short. I also don't understand why I should have to go to a website for instructions. A simple insert or instruction on the package would serve well and give easier access. Each time my phone screen went to screen saver I had to enter the model number again. This was aggravating. I'm being generous with 1 star because the product would be good otherwise. I think the company should assess these design flaws and offer either replacement parts or rebates for the adaptation this product will need.
Lensrentals always does a great job with the shipping and packaging of their rentals. But the only ship with Fedex, which is a real hassle. Fedex continuously screws up deliveries. I did not recieve this shipment until the very end of what was supposed to be the first day of my rental. That cut me out of a full day of shooting.As for the Nikon 180-600, it's a very good lens. It is sharp and its weight is manageable given its size. Focusing is generally fast, but I disliked the fact that the lens struggled to find focus on the eyes of darker colored animals (crows, bison, horses, etc.) I think this has more to do with the narrow aperture than anything else. This is not a 400 f/2.8 and does not focus like one. But it's also 8.5 times less expensive, so you must be ... MoreLensrentals always does a great job with the shipping and packaging of their rentals. But the only ship with Fedex, which is a real hassle. Fedex continuously screws up deliveries. I did not recieve this shipment until the very end of what was supposed to be the first day of my rental. That cut me out of a full day of shooting.As for the Nikon 180-600, it's a very good lens. It is sharp and its weight is manageable given its size. Focusing is generally fast, but I disliked the fact that the lens struggled to find focus on the eyes of darker colored animals (crows, bison, horses, etc.) I think this has more to do with the narrow aperture than anything else. This is not a 400 f/2.8 and does not focus like one. But it's also 8.5 times less expensive, so you must be fair and accept that there is a compromise that comes with spending so much less money. Other than that, this is a great lens that I would buy. The images are great so long as you have good enough light to ensure solid focusing. Recommended. PS: I'd love to stack this one up against the Tamron 150-500. I think it would be a great showdown!
When I first upgraded from a D7200 to a Z7ii, I used the 200-500 with the FTZ II. The results were quite good. However, any who has used that lens knows it's a heavy monster.Therefore, as a bit lighter and shorter, the Z 180-600 seemed intriguing. It also does away with the FTZ II which also shortens the lens a couple of inches plus lightens the weight an ounce or two.Using the new Z 180-600 is still a big lens, no doubt about it. But it's definitely easier to use handheld on the run and one of its best features is that short throw - no twist - quick zooming from 180 to 600. And with the same thread size, your previous 95mm filters can save you from having to buy new filters.The real reasons to upgrade are the PHOTOS! Sharper pictures with faster focus makes ... MoreWhen I first upgraded from a D7200 to a Z7ii, I used the 200-500 with the FTZ II. The results were quite good. However, any who has used that lens knows it's a heavy monster.Therefore, as a bit lighter and shorter, the Z 180-600 seemed intriguing. It also does away with the FTZ II which also shortens the lens a couple of inches plus lightens the weight an ounce or two.Using the new Z 180-600 is still a big lens, no doubt about it. But it's definitely easier to use handheld on the run and one of its best features is that short throw - no twist - quick zooming from 180 to 600. And with the same thread size, your previous 95mm filters can save you from having to buy new filters.The real reasons to upgrade are the PHOTOS! Sharper pictures with faster focus makes it a dream to use and enjoy when you see the results of your efforts.As a retired, living on a fixed budget, photographer investing in this lens was debated in my head over and over. But I absolutely do not regret having made the purchase. And I think you will too!
While it's not S glass, you'd hardly know it. I have rented the 800mm f/6.3 lens twice. That piece of glass is vastly larger, offers only modestly more reach, and is not meaningfully sharper, despite being more than three times the price.The other major advantage of this lens over a super-telephoto prime is the ability to zoom out to find your target. With the 800mm, I literally never captured a bird in flight because I could never acquire the target when locked into such a narrow field of view. Being able to zoom out, acquire the target, and then zoom in for a tighter shot is a huge advantage.I purchased this to replace the old f-mount 200-500 f/5.6. Like this lens, the optical quality for the money was spectacular. But this lens offers a few major advantages, ... MoreWhile it's not S glass, you'd hardly know it. I have rented the 800mm f/6.3 lens twice. That piece of glass is vastly larger, offers only modestly more reach, and is not meaningfully sharper, despite being more than three times the price.The other major advantage of this lens over a super-telephoto prime is the ability to zoom out to find your target. With the 800mm, I literally never captured a bird in flight because I could never acquire the target when locked into such a narrow field of view. Being able to zoom out, acquire the target, and then zoom in for a tighter shot is a huge advantage.I purchased this to replace the old f-mount 200-500 f/5.6. Like this lens, the optical quality for the money was spectacular. But this lens offers a few major advantages, besides the obvious difference of a meaningfully greater zoom range on both ends. The fact that this lens zooms internally means the balance of the lens doesn't change across the zoom range, nor does the lens grow to comical lengths. The throw--i.e., the amount of twist on the zoom ring required to move across the zoom range--is also MUCH better. The 200-500 had such a long throw that it required twisting, releasing, re-grabbing it, and twisting some more to zoom across the entire range. The shorter throw makes a significant difference in being able to zoom through the entire range with one motion, which in turn helps acquire targets such as sports or wildlife much faster and better.I have not spent a huge amount of time tracking fast-moving targets with this lens, so I cannot confirm that type of focus tracking performance, but I have shot marathon runners--both video and stills--and it was virtually perfect.This lens is a screaming bargain for its sharpness, build quality, and versatile zoom range. There's a reason it's been back-ordered since its release, but it's worth the wait!
Yes, it took FOREVER to receive this lens, but it was worth the wait. I came from shooting a D500 + Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 (a wonderful wildlife & sports setup) and moved to mirrorless with a Nikon Z8.Although the 200-500mm worked great with the FTZII adapter, I grew increasingly interested in the 180-600mm for the extra 100mm reach, the internal zoom, slightly better AF-C tracking and hopefully even better IQ.When I first received the lens, I was impressed with the build quality. Shooting with it took some getting used to, but it seemed to work well enough. I wasn't entirely sure it had better IQ than the 200-500mm, but it was definitely not worse.Initially I wasn't head-over-heels with the results, but the longer I used it and the more I adjusted my shooting ... MoreYes, it took FOREVER to receive this lens, but it was worth the wait. I came from shooting a D500 + Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 (a wonderful wildlife & sports setup) and moved to mirrorless with a Nikon Z8.Although the 200-500mm worked great with the FTZII adapter, I grew increasingly interested in the 180-600mm for the extra 100mm reach, the internal zoom, slightly better AF-C tracking and hopefully even better IQ.When I first received the lens, I was impressed with the build quality. Shooting with it took some getting used to, but it seemed to work well enough. I wasn't entirely sure it had better IQ than the 200-500mm, but it was definitely not worse.Initially I wasn't head-over-heels with the results, but the longer I used it and the more I adjusted my shooting style to the new lens & camera combo, the better results I was getting.Nowadays I come home with anywhere between 1,000-4,000 pictures and 95% are in focus where I want them to be in focus. The bokeh separation is nice, the photos are detailed and sharp, the colors and contrast are pleasing,... there's not much NOT to like about this lens! It has noticeably better build quality than the 200-500mm and IQ is a smidge better.Is it as good as the far more expensive primes?? It's a zoom lens! Of course it's not going to completely live up to Z primes twice or three times the price, but it will come pretty close. I see pictures from other photographers who use more expensive lenses and in all honesty I don't see much of a difference. Maybe I got lucky with my copy, or maybe I have the practice, I don't know.All I know is that this is a really great budget zoom and it offers the kind of flexibility that a prime lens isn't going to give you without you moving your feet. It's very nice to be able to zoom in or out from your subject and explore different framing options without having to move. I've used it for landscape, macro, wildlife,.. it can do a lot.So,... should you buy it? It's big and it's heavy(ish), but it's lighter than the 200-500mm! It's a super-telephoto. Of course it's going to be big and heavy compared to non-super-telephoto lenses! They're all big and heavy.I'm not a body builder, but I manage fine on longer hikes. You just need a proper strap to help you carry it and make it feel more comfortable. If you're weak, you can attach it to a mono or tripod to help you in the field. I just hand-hold this beast and moan about the pain in my arms after holding it to my face for longer than 30 seconds. YMMV. The results are worth the temporary pain and I get a workout! Win, win.
I didn't realize that B&N was in cahoots with Ol' Saint Nick, but the long-awaited 180-600 arrived, with just a day's notice that it was actually coming, three days ago. Those teasing ads for it in the margins of my social media can no longer hurt me! ;-) I had just enough time to order a 95mm filter and some extra Peak Design anchors.It is a beautiful lens - solid and heavy but balanced. It's just fine to shoot with hand held. But I did want to strap it somehow for a little hike. Only by digging into a couple forums did I learn what other long lens shooters must know - that one doesn't attach straps to the camera lugs and expect the lens mount to bear that swinging weight. So, instead, I attached one PD anchor (and mount) to the Z8's tripod mount and another to ... MoreI didn't realize that B&N was in cahoots with Ol' Saint Nick, but the long-awaited 180-600 arrived, with just a day's notice that it was actually coming, three days ago. Those teasing ads for it in the margins of my social media can no longer hurt me! ;-) I had just enough time to order a 95mm filter and some extra Peak Design anchors.It is a beautiful lens - solid and heavy but balanced. It's just fine to shoot with hand held. But I did want to strap it somehow for a little hike. Only by digging into a couple forums did I learn what other long lens shooters must know - that one doesn't attach straps to the camera lugs and expect the lens mount to bear that swinging weight. So, instead, I attached one PD anchor (and mount) to the Z8's tripod mount and another to the 180-600's collar. The weight is shared and it all rests tranquilly against my thigh with the lens foot at hand's level.I've purchased the lens with outdoor sports in mind. I've never been a birder, having never had the reach before, but yesterday, I took a walk along an abandoned canal towpath on a cool and cloudy afternoon. The birds appeared. The lens's short throw does make zooming in and out easy and intuitive. With the Z8 set to 3D auto-tracking, the lens discovered cardinals and woodpeckers amidst a tangled thicket. Sharpness and IQ are simply wonderful, so I can ignore those Facebook ads for AI sharpening.Patience has been rewarded.
I'm a wildlife photographer (mostly birds) who has been using a Nikon 500mm prime lens for many years. My comments are based on using the Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens with my Z9 camera body. The quality of an image taken with a prime lens is well known and I have been a tripod user since I got my first prime 500 lens. I was very interested to try the 180-600mm lens on my Z9 hand held to see for myself what my images in the 500-600 range would look like from the standpoint of sharpness. Thus far, I have been very please with the sharpness. Yes, some images are a little soft, but frankly this is nothing that can't be addressed with post processing software, while the majority are very sharp. The AF is not quite as fast as my prime lens, but is perfectly acceptable. The ... MoreI'm a wildlife photographer (mostly birds) who has been using a Nikon 500mm prime lens for many years. My comments are based on using the Nikkor Z 180-600mm lens with my Z9 camera body. The quality of an image taken with a prime lens is well known and I have been a tripod user since I got my first prime 500 lens. I was very interested to try the 180-600mm lens on my Z9 hand held to see for myself what my images in the 500-600 range would look like from the standpoint of sharpness. Thus far, I have been very please with the sharpness. Yes, some images are a little soft, but frankly this is nothing that can't be addressed with post processing software, while the majority are very sharp. The AF is not quite as fast as my prime lens, but is perfectly acceptable. The zoom and focus rings operate very smoothly and the internal focus makes the lens easy to use hand held or mounted on a tripod. The lens hood is not a battle to get on and off and the lens cap snaps right in place the first time. I'm still trying to get used to taking off a lens cap on a big lens as my prime lens does not have one. I needed a lens that I could hand hold for a trip where a tripod is not allowed so this 180-600mm lens will be perfect. No, it's not an S class lens, but for the unbelievable price and the quality, I think it's an excellent buy.
Last summer I had to give up my sports car and promised myself that I’d use some of the proceeds to fund the camera I’d always wanted. I had a D750 and a D7200 with a 24-85 zoom and a 200-500 along with a small assortment of other glass.The 7200 with the 200-500 was my wildlife kit and the 750 would be mounted with whatever lens was needed for the task- usually the 24-85.I sold the 7200 and 200-500 and ordered a Z8 with the 24-120 f4. I kept a 180-600 in my shopping cart waiting for them to come back in stock. When they did I jumped on it. I’ve had it for a bit over a month. Health has kept me out of the field but I’ve had a chance to shake it down in the yard.My impressions are:1. As some have pointed out, it’s on the heavy side. The combination of Z8 and ... MoreLast summer I had to give up my sports car and promised myself that I’d use some of the proceeds to fund the camera I’d always wanted. I had a D750 and a D7200 with a 24-85 zoom and a 200-500 along with a small assortment of other glass.The 7200 with the 200-500 was my wildlife kit and the 750 would be mounted with whatever lens was needed for the task- usually the 24-85.I sold the 7200 and 200-500 and ordered a Z8 with the 24-120 f4. I kept a 180-600 in my shopping cart waiting for them to come back in stock. When they did I jumped on it. I’ve had it for a bit over a month. Health has kept me out of the field but I’ve had a chance to shake it down in the yard.My impressions are:1. As some have pointed out, it’s on the heavy side. The combination of Z8 and 180-600 weighs in at 6.3 pounds. some I can see that as a show stopper. Put into perspective, however, it not that bad. My old D7200 with the 200-500 mounted tipped the scales at 6.8 pounds - almost a half pound heavier. So, it’s not as bad as some might say, depending…Sure, the 100-400 is a pound lighter and that’s nothing to sneeze at, but in DX mode the 600 stretches to 900mm effective focal length. For what I do the 600/900 beats 400/600 by a large margin.As I noted earlier I haven’t gotten out in the field to put it to a real test but in the yard, the IQ is easily a match for the 200-500 and probably better. The AF is light years faster than my old setup. I’ll know more when I get to the Laguna and the butterfly center, but I’m a happy camper for now. Even though I’m going to have to re up my gym membership so I can lug it around.
Somehow, when I read the reviews before I ordered this lens I missed that Nikon had gelded this lens by deleting a control ring and dumping the functions to the focus ring only. Why Nikon decided to change my Z system workflow by forcing me to choose between relying solely on autofocus, if I want to use an aperture of EC control ring to compose, is anyone's guess.I'm guessing that this $1698 lens becomes a $2400+ dollar lens if they don't geld it. I would have gladly paid any premium Nikon would have added to the price to have an intact version of this lens.The lens shoots fine for my 600mm wide open needs. If one already uses the Z100-400 S lens there is nothing on earth that will inspire you to carry this 5 pound maul of a lens around to shoot at 180 or just ... MoreSomehow, when I read the reviews before I ordered this lens I missed that Nikon had gelded this lens by deleting a control ring and dumping the functions to the focus ring only. Why Nikon decided to change my Z system workflow by forcing me to choose between relying solely on autofocus, if I want to use an aperture of EC control ring to compose, is anyone's guess.I'm guessing that this $1698 lens becomes a $2400+ dollar lens if they don't geld it. I would have gladly paid any premium Nikon would have added to the price to have an intact version of this lens.The lens shoots fine for my 600mm wide open needs. If one already uses the Z100-400 S lens there is nothing on earth that will inspire you to carry this 5 pound maul of a lens around to shoot at 180 or just about any other focal length that isn't 600mm.I have the 70-200, 100-400 S both with control ring aperture control and a focus ring, and the 200-500 F, that I love to take me to 500mm at 5.6 fixed aperture.My net gain in buying this lens is 100mm in focal length at the long end over the 200-500 and the total loss of the compositional tool I use the most when compared to the long Z S lenses.I wish I had saved the money to put towards buying a serious 600mm S prime the next time I needed one for a shoot and skipped this low-end option.It's not great but it's a good lens. It's not a bad lens but it's a lens where you get what you pay for. With this one we all paid less and got less. I can't see anyone with access to a serious Nikkor 600mm prime from any era ever being happy with this lens.
