Nikon announces Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR and Z 70-180mm F2.8

Nikon has announced two new telephoto zoom lenses, the Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR and the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8, both of which have been on the company's lens roadmap for a while.

Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR

The Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR is the spiritual successor to Nikon's F-mount 200-500mm F5.6 lens. Its optical formula includes 25 elements in 17 groups, including six ED glass elements to reduce chromatic aberration. All that glass means it's a relatively hefty lens, coming in at 1955g (4.3 lbs), or 2140 (4.7lbs) with the supplied tripod foot.

It features an internal zoom mechanism, nine aperture blades, and two custom function buttons. To better support video use, the lens includes a click-less control ring and suppresses focus breathing when shooting video. A stepping motor provides quiet autofocus.

The lens supports up to 5.5 stops of vibration reduction and has a minimum focus distance of 1.3m (4.3 ft) at the wide end. The zoom ring has a short, 70-degree throw, allowing for quick zooming between extreme focal lengths. The 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR is compatible with Nikon's TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, allowing for a reach of up to 1200mm. Nikon describes the lens as dust and drip resistant.

Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR sample images provided by Nikon

The Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8

The Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 is the third lens in Nikon's trio of affordable F2.8 zooms, joining the Z 17-28mm F2.8 and Z 28-75mm F2.8 zoom lenses in Nikon's lineup, and Nikon says it's optimal for applications like weddings, portraits, sports and video. On paper, like the other two lenses, it's strikingly similar to the specs of a recent Tamron lens. In this instance it's the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD, though the Nikkor version uses a stepper motor, rather than the Tamron's linear actuator.

It's optical formula consists of 19 elements in 14 groups, including five ED elements, one Super ED element, and three aspherical elements. Nikon says it's about 40% smaller than its Z 70-200mm F2.8 zoom (albeit with slightly less reach at the telephoto end), and at 795g (1.75 lbs) it's about half the weight.

AF comes from a stepping motor, which also delivers quiet operation for video, and the lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.27m (10.6") at the wide end and 0.85m (33.5") at the telephoto end. It also includes features optimized for video, including suppressed focus breathing, a customizable control ring that can be programmed to control aperture, ISO, or focus, and focus position is linked to rotation angle, allowing for more precise manual focus control.

It, too, is compatible with Nikon's TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, providing a maximum reach of 360mm. When used with the TC-2.0x converter, it delivers a 0.96 magnification ratio. Nikon rates it as dust and drip-resistant.

Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 sample images provided by Nikon

Pricing and avalaiblity

The Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR will be available in August at a price of $1699 and the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 will be available from mid July for $1249.

SUPER TELEPHOTO PERFORMANCE IS CLOSER THAN EVER WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR LENS

Also Introducing the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, Completing the Trio of Affordable F/2.8 Zooms

MELVILLE, NY (June 21, 2023) Today Nikon announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, two new super telephoto NIKKOR Z lenses for enthusiasts that combine outstanding zoom capabilities with lightweight design. The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR has been highly requested from Z series users, especially those capturing wildlife, nature and aviation, while the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 completes Nikon’s trio of affordable f/2.8 zooms for enthusiasts.

“Within a relatively short time period, we have built an extensive series of lenses for our mirrorless system with a selection of lenses that differentiates itself with options for all kinds of users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “We already have a collection of extremely fast pro-level super telephotos, and with these two new lenses, I firmly believe Nikon builds upon what was already the most appealing collection of telephoto lenses available on the market today for the enthusiast and professionals.”

NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR – Boundless Creativity with an Extreme Focal Range

The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is the thoroughly modernized follow-up to the immensely successful and popular F-mount AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6, a lens that won hearts worldwide for its powerful reach and attractive price. The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR improves upon this winning formula by once again delivering a lightweight, high-performance super telephoto lens with an even more versatile focal range, sure to become a favorite for those photographing birds, planes, sports and more. With fast focus, superior handling and balance that never shifts thanks to its internal zoom, this lens enables the capture of powerful, up-close shots of fast-moving subjects. It also features a minimum focus distance of 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) at the wide-angle position, which is ideal for capturing close-up shots of flowers and insects, even at the user’s feet. The broad range of focal lengths allows users to enjoy shooting a wide variety of scenes and subjects all with this single lens.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

• Super lightweight lens that is easily hand-holdable, weighing just 1955 g (4.3 lbs).¹
• Covers an extremely broad focal range, from a versatile 180mm to an extreme 600mm. This is equivalent to 270-900mm when DX crop is engaged.
• A short minimum focus distance of 4.3 ft (1.3m) at the wide-angle and 7.9 ft (2.4m) at the telephoto position enables close-up shots of flowers, insects and more.
• Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization performance equivalent to a 5.5-stop increase in shutter speed effectively reduces blurring in dimly lit surroundings and/or with handheld shooting.²
• Utilization of a stepping motor (STM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing.
• Internal zoom mechanism maintains balance, increases zooming stability and dust resistant performance.
• Customizable Fn buttons at the front end of the lens barrel are easy to use when shooting handheld.
• Designed with consideration for dust and drip resistance³, in addition to an antifouling fluorine coating on the front lens element enables easy removal of dust and dirt.
• Ideal for video recording with a click-less control ring that supports smooth operation and minimizes operational noise, as well as the effective suppression of focus breathing.
• Maintains superior resolution when using the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× to extend the maximum focal length to as much as 840 mm or 1200 mm, respectively.⁴
• Construction of 25 elements in 17 groups, using six ED glass elements effectively compensate for chromatic aberration, with nine aperture blades for a round, natural bokeh.
• Extremely short ring throw of only 70 degrees to adjust from the widest to longest focal length.

The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8: Nikon’s Trilogy of Affordable f/2.8 Zoom Lenses is Complete

The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a truly compelling option for photographers and videographers looking to step up their lens collection with a fast and affordable telephoto zoom. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 joins the recently released 28-75mm f/2.8 and 17-28mm f/2.8, rounding out the trio of ideal upgrade lenses for those looking to take their creativity to the next level.

The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is approximately 40% smaller when compared to the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8, but offers a similar versatile focal range that’s perfect for weddings, portraits, sports and video event coverage. The combination of fast f/2.8 aperture and telephoto zoom range allows the user shoot in low light scenarios like at a reception or indoor gym, but also gives flattering compression and enticing bokeh that draws attention to the subject.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8

• Creative possibilities are expanded with the constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 which provides great low light ability and smooth-looking background blur.
• Extremely compact and lightweight, weighing in at only 795 g (1.75 lbs), making it an easy lens to carry all day.
• Excellent ability for close-ups with a minimum focus distance of 0.27m (at 70mm) and 0.85m (at 180mm).
• Optimized for video with suppressed focus breathing⁵ and near-silent focusing. Additionally, the customizable control ring can be programmed to gradually change aperture, ISO, and focus. Because the focus position moves in accordance with the rotation angle, regardless of how fast the focus ring is turned, videographers can also control MF as intended.
• Fast autofocus with a stepping motor (STM) that supports quick focusing on moving subjects for both stills and video.
• Dust- and drip-resistant³ design with an antifouling coating on the front-most surface of the lens.
• Lens construction consists of 19 elements in 14 groups including five ED elements, one Super ED element, and three aspherical elements which help to suppress chromatic aberration and flaring.
• Use of the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× extends the maximum focal length to 252 mm or 360 mm, respectively⁴. When the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× is attached, the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.96⨯, which is close to life-size reproduction.

Price and Availability

The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens will be available in August 2023 for a suggested retail price of $1699.95.*, while the new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens will be available in mid-July for a suggested retail price of $1249.95. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

1. Excluding tripod collar ring.
2. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to a camera with full-frame/FX-format sensor, with the camera's VR function set to "NORMAL", and when zoom is set to the maximum telephoto position.
3. Complete dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
4. Depending on the subject, ambient lighting conditions, and the focus point selected, the camera may be unable to focus using autofocus or the focus indicator for electronic rangefinding may flicker while a teleconverter is attached.
5. Focus breathing may be noticeable depending on the distance between the lens and the subject due to the characteristics of the lens.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

	Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR	Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8
Principal specifications
Lens type	Zoom lens
Max Format size	35mm FF
Focal length	180–600 mm	70–180 mm
Image stabilization	Yes	No
CIPA Image stabilization rating	5.5 stop(s)
Lens mount	Nikon Z
Aperture
Maximum aperture	F5.6–6.3	F2.8
Minimum aperture	F32–36	F22
Aperture ring	No
Number of diaphragm blades	9
Optics
Elements	25	19
Groups	17	14
Special elements / coatings	6 ED elements, 1 Aspherical element	5 ED elements, 1 Super ED, 3 aspherical elements
Focus
Minimum focus	1.30 m (51.18″)	0.27 m (10.63″)
Maximum magnification	0.25×	0.48×
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Stepper motor
Full time manual	Yes	No
Focus method	Internal
Distance scale	No
DoF scale	No
Focus distance limiter	Yes, two positions
Physical
Weight	2140 g (4.72 lb)	795 g (1.75 lb)
Diameter	110 mm (4.33″)	84 mm (3.31″)
Length	316 mm (12.44″)	151 mm (5.94″)
Sealing	Yes
Colour	Black
Zoom method	Rotary (internal)	Rotary (extending)
Power zoom	No
Zoom lock	Yes
Filter thread	95 mm	67 mm
Hood supplied	Yes
Tripod collar	Yes	No

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