I love my 180-600 Z! It's great matched with my Z8 for wildlife, and it's even a decent macro lens. I got a few great pictures of a grizzly bear during my vacation to the Canadian Rockies, and even some nice close-ups of dragonflies in flight. My only complaint is that occasionally the focus at 600 mm is not quite right, for no apparent reason. Also, I occasionally accidently hit the focus switch to "manual" when mounting the lens. BTW the deeply recessed rear element makes it compatible with Nikon Z teleconverters. I have the 1.4 TC and the quality at 840 mm is surprisingly good. It really is a great value, especially compared to some prime telephotos that cost as much as a decent used car!
Finally you have this lens 🎉. Congrats. It's not S Line lens, but has blazing fast AF, very good contrast, CA control, features, decent sharpness. The weak point for me is the weight, I can literally feel pain after long usage, hence I started using a monopod with it.
I love my 180-600! For an occasional user of this type of lens, it is perfect. Once you accept that this is a mass market versatile telephoto zoom for hobbyists and semi-pros, you will be happy. Is it the best choice for a professional Sports Illustrated or National Geographic photographer? Probably not, because I don’t think it is built to endure extreme situations. But for everyone else, it’s a great value.
My next lens for sure! Many say there is no better value for $ with this one, certainly for the super zoom category. Amazing and exactly what I wanted them to produce 👏🏻
I really liked this lens but after tasting 600mm I need MORRE. I ended selling the 180-600 and buying the 800PF. After realizing just how stuck out at 800mm I was I ended up re-purchasing the 180-600.
Ok, was that a pigeon I saw? Ha ha , Well done Zwade. I love this lens. It gets used the most on my Z9. Also, throw your z8/z9 in crop mode for some extra mm's. I know you want to buy this one! Did you notice the lady in the swimsuit?
Packing your camera with a long lens around. By the cameras grip might not be the wisest move. I hold my D850 with 200-500 by the lens tripod mount. Less weight dangling of the end putting pressure on the mounts that way.
Main reason, I want to see a that lenses render will at higher megapixels than the 24mp. Secondary, Ive been doing all of the reviews I can on the Z8 because more people have a Z8 than a Z9. Even though the output is the exact same, I figured it’s just easier to not explain the guts of the two ever time I’d just go for a Z8 if I can help it :)
A great lens - Love that it doesn't have external zoom throwing the tripod balance off. Such great value I guess I can live with a variable aperture. A very worthy successor to the 200-500 G lens .. 🦘
@ZWadePhoto Thanks for the prompt reply to be clear you believe the 100-400 to be a better quality lens I also am mostly focusing on mammals on safari as opposed to birds
dude i will use nikon Z9 Gen 2 FTZ Sigma Sport 120-300mm and hand hold it all day long. its 10lb in my hands can not use monopod since to front heavy. have not tried on tripod.
@psoon04286 I've sent it back already, but it's covered in plastic lol. The collar might be metal, but then again inpronanly would have called it out if it was. It's absurdly synthetic haha great performer though
The Z 100-400 plus 1.4xTC is the better value if you must have a zoom. The Z 100-400 with 1.4xTC produces stills and videos that are practically indistinguishable from the Z 180-600. You would really be trying to split hairs to see the differences. But the Z 100-400 is lighter, smaller, far better balanced, far closer MFD, far better repro ratio, performs better in less than good light situations, better ergo's, better foot, and 100-400 without the TC is better than the Z 180-600's 100-400. The Z 100-400 is exceptionally sharp from 100-200, which opens up a few genre's the Z 180-600 can't touch. While the Z 180-600 does work with the TC's (which is actually saying a lot vs other comparable lenses), you'll want to stay away from them on that lens. The balance of the lens, while better than the F 200-500, is quite poor and it feels a lot heavier than it should, the foot is horrendous, and personally I hate the short, stiff zoom throw. The only reason to get the Z 180-600 is if you plan on shooting in really bad weather conditions on a regular basis (and need a zoom). IMHO, if you are just getting started with wildlife, your best best is to get a used F 500 PF as your first lens. I have been seeing 10/10 condition F 500 PF's for as low as $1700. Social media hates this suggestion, because they can't make money on links to used gear. But for around the same price as the Z 180-600, you are getting way more lens with the F 500 PF. The F 300 PF, 500 PF, and 1.4xTCIII combo is quite good, and can be gotten for a total price under $3k in 10/10 condition. I think the F 300 PF is actually one of the most underrated F mount lenses.
This lens is better than 95% of those that use it. 95% of users of this lens don't know how to use it. 95% of users that use this lens think they are better than they are. 95% of users that have issues with the sharpness of this lens, have never really mastered the autofocus of their camera body. This lens isn't a good lens for $2000, this is just a seriously good zoom lens. Enough said.
I was never going to buy an uber expensive 600/800 prime, but when this came out, I thought OK, why not? I'm primarily a portrait photographer, so this purchase was just for me to play around with, it will never pay for itself commercially. I even bought the 2x teleconverter to go with it (I know... Yah boo! You should never buy a 2x, only EVER get the 1.4x you eejot...) and actually, the results are pretty good. I'm taking it on safari next year and am more than happy to have this on an expensive trip as my only true long lens. My only complaint is that the combination of the Z8 and this lens is that it is too heavy to hand hold for long. Such are the problems of the first world...
I own the F mount 200-500, Z800 PF and Z180-600. Of allof them I like the 180-600 best for zoom feature. 800 is sharper I believe. I have used the 2x TC with all 3 and had acceptable photos with all. I used a D850 with 200-500, and Z9 with the other 2. I did buy the replacement feet from Kirk Enterprise Solutions as the balance the lens better and have Arca grooves in those feet. Good video Zack! Worthy lens.
Took this lens, mated to a Z8, to shoot at an airshow recently and it performed very well! An awesome lens for the given price!
@@Dee-cf8nl heck yea! Thanks for watching
I love my 180-600 Z! It's great matched with my Z8 for wildlife, and it's even a decent macro lens. I got a few great pictures of a grizzly bear during my vacation to the Canadian Rockies, and even some nice close-ups of dragonflies in flight. My only complaint is that occasionally the focus at 600 mm is not quite right, for no apparent reason. Also, I occasionally accidently hit the focus switch to "manual" when mounting the lens. BTW the deeply recessed rear element makes it compatible with Nikon Z teleconverters. I have the 1.4 TC and the quality at 840 mm is surprisingly good. It really is a great value, especially compared to some prime telephotos that cost as much as a decent used car!
@@billlauretti7963 uuuggggh jealous. I'd love a grizzly bear pic in my files
Finally you have this lens 🎉. Congrats. It's not S Line lens, but has blazing fast AF, very good contrast, CA control, features, decent sharpness. The weak point for me is the weight, I can literally feel pain after long usage, hence I started using a monopod with it.
@Blitz_Shorts i don't HAVE it necessarily haha I rented it to review 🤙🤙
I love my 180-600!
For an occasional user of this type of lens, it is perfect. Once you accept that this is a mass market versatile telephoto zoom for hobbyists and semi-pros, you will be happy.
Is it the best choice for a professional Sports Illustrated or National Geographic photographer? Probably not, because I don’t think it is built to endure extreme situations. But for everyone else, it’s a great value.
@@johnfromconnecticut 100%
Took this lens to Kenya on safari with the Z9 and Z8, It;s AWESOME!!!
Jealous!!!
My next lens for sure! Many say there is no better value for $ with this one, certainly for the super zoom category. Amazing and exactly what I wanted them to produce 👏🏻
@@csc-photo it's 100% a winner
Absolutely awesome lens for the price. Love mine
@@karlspiekerman7507 whoop whoop. Glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for watching!
I love the 180-600! Much better than the old 200-500. I think they raised the price but still a great lens for the price.
It's a super good value. It's performance is way better than I anticipated.
I really liked this lens but after tasting 600mm I need MORRE. I ended selling the 180-600 and buying the 800PF. After realizing just how stuck out at 800mm I was I ended up re-purchasing the 180-600.
@@Ben_Stewart back and forth back and forth haha. Thanks for watching
Ok, was that a pigeon I saw? Ha ha , Well done Zwade. I love this lens. It gets used the most on my Z9. Also, throw your z8/z9 in crop mode for some extra mm's. I know you want to buy this one! Did you notice the lady in the swimsuit?
@JRodPhotoArt always a pigeon 👌 incident notice anyone in a swimsuit, but more importantly, they didn't notice me
That's a joke don't call the police
Packing your camera with a long lens around. By the cameras grip might not be the wisest move. I hold my D850 with 200-500 by the lens tripod mount. Less weight dangling of the end putting pressure on the mounts that way.
Thanks for watching!
This looks like a development of the F-mount AF-S 200-500mm. Is it worth so much money?
I think it's an awesome offering for the price.
I love this lens. It can be a pain to transport though. Like you said, its huge.
Oh yes it but is haha
Thanks for this review! Why did you use it on Z8 instead of your Z9?
Main reason, I want to see a that lenses render will at higher megapixels than the 24mp. Secondary, Ive been doing all of the reviews I can on the Z8 because more people have a Z8 than a Z9. Even though the output is the exact same, I figured it’s just easier to not explain the guts of the two ever time I’d just go for a Z8 if I can help it :)
@@ZWadePhoto Thanks for the quick reply!
A great lens - Love that it doesn't have external zoom throwing the tripod balance off.
Such great value I guess I can live with a variable aperture.
A very worthy successor to the 200-500 G lens .. 🦘
@roybixby6135 coming from the guy that has used and owns them all, I'll take your word for it!
great video of a lens im thinking of picking up .Pigeons 😂that cracked me up
@lolingsaraee that's a long runni.g ZWade joke that's goes WAY back haha. Thanks for watching!
A price I can live with. Does remind me of the 200-500mm G.
@Ton-x4r i think it will be as popular as the 200-500 too
Thanks for watching!
Love to se how this one goes with the Z5
Give it a rent before you I buy!
Going on safari already have the 100-400 which len do you believe has better image quality
@StephenAkinlami I had some goofy focus issues at infinity but yes
@ZWadePhoto Thanks for the prompt reply to be clear you believe the 100-400 to be a better quality lens I also am mostly focusing on mammals on safari as opposed to birds
And the focus at infinity issues were with which lens?
@ optically it’s better yes. But it does have some goofy focusing quirks at maximum distance focusing
@ 100-400
dude i will use nikon Z9 Gen 2 FTZ Sigma Sport 120-300mm and hand hold it all day long. its 10lb in my hands can not use monopod since to front heavy. have not tried on tripod.
Thanks for watching
F4, F8, F16, F22... seems like fighter jets?
Makes sense actually; the higher the number, the smaller the aperture, so they become invisible.
@starbase218 hahaha that's too on point to not be the reasoning behind it
I’m not knocking plastic construction, but did you say even the foot is all synthetic?😲
@psoon04286 I've sent it back already, but it's covered in plastic lol. The collar might be metal, but then again inpronanly would have called it out if it was. It's absurdly synthetic haha great performer though
The Z 100-400 plus 1.4xTC is the better value if you must have a zoom. The Z 100-400 with 1.4xTC produces stills and videos that are practically indistinguishable from the Z 180-600. You would really be trying to split hairs to see the differences. But the Z 100-400 is lighter, smaller, far better balanced, far closer MFD, far better repro ratio, performs better in less than good light situations, better ergo's, better foot, and 100-400 without the TC is better than the Z 180-600's 100-400. The Z 100-400 is exceptionally sharp from 100-200, which opens up a few genre's the Z 180-600 can't touch. While the Z 180-600 does work with the TC's (which is actually saying a lot vs other comparable lenses), you'll want to stay away from them on that lens. The balance of the lens, while better than the F 200-500, is quite poor and it feels a lot heavier than it should, the foot is horrendous, and personally I hate the short, stiff zoom throw. The only reason to get the Z 180-600 is if you plan on shooting in really bad weather conditions on a regular basis (and need a zoom).
IMHO, if you are just getting started with wildlife, your best best is to get a used F 500 PF as your first lens. I have been seeing 10/10 condition F 500 PF's for as low as $1700. Social media hates this suggestion, because they can't make money on links to used gear. But for around the same price as the Z 180-600, you are getting way more lens with the F 500 PF. The F 300 PF, 500 PF, and 1.4xTCIII combo is quite good, and can be gotten for a total price under $3k in 10/10 condition. I think the F 300 PF is actually one of the most underrated F mount lenses.
I haven’t messed with the teleconverters yet. I look forward to it in the future though.
This lens is better than 95% of those that use it. 95% of users of this lens don't know how to use it. 95% of users that use this lens think they are better than they are. 95% of users that have issues with the sharpness of this lens, have never really mastered the autofocus of their camera body.
This lens isn't a good lens for $2000, this is just a seriously good zoom lens.
Enough said.
Yea. Price aside, it is kinda just just a good lens 🤙🤙🤙
Well...... are you getting one?😊
@NikonJohnny not right now my friend. Haha still waiting on a 35 1.2
Not impressed. AF is slower than expected. Hit rate below expectations. Too heavy.
@@lumberjack3008 I’ll give you heavy, but otherwise I experienced the opposite in the other points. Thanks for watching though!
You clearly haven'y used it.
@@300ShadesofGreen I don’t know who your talking to. Me or lumberjack.
@@ZWadePhoto You have used it. :-)
@ oh yes. Yes I have haha. I went back and looked at the Atomos footage and I just don’t see how it could be considered “slow”
I was never going to buy an uber expensive 600/800 prime, but when this came out, I thought OK, why not?
I'm primarily a portrait photographer, so this purchase was just for me to play around with, it will never pay for itself commercially. I even bought the 2x teleconverter to go with it (I know... Yah boo! You should never buy a 2x, only EVER get the 1.4x you eejot...) and actually, the results are pretty good. I'm taking it on safari next year and am more than happy to have this on an expensive trip as my only true long lens.
My only complaint is that the combination of the Z8 and this lens is that it is too heavy to hand hold for long. Such are the problems of the first world...
@@davids2720 getter get you a monopod buddy haha
I own the F mount 200-500, Z800 PF and Z180-600. Of allof them I like the 180-600 best for zoom feature. 800 is sharper I believe. I have used the 2x TC with all 3 and had acceptable photos with all. I used a D850 with 200-500, and Z9 with the other 2. I did buy the replacement feet from Kirk Enterprise Solutions as the balance the lens better and have Arca grooves in those feet. Good video Zack! Worthy lens.