I sold my 200-500mm when I upgraded to the Z system. I first bought the 400mm f4.5 because there was nothing else on the market in my price range (I will never be able to afford the 400mm f2.8), and recently added the 180-600mm and it is the best tele-combo I have ever had. These two lenses fully meet my expectations in wildlife photography.
Great honest reviews! I love crows and have them out back with eagles, whales and a lot of other birds. Washington State on a private island...vacation homes mainly. I have two cameras, one is the Nikon D5300 my late twin gave me back in 2018. First thing I did was buy a Nikkor 70mm to 300mm lens for it. I have a few more now including a Nikon 10mm to 20mm wide lens. I shot some beautiful landscapers with that one. I am going to pick up a used Nikon 200 to 500 soon as they are a good thousand less then a new lens of either choice! Gently used gear is a great way to add lenses. I have gotten very crisp photos out of this older Nikon with the 70mm to 300mm but I had to really tweak my settings. I also have a Sony A73 but the larger zoom lens I want is way more affordable for the Nikon. I have used the Sony for photo shoots etc. I will have to get more lenses but not a new camera anytime soon! I would love to travel to Alaska in the coming year....Made it to Hawaii last year for a few months with our daughter.
The most helpful and informative comparison I've seen on these two lenses - thanks VERY much for making this. I've had a 200-500 here (my last F lens), but no FTZ. I recently decided to get the FTZII ($220 used at B&H, like new condition) and hold off on the 180-600 until it's in stock and on sale down the road. Very happy to see these lenses are so close in performance and image quality.
Your real world testing methods for these comparisons is refreshing, and more applicable to the experience users can expect from the gear. I am blessed to have a unique situation where I have just retired and can afford one last major purchase to upgrade from DSLR (D850) to Mirrorless and duplicate my lenses and accessories. The trade in values is an insult and not worth the trouble. I already own the 200-500 but contemplate switching to the 180-600, so thank you for this informative video. 👍 I was a bit confused at first that the video at the end of the 200-500 hit rate segment (23:27 the section with the 2 Mallards) was actually the 180-600 based on the metadata in LR. I went back and watched it again and saw that you were just discussing the way the AF system works in general and not specifically about either lens? A little off track, but there are many options for telephoto lenses, and not just the 200-500 vs. 180-600. If you had $2000 in cash and were willing to trade in the 200-500 so you would have lets say $2500 total, what would you (new or used) buy?
have been shooting with the 200-500 with a 1.4x convertor for years and can't fault it , will still probably up grade but with the z 1.4x convertor too
It’s better with the converter, there is very little loss of quality with the 1.4 converter, it’s possible to use the dx mode as well as the converter,although I prefer cropping it after
Great video, both lenses are great, for mounting Kirk makes a replacement collar with a built in arca Swiss foot and the foot also has a QD connector built in that you can attach your strap to and it makes it really easy to disconnect the strap when you want to mount the lens on a tripod. QD connectors are what the Military uses to carry their weapons and are rated to carry from 260 to 300lbs.
It's an excellent video. Thanks. For people like me, who already owned the 200-500, it reinforced the fact that there is no preeminent reason to upgrade yet to the 180-600 until Nikon puts there another Z lens with significant advantages vs the 200-500.
You asked about another way to attach strap. I use QD strap and arca swiss plates with that QD hole. No need to switch plate to go from tripod and strap. I use a OP/Tech uniloop system as a back up but have never needed to rely on it. System isn't for everyone but it works great for me and I use it for all my lens/camera bodies. I'd love to get a review from you on the lens wrap that you are using. I'm assuming that is a lenscoat
Great tip. And the lens coat cover for the lens is in the back half of this video where I talk about lens protection and I install it on the lens in the video. th-cam.com/video/QGudUR5qPJE/w-d-xo.html
I picked up the 200-500 last year for $1000. I don't love the lens handling, but the price and image quality are great, and I can still use it on my D800 if I need to. Thanks for this comparison... it helps me keep the G.A.S at bay!
Nice comparison! I feel that the 180-600 is enough of an upgrade to justify, for me! Got it, love it! As for the vr swithching, I have the vr control set in the i menu and can access it and adjust it while looking through the EVF. Takes some practice but is pretty quick. As for the strap situation, I use Blackrapid and a Arcatech quick release that allows me to just put a plate on the foot and leave it. Arcatech is pricey though but works well as a system for all my equipment, as does your setup. Thanks.
I use the Acratech quick release on a Blackrapid Curve and recently the swivel pulled though but luckily I had made a tether from the camera to the strap with a Peak Design anchor at the camera end and a Joby cord with a small carabiner clip around the strap!
Thank you soooo much for this comparison. Exactly what I needed. I see now that I am not gaining much with that upgrade. I will rather now save up and add the 400mm 4.5 to my 200-500
The 180-600 gain is really in the handling and balance of the lens. As far as IQ, AF hit rate most of the z line lenses are very close in those regards. And that extra 100mm reach is very key. The 400 4.5 will be next Sundays video.
It’s interesting, your video has completely changed my perspective. Initially my debate for about a few months has been should I choose to upgrade? Should I choose the tamron native z 150-500 or the Nikon 180-600. But you asked a very important question, do you need to upgrade really? I believe my new perspective is stick with the Nikon 200-500 and instead save up more be patient and pick up the z8. Currently I use the z6ii, and I believe while it’s works quite well and I am well versed with the focusing system to do bird photography with great success, the actual upgrade will be The z8 or even the z6iii. Speaking of would you kindly do a comparison between the z6iii and the z8 in terms of people who are switching from a z6ii which one should they opt for?
Great comparison along with some on-the-mark points on evaluating both lenses. You did an outstanding job of outlining a subtlety in the Nikon Z AF system, that is focus acquisition is often very close before the "lock" is portrayed in the viewfinder. This is something I suspected from personal experience. I think the 180-600 presents a great value proposition for myself as a prosumer user. While I can drool over the performance of the long Z primes, my budget is not there. I know now that I can own the 180-600 and possibly rent or borrow one of the long flagship primes for any planned trip. Alaska wildlife & landscape is a favorite of mine - fully subscribed and liked!
Great video and very well timed for me as I am about to trade in the F 200-500 with Z 180-600. I also have no complain about 200-500 but I mainly focus on birds and the additional 100mm is very attractive to me. Thanks for your great videos.
I have had the 180-600mm for a couple of weeks. I struggled with it hand held, because it felt so front heavy at first. I dusted off my monopod and it made a huge difference. My keeper rate was surprising. At the end of the day the VR improvement with my Z9 alone is worth the purchase to me. With my monopod I randomly took a couple of Cardinals in flight approaching me at a 45 degree angle that surprised me (and other folks as well). They were among the most impressive shots on small birds in flight that I have ever had (maybe the best). The shots (of two different birds) were sharp and nicelly detailed and illluminated under wing and tail. I don't think my my DSLR lenses w. converter could come close to that image stabilization performance.
This was a very good review. Job well done. I have the 200-500 with a D500. I am considering upgrading my camera by next year to the Z8. I was wondering if it was necessary to upgrade to the 180-600. Doesn't sound like it is a necessity. I may keep the 200-500 and save for the next 20 years for the 800PF. Thanks! Subscribed.
Really excellent discussion and comparison of 2 fantastic lenses emphasizing the practical performance of both lenses. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the performance, speed, sharpness, detail, and contrast of the 180-600 mm lens! I’m not sure what more Nikon would have done to make it an S series lens. Theoretically, f/5.6 throughout the entire zoom range would’ve been really nice. However, for its size, weight, price, and performance, this lens is unbeatable! I’ve also observed that it does extremely well with birds and flight, even when the birds are coming directly toward the camera. I feel that the in-focus hit rate is higher with this lens at 600 mm than it is with my 800 mm PF f/6.3 S series lens shooting the same subjects under the same conditions. The 180 to 600 mm lens reminds me a lot of the Canon RF 100-500 mm L series lens in its sharpness, speed, contrast, and overall image quality, with an additional 100 mm of focal range!
Very interesting but I wonder if the small differences in image quality that could be somewhat favorable to the 180-600 are a product of the optics or the software of the Z cameras. Even if they are RAW, I assume that all RAW come quite cooked from the beginning.
I own both these lenses and a Z8, Z6ii and a D500. If I had neither lens, I would go with the 180-600. The AF-S lens packs smaller, has a much smoother collar, wider tripod foot, VR control on the lens, constant wide open aperture and the image difference is very small. The Z lens is 10 oz lighter and the zoom ring throw is much shorter with 1 control button replicated in 4 places. If I had it to do over, I might have held off on the 180-600 until such time as I NEEDED to replace the 200-500 since I already had the FTZ II.
So I'm pretty happy with my Z8 + 200-500/5,6 but I'll probably update to new Z180-600. The focus speed is pretty important for me and also the internall zoom is a good thing due to cetre of gravity shift & dust tightness. I'm also courious about the nez Z lens sharpness at 600 mm but I need to try it by myself to see if it that good as I'm expecting if there are differences piece by piece..
This is a very useful and practical comparison. Do you also have this kind of comparison done between the Z 180-600 f/6.3 vs the Z 600 f/6.3 PF and also the Z 180-600 f/6.3 vs the F Mount 600 f/4.0? If you can do a comparison that would be really great!
The 500 and 600 f4 lenses are different beasts all together as their glass is so much different and when you get to those focal ranges and f4 aperture it does something special to foregrounds and backgrounds. Plus color rendition is amazing on them
Another Superb Comparison. Waiting for the 400 f4.5. And Is there anyway I can record a clean feed from the Z8/Z9 without anything on the screen, so that it might look like I have a 1080p video & stills shot at the same time.
Yes just set your EVF or LCD to have no information on it. The recorder just records what the eve is seeing and canon, Sony, and Nikon will let you set your viewfinder and lcd to be 'clean' with no info. This way you get a 'video' at same time as stills. Ive done it a few times to double up footage and stills.
Just curious but what is that white external trackpad you are using? I've always had laptops so am used to using the trackpad ( never used a mouse ) and looking to upgrade soon to a full size PC, this trackpad you are using could be just what I am looking for 🙂
I still think that this 180/600mm lens is not sharp, with a little more money I would prefer to use a 200/400f4 vr or a 500 f5.6vr or a more used 500mm f4 vr.
The 200-500F5.6 has served me well for many years, with my D850 and Z9. No rush for the Z 180-600mm.
👍
The best comparison I have seen so far. Thank you.
Wow, thank you!
I sold my 200-500mm when I upgraded to the Z system. I first bought the 400mm f4.5 because there was nothing else on the market in my price range (I will never be able to afford the 400mm f2.8), and recently added the 180-600mm and it is the best tele-combo I have ever had. These two lenses fully meet my expectations in wildlife photography.
very nice
Great honest reviews! I love crows and have them out back with eagles, whales and a lot of other birds. Washington State on a private island...vacation homes mainly. I have two cameras, one is the Nikon D5300 my late twin gave me back in 2018. First thing I did was buy a Nikkor 70mm to 300mm lens for it. I have a few more now including a Nikon 10mm to 20mm wide lens. I shot some beautiful landscapers with that one. I am going to pick up a used Nikon 200 to 500 soon as they are a good thousand less then a new lens of either choice! Gently used gear is a great way to add lenses. I have gotten very crisp photos out of this older Nikon with the 70mm to 300mm but I had to really tweak my settings. I also have a Sony A73 but the larger zoom lens I want is way more affordable for the Nikon. I have used the Sony for photo shoots etc. I will have to get more lenses but not a new camera anytime soon! I would love to travel to Alaska in the coming year....Made it to Hawaii last year for a few months with our daughter.
👍
The most helpful and informative comparison I've seen on these two lenses - thanks VERY much for making this. I've had a 200-500 here (my last F lens), but no FTZ. I recently decided to get the FTZII ($220 used at B&H, like new condition) and hold off on the 180-600 until it's in stock and on sale down the road. Very happy to see these lenses are so close in performance and image quality.
thanks
Your real world testing methods for these comparisons is refreshing, and more applicable to the experience users can expect from the gear. I am blessed to have a unique situation where I have just retired and can afford one last major purchase to upgrade from DSLR (D850) to Mirrorless and duplicate my lenses and accessories. The trade in values is an insult and not worth the trouble. I already own the 200-500 but contemplate switching to the 180-600, so thank you for this informative video. 👍
I was a bit confused at first that the video at the end of the 200-500 hit rate segment (23:27 the section with the 2 Mallards) was actually the 180-600 based on the metadata in LR. I went back and watched it again and saw that you were just discussing the way the AF system works in general and not specifically about either lens?
A little off track, but there are many options for telephoto lenses, and not just the 200-500 vs. 180-600. If you had $2000 in cash and were willing to trade in the 200-500 so you would have lets say $2500 total, what would you (new or used) buy?
Thanks for watching 😄
$2,500... probably the 180-600 or the 100-400, depends on the reach you need.
have been shooting with the 200-500 with a 1.4x convertor for years and can't fault it , will still probably up grade but with the z 1.4x convertor too
👍😄
Plz try dx mode instead of tele converter and tell me the result.
It’s better with the converter, there is very little loss of quality with the 1.4 converter, it’s possible to use the dx mode as well as the converter,although I prefer cropping it after
Great video, both lenses are great, for mounting Kirk makes a replacement collar with a built in arca Swiss foot and the foot also has a QD connector built in that you can attach your strap to and it makes it really easy to disconnect the strap when you want to mount the lens on a tripod. QD connectors are what the Military uses to carry their weapons and are rated to carry from 260 to 300lbs.
Very cool. Thanks for the tip.
It's an excellent video. Thanks. For people like me, who already owned the 200-500, it reinforced the fact that there is no preeminent reason to upgrade yet to the 180-600 until Nikon puts there another Z lens with significant advantages vs the 200-500.
The 180-600 has quite a few advantages. extra 100mm, no external telescoping zoom, better balance on gimbal, list goes on.
You asked about another way to attach strap. I use QD strap and arca swiss plates with that QD hole. No need to switch plate to go from tripod and strap. I use a OP/Tech uniloop system as a back up but have never needed to rely on it. System isn't for everyone but it works great for me and I use it for all my lens/camera bodies. I'd love to get a review from you on the lens wrap that you are using. I'm assuming that is a lenscoat
Great tip. And the lens coat cover for the lens is in the back half of this video where I talk about lens protection and I install it on the lens in the video. th-cam.com/video/QGudUR5qPJE/w-d-xo.html
I picked up the 200-500 last year for $1000. I don't love the lens handling, but the price and image quality are great, and I can still use it on my D800 if I need to. Thanks for this comparison... it helps me keep the G.A.S at bay!
I love the 200-500. Its 5.6 aperture and snappy, well at least on my Z9
Nice comparison! I feel that the 180-600 is enough of an upgrade to justify, for me! Got it, love it! As for the vr swithching, I have the vr control set in the i menu and can access it and adjust it while looking through the EVF. Takes some practice but is pretty quick. As for the strap situation, I use Blackrapid and a Arcatech quick release that allows me to just put a plate on the foot and leave it. Arcatech is pricey though but works well as a system for all my equipment, as does your setup. Thanks.
Thanks for the info!
I use the Acratech quick release on a Blackrapid Curve and recently the swivel pulled though but luckily I had made a tether from the camera to the strap with a Peak Design anchor at the camera end and a Joby cord with a small carabiner clip around the strap!
The newer Blackrapid straps have a beefed up swivel, much better that the original.@@johneast7987
Thanks for the info. Much appreciated. Great photos!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you soooo much for this comparison. Exactly what I needed. I see now that I am not gaining much with that upgrade. I will rather now save up and add the 400mm 4.5 to my 200-500
The 180-600 gain is really in the handling and balance of the lens. As far as IQ, AF hit rate most of the z line lenses are very close in those regards. And that extra 100mm reach is very key. The 400 4.5 will be next Sundays video.
Thank you so much for your answer. So I wait until next Sunday before taking a final decision 😊
Love the lighting in this video. keep it up your good work!
Thank you! Will do!
It’s interesting, your video has completely changed my perspective. Initially my debate for about a few months has been should I choose to upgrade? Should I choose the tamron native z 150-500 or the Nikon 180-600. But you asked a very important question, do you need to upgrade really? I believe my new perspective is stick with the Nikon 200-500 and instead save up more be patient and pick up the z8. Currently I use the z6ii, and I believe while it’s works quite well and I am well versed with the focusing system to do bird photography with great success, the actual upgrade will be The z8 or even the z6iii.
Speaking of would you kindly do a comparison between the z6iii and the z8 in terms of people who are switching from a z6ii which one should they opt for?
Check out the z6III review if you haven't. I speak to that a little in there, but my situation is I have a z9 also.
I use a small arca Swiss clamp with eye for strap to quick attack to a plate on the foot. Works perfectly.
👍
Great comparison along with some on-the-mark points on evaluating both lenses. You did an outstanding job of outlining a subtlety in the Nikon Z AF system, that is focus acquisition is often very close before the "lock" is portrayed in the viewfinder. This is something I suspected from personal experience. I think the 180-600 presents a great value proposition for myself as a prosumer user. While I can drool over the performance of the long Z primes, my budget is not there. I know now that I can own the 180-600 and possibly rent or borrow one of the long flagship primes for any planned trip. Alaska wildlife & landscape is a favorite of mine - fully subscribed and liked!
THANKS for watching 🎅🎄
Great video and very well timed for me as I am about to trade in the F 200-500 with Z 180-600. I also have no complain about 200-500 but I mainly focus on birds and the additional 100mm is very attractive to me. Thanks for your great videos.
Thanks and yes that extra 100mm is nice to have
I have had the 180-600mm for a couple of weeks. I struggled with it hand held, because it felt so front heavy at first. I dusted off my monopod and it made a huge difference. My keeper rate was surprising. At the end of the day the VR improvement with my Z9 alone is worth the purchase to me. With my monopod I randomly took a couple of Cardinals in flight approaching me at a 45 degree angle that surprised me (and other folks as well). They were among the most impressive shots on small birds in flight that I have ever had (maybe the best). The shots (of two different birds) were sharp and nicelly detailed and illluminated under wing and tail. I don't think my my DSLR lenses w. converter could come close to that image stabilization performance.
It is very good stabilization
Really good comparison. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
This was a very good review. Job well done. I have the 200-500 with a D500. I am considering upgrading my camera by next year to the Z8. I was wondering if it was necessary to upgrade to the 180-600. Doesn't sound like it is a necessity. I may keep the 200-500 and save for the next 20 years for the 800PF. Thanks! Subscribed.
The 180-600 is better than the 200-500 for a few reasons, but both give great images. I would upgrade if it was me.
Awesome vid! Nice to see the 200-500 is no slouch on AF and image rendering. How is the 200-500 for video (stabe and noise)?
It's great on video. I use it a lot for the wildlife videos on the channel.
@@WILDALASKA Nice!
Really excellent discussion and comparison of 2 fantastic lenses emphasizing the practical performance of both lenses. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the performance, speed, sharpness, detail, and contrast of the 180-600 mm lens! I’m not sure what more Nikon would have done to make it an S series lens. Theoretically, f/5.6 throughout the entire zoom range would’ve been really nice. However, for its size, weight, price, and performance, this lens is unbeatable! I’ve also observed that it does extremely well with birds and flight, even when the birds are coming directly toward the camera. I feel that the in-focus hit rate is higher with this lens at 600 mm than it is with my 800 mm PF f/6.3 S series lens shooting the same subjects under the same conditions. The 180 to 600 mm lens reminds me a lot of the Canon RF 100-500 mm L series lens in its sharpness, speed, contrast, and overall image quality, with an additional 100 mm of focal range!
👍 Very interesting about the 800 pf. Hopefully I can get my hands on a copy to test sometime. Love to see how it performs.
Very interesting but I wonder if the small differences in image quality that could be somewhat favorable to the 180-600 are a product of the optics or the software of the Z cameras.
Even if they are RAW, I assume that all RAW come quite cooked from the beginning.
RAW is the least cooked of formats really. The color and contrast is a little more favorable to my eye.
I own both these lenses and a Z8, Z6ii and a D500. If I had neither lens, I would go with the 180-600. The AF-S lens packs smaller, has a much smoother collar, wider tripod foot, VR control on the lens, constant wide open aperture and the image difference is very small. The Z lens is 10 oz lighter and the zoom ring throw is much shorter with 1 control button replicated in 4 places.
If I had it to do over, I might have held off on the 180-600 until such time as I NEEDED to replace the 200-500 since I already had the FTZ II.
👍
So I'm pretty happy with my Z8 + 200-500/5,6 but I'll probably update to new Z180-600. The focus speed is pretty important for me and also the internall zoom is a good thing due to cetre of gravity shift & dust tightness. I'm also courious about the nez Z lens sharpness at 600 mm but I need to try it by myself to see if it that good as I'm expecting if there are differences piece by piece..
The 200-500 is still good but the 180-600 is a very special lens
This is a very useful and practical comparison. Do you also have this kind of comparison done between the Z 180-600 f/6.3 vs the Z 600 f/6.3 PF and also the Z 180-600 f/6.3 vs the F Mount 600 f/4.0? If you can do a comparison that would be really great!
not yet.
You ever check your fine tune focus on the 200-500mm?
yes
How would you compare the 180-600 vs afs 600f4 vr besides the obvious weight differences.
The 500 and 600 f4 lenses are different beasts all together as their glass is so much different and when you get to those focal ranges and f4 aperture it does something special to foregrounds and backgrounds. Plus color rendition is amazing on them
Another Superb Comparison. Waiting for the 400 f4.5.
And Is there anyway I can record a clean feed from the Z8/Z9 without anything on the screen, so that it might look like I have a 1080p video & stills shot at the same time.
Yes just set your EVF or LCD to have no information on it. The recorder just records what the eve is seeing and canon, Sony, and Nikon will let you set your viewfinder and lcd to be 'clean' with no info. This way you get a 'video' at same time as stills. Ive done it a few times to double up footage and stills.
@@WILDALASKA Thank you
A touch of post may fix the contrast?
👍
Just curious but what is that white external trackpad you are using? I've always had laptops so am used to using the trackpad ( never used a mouse ) and looking to upgrade soon to a full size PC, this trackpad you are using could be just what I am looking for 🙂
It's an Apple Magic Trackpad. I currently run a MacBook M2 Max 16' as my editing rig.
thank u
You're welcome!
I still think that this 180/600mm lens is not sharp, with a little more money I would prefer to use a 200/400f4 vr or a 500 f5.6vr or a more used 500mm f4 vr.
😣 the 180-600 is a very very sharp lens.
The other point is those who use f-mount cameras and also z-mount cameras. 200-500 is the only viable option.
🤷♂️
The 200 to 500 is such a huge log thou!
yup
My 180-600 Kicks the Old 200-500 out the Park
👍
Sold my 200-500mm when I got my Z9. I’ll buy the 180-600mm when I can find one.
Solid Choice