Your showing of the raw and your crop is one thing that sets you apart so few other people do that on TH-cam, they just show their over processed edit which isn’t true to the result in the field
As someone who is relatively new to photography, I couldn't agree more. This was really helpful to see as well as encouraging in terms of what my own shots could be with some more practice/experience with editing. My results don't often resemble what I see, but I'm realizing the disparity isn't as wide as I first believed!
I preordered the 180-600 at launch... and rightly so, I have been following and watching every single video that releases to make sure I have made the right decision. I had been saving/budgeting for a few years to gift myself the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S for my 40th birthday in 2024... and then when this lens came out at half the price....... I could not resist. The tough thing now is waiting it out for delivery.
@@MichaelSeneschal finally got it in on Sept. 19th, 2023. Thoughts... I haven't used it much. Maybe 500 or so shots. It was such a hot summer when it arrived that quickly went in to a hard winter. The week it arrived, I managed to take some humming bird pictures from about 10 feet away via our backdoor at home (used an off camera flash to bring out some refraction on the shady side of the bird). It was incredible. It blew away my former images using a 2X teleconverter on my old 70-200 2.8! (comparing may not be fair, because it was also on an old D700 body!) I used it 2 weeks ago at the lake. Had the lens on for 5 minutes when a Herron flew by, circled around and landed in the water approximately 50 yards out at 600mm for a dream shot! (Was a burst of about 30 pictures following it down to the water. 10 of those frames were so stunning that I decided to put the camera away and enjoy the rest of the day because I got what I wanted...) I really expected to use the lens more by now... But I am a new dad, weather has been harsh, hot and cold. We are just now entering Spring Time so I expect to put it to use. One thing I want to try with it is the Solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. We are in the "path of totality". I have ordered a 20 stop ND. I am considering renting the 2X TC for Z to try and shoot the eclipse at 1200mm. I am not sure if it's something I want to own or not. I haven't had the best of luck with TC's.
I've only been using Nikon's for a little over 50 years now, so I remember what used to pass for sharpness way back when -- and long telephotos were at the top of the list. I just purchased a Z8 after about 6 years with a D850, and I am impressed. Your explanations are clear and concise, and most importantly, you don't rush through your video like you have a train to catch. Thanks so much...
You smile, you enjoy, you do reviews.... but everything is secondary to your joy of shooting and presenting your resulting shot. That is contagiously positive and good for the viewer's soul. Nobody does this kind of review. You are not so much Tech-focused because the main things are shooting and handlings... and you speak of them like a friend at the pub sharing his own experience. And that makes you perfect for me. I'm a Nikon shooter, but it's a feast to me a Duade video. > I long to come and see your backyard, do some shots with my own gear ( sure I am, you wouldn't do the reverse !! )
I'm not much of a gear junkie, but for some reason the way you bring gear reviews and talk about how lenses and bodies perform - especially in the field, is very insightful, informative and quite helpful. There's a lot you go through and details that I wouldn't ordinarily think about, but which contribute to any decision making potential down the line. I also enjoy seeing all those bird images!
Much appreciated Duade. I have had this lens on a kind of pre-order ever since it appeared on the Nikon timeline. My camera store here in Sydney has assured me that I am "first cab off the rank". I did once own a 200-500mm F mount. But I was never happy with it. Cheers.
This is one fine review, Duade. You sure captured some really nice images with this lens, too. It is a lot of work to do a review video like this. Thanks for taking the time and sharing the results.
Nikon's lenses have been taking a really different turn from other manufacturers, it's really good to see Canon users reviewing other companies' gear. Rather than just 'Canon is better use Canon', you give us much more detail into why, which is invaluable. 🙂
These days, Canon is good but expensive. Moreover, they nourish some superstitions that have strong spell on them which even priests are unable to drive off. Like producing a 200-600mm prosumers zoom lens. They never had the guts to do it for DSLRs, that scare continues till date.😅
Thanks for the thorough review, Duade! You're not the only reviewer who found the lens noticeably softer at f6.3, and sharpening up at f8. My copy just arrived today, and I hope to start putting it through the paces this week at a local wildlife area. I greatly appreciate your honest reviews. Having the pros and cons to consider always makes for a better purchase decision with managed expectations. Happy shooting!
It's not only this lens. Nikons entire lens line-up offers better overall performance even with lower priced S-Line lenses, for example read the customer reviews about the Z 50 mm f/1.8 S lens. I've checked similar budget f/1.8 lenses at Canon but they are mediocre at best. At Canon you have to buy very expensive L glass to get high quality.
Have you tried the RF100-400? not sure any other lens comes close for value and sharpness, but I agree Nikon are producing some wonderful wildlife lenses. Cheers, Duade
Excellent review and presentation. The supporting captions and information are hard to find in other reviews. Love your reviews! Thank you for the effort and sharing.
Finally you mention the big difference in use: the 100 mm of the Canon! This is a BIG difference. Great review again so far! Greetings again from the Netherlands Onno Nugteren. (EF 4.0 300) 🙂
Great review! I’m a Canon shooter, but I feel that they are out of touch with amateur shooters. I currently shoot the R5 and RF 100-500. I wish it was a 600, but there are so many things that keep me loving this lens. Weight and versatility! I can do landscape at 100 mm, and I can do macro-ish photos with .9 m minimum focus distance. This is the only lens I own. I did get the 1.4 tc for some extra reach, but you need good light to make that work. I really only use it when the ducks are migrating. Sometimes I have to remind myself, it’s not the gear that makes a truly good photo! Thanks for reviewing all brands, it’s good to know what’s out there! Cheers!
Hi Duade. Thanks for yet another excellent, and unbiased, review. Nikon seem to have done a fantastic job with this lens for the price, actually really fantastic for the price. Hopefully the wide open sharpness weakness is just something confined to the pre-production sample you’ve been testing - can’t seem to find it being raised as a particular issue in other reviews even though it is quite clear (well not so clear!) in your test lens. If I was a Nikon user I think I’d probably have an order in already. I don’t think it’s enough to make we want to move from Canon but it should certainly be giving Canon (and even Sony) something to think about. Thanks again.
Thanks John, yes, could have been just this lens, not sure, hopefully that is sorted for the final version. I think it will make many Nikon users very happy. Cheers, Duade
A really nice review and appreciate your honesty. I’m still contemplating trading my 500pf for this lens because I love the flexibility of shooting from 180-600 however was concerned about the loss of sharpness. It’s really good to see that zooming back to 500mm sharpens the lens considerably therefore makes the choice easier so having the extra reach added to the flexibility of that wonderful zoom range is well worth it 👍
Great job, Duade! Very informative. I have a 180-600 on order. It's funny. Nikon announced the 180-600 before Sony announced the a6700. There is no telling when I'll get a 180-600. I've had my a6700 for 10 days! LOL
I just bought this lens. Why I choose it? - native Z mount (I do not see any reason to invest in F-mount any more), internal focusing, sealing, do not change size when focal length is changed. It is obviously heavier than my Sigma 100-400 but it is lighter than Sigma 60-600 or Sigma 150-600. For Nikon Z shutters - it is obvious choice.
Thank you for this comprehensive and detailed review. The best video I have seen about the 180-600 so far. 👍🙂 I hope to get my lens delivered soon. For me it is a great added value that it has an internal zoom and focus.
The Nikon 400 f4.5 is so light and sharp its incredible. I ordered 2 180-600 one for me and one for my buddy 😅. I can't wait for the new APS-C offerings. Z50ii.
I am just waiting for mine to arrive as it is pre-ordered from my local dealer. I will be pairing it with my Z9 and will be using it for water based motorsports and aircraft photography. It will be interesting to see how it performs compared to my Sigma 150-600 sports that I currently use.
Mine is a regular production lens and wide open @ 600 on my Z9, resolution measures 88 line pair/mm centrally or at the edge shot at 30 meters. The corner resolution drops a little bit at 72 line pair/mm as one would expect. A prime 600 is a touch better but not by much.
Fascinating to see Duade. The affordability, reach and build quality of this Nikon lens is a winning combination and I only wish Canon would take this onboard with their high-end pricing. I really enjoyed the opportunity to view more images from you that included an excellent moonscape and a stunning Killawarra sunrise! For me that Eastern yellow robin in such a beautiful habitat was tops but many other highlights including swamphens, cockatoos, scarlet robins (your robins are so colourful compared to NZ), red-rumped parrots and dead-tree falcon. Great to see you hand-holding too and all the way down to 1/40th! I really enjoyed and always look forward to your next posting Duade.
Thanks Mike, yes, it is pleasing to see such a good lens shake up the competition. Yes, it was fun doing the moon and sunrise and of course the birds. I still think your tomtits are very pretty and who wouldn't want to see a Black Robin one day :-) Cheers, Duade
Again an other honest review! Very nice! It would be nice to see how big is the subject at 2,4 meters compared to Sony lens. Which I understand that is better in Nikon as you review but at 2,4 meters we could have better understanding of the macro capabilities. Except if you did that and I missed it. 😊. Greetings from Cyprus, I always enjoy your videos, they make me relax.
Excellent review. I just got mine and had a chance to use it last night photographing birds in flight including a blue heron that flew right over me. I had it on 20fps and got about 15 sharp! ❤ The new 2.0 software update that includes bird tracking is brilliant on the Nikon Z8. I used to have my own 600 F4 and 400/3.5 when I shot Sports professionally but I haven't had a super telephoto in a long time. I'm very happy. I'm even pleased with the results that I see shooting wide open, even at 600 mm. One stop down is better. Cheers.
Thanks, Duane. I'm going to pass the link to this video along to an online Nikon group I am a part of. Excellent video. As far as the lens being a little soft wide open at 600mm, I'm not surprised. I've yet to see and x-600mm zoom that isn't, with the exception of the Sony. With the focus breathing of the Sony, though, it's not really a 600 when shooting close. Anyway, thanks again. :)
A very enjoyable review Duade. I have looked at many reviews of thew same lens and Steve Perry's copy would appear to be far sharper copy than yours. I would like to see a review that shows variations between copies.
Very informative video, Duade, thank you. I have this lens on pre-order (am UK based) as an upgrade to my Tamron 150-600 F-mount via FTZII adapter. Interested in your experiences with the 1.4 TC, which I may well add - if I can get the additional expenditure past my Financial Controller / Wife...
Thanks so much for this straight forward review! I’m on the list at my local camera store to get one of these lenses to pair with my new Z8! I can’t wait!!!
I have had some similar results and was very disappointed with the sharpness of this lens. I traded in a D850 and 200-500mm lens which I loved, but got caught up in the mirrorless hype. I did take some photos on the D8 with the 200-500 prior to the 180-600 arriving and they were much sharper than what I could get under the same settings and the 180-600. What I have not tried is stopping down to F8 and after watching your video I will give that a try. Typically, the light is an issue when shooting birds in the early morning hours and I tried to keep the shutter speed at 1/500 or above. I will now go to F7.1 or F8 and a slower shutter speed and see if that gives me better results in regards to sharpness. Thanks for the info and your honesty.
Terrific review. Your coverage, insights and honesty result in the best review I have seen on this lens. The lens comparisons were also helpful info. Informative images and compositions as well. I'm looking forward to having that reach and flexibility in the field. Update: it is front heavy. On the plus side, it better fills my frame (than my 500) with the subjects, and the VR seems a superb improvement. I am getting sharper images in flight than I expect.
I have the Nikon 500mm F4 vrII, Its an amazing lens, So sharp but its way to heavy. This is a great lens that im going to get. Thank you. Im also waiting for the Nikon Z6 mark 3 that is soon to be released in the next few weeks.
Very nice review, and especially lovely shot of the pelicans in the mist. Did you notice any spherical aberration at maximum zoom with the tele-converter on the lens? Also, did you use any physical stabilization (monopod, bean bag, tripod + ball head, etc.) on any of the shots (other than the moon photos)?
Love the content! We are definitely spoiled for affordable wildlife gear. On that note, would lover to see your opinions of the little A6700 paired with the 200-600, particularly with respect to the AF performance.
@@Duade I'm actually very glad that's on your radar! An a6700 video would be very timely too especially considering all the excitement for Sony's upcoming A7c cameras that have similar AI autofocus capabilities. Love your work as always and thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Great review Duade - Thank You 🙏🏻 , ordered one so braced myself for the negatives but schooling to use 7.1/8 much more & coming from Sigma I reckon I’ll be over the moon. Internal zoom and video should be game changers for me 😊
Excellent review and delivery as always Duade. The most disconcerting thing is the sharpness at f/6.3. Hopefully, this doesn’t manifest in the final production lenses. Having recently switched to Nikon after 40+ years of being a Canon shooter, I appreciate a few of the observations, namely that about the superiority of the VR along with the challenges of the AF. It is a much more user dependent AF system than say Canon or Sony. Once mastered, the Nikon AF system is really good though it doesn’t eye detect as far as the other systems. Thanks for the balanced review.
I got lucky. Everything came together for me last week. Got a bonus for 10 years at my workplace, got a 10% discount for the Nikon online store and the lens was actually available. So I pulled the trigger immediately, even though I originally planed to upgrade from my 200-500/5.6E much later. Should arrive by Wednesday and I can't wait to try it!
Pre-ordered this the moment it was announced. Nikon's primes are lovely but for those of us without a cool 14k burning a hole in our pockets, this fits into a really nice price/performance bracket. I've been happy with my Sigma 150-600 Sport with the FTZ adapter, but the new Nikon is a major upgrade in two ways: 1. It's like 700g lighter 😅 2. It performs much better for video, being a mirrorless-specific lens Thanks for the detailed review Duade! For birds in flight on the Z9, I find using a large custom area with subject tracking works best, as when it loses the bird detection it picks up the closest object instead.
How does the FTZ adaptor perform for wildlife? I got a Sony 200-600mm and want to upgrade my aging a7rii to a camera with a stacked sensor and 40+ MP. Since Sony only has the way too expensive a1, I was thinking about a Nikon Z8.
@@MarkusGebhard Surprisingly well! I'd say the Sigma 150-600 Sport works better on the Z9 than it does when I used to own it on a DSLR, curiously 🤔 The adapter feels really solid and has no rotational wiggle, which is impressive. I haven't tried any other lenses with it, though. Sony still have more lens options than Nikon but Nikon have really been delivering on firmware updates for the Z9 (and I expect the Z8 to be the same), which is a pretty huge contrast to Sony right now. I've loved the Z9 so far, and I had a go on a Z8 and it feels practically identical, save for the size/weight 😄
Im using ftz adaptor on z8 with 200-500 and found this lens works better on z8 than it did on my old D500 dslr, This 180-600 will be a beast on the z8 and cant wait to purchase, Currently £1795 in the uk @@MarkusGebhard
@@MarkusGebhard Not sure if it's useful or not, and I don't normally go around sharing links to my stuff, but I have a bunch of example shots at the end of this recent video with the Z9 + FTZ II + Sigma 150-600 Sport: th-cam.com/video/4R5iPCh0ndY/w-d-xo.html
can't wait to find some time to go out into the field and take photos! I enjoy putting headphones on and listening to you and planning my next adventure. Thanks!
Fantastic review, some absolutely cracking shots! Definitely makes me wish that Canon would do something similar in reach but isn't as expensive as the 100-500, if only sigma or tamron could do RF lenses!
Why ? the advantages of the RF 100-500mm. I often like to walk around the bush behind my house carrying just one lens. On a bush walk, 200mm is often too long for close animals, eg, that kangaroo that faces you on a trail just meters away. You can easliy crop in 500mm to 600mm fov, but you cannot crop wider. Infact, the 100-500mm lens excels in close focussing and will focus with the body just 90cm from the subject. I can take great pics of bugs from only 0.5m from the end of the lens @ 500mm. You clearly do not understand just how great that is. The Sony GM 200-600mm has a MFD of 2.4m. This lack of close focussing kills of a huge amount offunctionality the RF100-500 has. Also, the GM 200-600 is not 600mm @MFD. One youtuber tested the GM 200-600 as being only 390mm @ MFD. The Nikon 180-600 has a mfd of 1.3m @ 180mm, but a whopping mfd of 2.4m @ 600mm ! Thus close focussing on small bugs @ full length is not even possible with the Nikon & Sony, but works great with the Canon 100-500. Thus, I shoot lost of unusual bugs on bushes on my RF100-500, sometimes even with a 1.4x TC - but rarely. Adding a tc reduces focussing speed and accuracy on all 3 platforms, Canon, Sony and Nikon. Best to avoid using a tc. Thus, when it comes to close focussing, Canon 1, Sony 0 and Nikon 0 Weight. RF100-500 is 1.365 kg Z 180-600mm is 1.95 kg GM 200-600mm is 2.115kg After a 2hr hike in the bush, up and down steep slopes, that extra 0.75kgs (the weight of an R5 body) the Sony has, holding up this extra weight will turn your arms to jelly, and also consider the leverage effect of this extra mass. All bad mate. Thus, for weight, Canon1, Sony 0, Nikon 0 For the huge advantages the Canon RF100-500mm has over the Sony and Nikon competition in terms of very close focussing, weight, and the width of 100mm, the small extra $700 of the Canon pve rthe Sony is definitely worth it - you will be able to take full body shots of close roos and macro like shots of bugs that you couldnt take with the Sony.
Big negative of my Canon 100-500 is having only the 300-500 range available when using the 1.4 TC. Plus doing so negates one of the big advantages of the 100-500 which is it’s smaller form factor as the lens can’t retract all the way.
I have a Z9 and used it with the 400 F4 prime it was great but I like zooms so sold the 400 F4 and bought the 180-600. I bought the 1.4 and the 2.0 extenders I am amazed how I can shoot at low shutter speeds even at 1200mm I get great shots of the moon hand held. Nikon keep releasing firmware upgrades so it just gets better. Thanks for the review
Hi Duade, a very interesting, balanced and well illustrated review! Nikon is indeed fighting it's way back into the game, which is good to keep the big 2 awake. Now Nikon just needs to add like a Z90 to compete with the R7 ;-) Stabilization seems class-leading but you showed us it comes with a price to pay in EVF experience. Perhaps Nikon does require extra stabe because their gear is significantly heavier as a Z8 + 180-600 seems like 900grams heavier than our R5 + 100-500. For full-frame, Canon seems to easily win the reach-per-kilogram contest and given that in Europe we can't drive as close to the birding spots compared to what you can do in Australia this is a pretty important parameter to me. Also, in theory the 100-500 looks slower with f7.1 but when you need to step down both f6.3 lenses to f8 to get comparable sharpness so in practice they seem to be pretty similar. It would have been nice to also compare the Canon with extender at 600mm versus both other lenses naked at that distance. and then all 3 extended at 700mm. One current nice advantage Nikon has with the Z9/8 is the nearly rolling-shutter-free stacked sensor which the other 2 only offer in the pricey a1 & R3.
Duade you are truly an inspiration . Your way of presenting a review or tutorial is far beyond I have ever seen before. thank you. My budget alows only for a Z6iii so with that said will the Z6iii pair well with this lens?
What a great review! I wish everyone else was this thorough! EXTREMELY informative, and VERY interesting! Thanks for sharing! I currently have a SIGMA sport 150-600, and I have been quite disappointed with it at 600mm (attempts at moon shots have been quite hopeless) - of course it could be "just that one example" of this lens, so I'm not criticising SIGMA (I also have one of their ART lenses, and I am amazed how good that one is!) But still, it has left a sour taste, and I have already made up my mind to replace it - so this 180-600 from Nikon looks like being "the go" for me.
Wow this is incredible. I have a Z6 but have been using my adapter Leica M Mount lenses because the Nikon Z lenses are insanely expensive. I also wanted to use this camera for wildlife and this gives me a lot of hope ! Great review
Great Video, certainly makes me think Canon are missing the Market at present. Well done to Nikon, they have some good Mirrorless Lenses available. Keep Well and stay safe. 👍🇬🇧
I have nikon 24 200mm.and stabilization is superb,only thing you need to watch out is when moving the camera,image tends to “snap “ suddenly out of place until it catches your movement,or new position.
At 6.04 - I think you have not fully understood the “Save to all” & “Save individually” options. The four buttons around the lens act as one - they cannot be programmed individually (assuming this is the same as the 800mm pf that I own and the other Nikon telephoto primes). However you can assign the “Recall focus position” function to multiple buttons on the camera (Z9 in my case). This means that if you select the “Save Individually” option you will be prompted to choose which of the buttons on the camera you would like to recall that particular focus distance. So you can in fact assign different focus positions to each of those buttons on the camera. Handy if you're in a situation where you're hoping a bird may return to one of several perches. Just have to remember which button to press for. each one!
Thanks, and fair point, I did not have the Nikon 100-400 or 200-500 on hand to compare so I was just comparing for interest as many people were curious. Cheers, Duade
Your showing of the raw and your crop is one thing that sets you apart so few other people do that on TH-cam, they just show their over processed edit which isn’t true to the result in the field
As someone who is relatively new to photography, I couldn't agree more. This was really helpful to see as well as encouraging in terms of what my own shots could be with some more practice/experience with editing. My results don't often resemble what I see, but I'm realizing the disparity isn't as wide as I first believed!
I preordered the 180-600 at launch... and rightly so, I have been following and watching every single video that releases to make sure I have made the right decision. I had been saving/budgeting for a few years to gift myself the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S for my 40th birthday in 2024... and then when this lens came out at half the price....... I could not resist. The tough thing now is waiting it out for delivery.
You ever get this lens in? Any thoughts on it?
@@MichaelSeneschal finally got it in on Sept. 19th, 2023.
Thoughts... I haven't used it much. Maybe 500 or so shots.
It was such a hot summer when it arrived that quickly went in to a hard winter.
The week it arrived, I managed to take some humming bird pictures from about 10 feet away via our backdoor at home (used an off camera flash to bring out some refraction on the shady side of the bird). It was incredible. It blew away my former images using a 2X teleconverter on my old 70-200 2.8! (comparing may not be fair, because it was also on an old D700 body!)
I used it 2 weeks ago at the lake. Had the lens on for 5 minutes when a Herron flew by, circled around and landed in the water approximately 50 yards out at 600mm for a dream shot! (Was a burst of about 30 pictures following it down to the water. 10 of those frames were so stunning that I decided to put the camera away and enjoy the rest of the day because I got what I wanted...)
I really expected to use the lens more by now... But I am a new dad, weather has been harsh, hot and cold. We are just now entering Spring Time so I expect to put it to use.
One thing I want to try with it is the Solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. We are in the "path of totality". I have ordered a 20 stop ND. I am considering renting the 2X TC for Z to try and shoot the eclipse at 1200mm. I am not sure if it's something I want to own or not. I haven't had the best of luck with TC's.
I've only been using Nikon's for a little over 50 years now, so I remember what used to pass for sharpness way back when -- and long telephotos were at the top of the list. I just purchased a Z8 after about 6 years with a D850, and I am impressed. Your explanations are clear and concise, and most importantly, you don't rush through your video like you have a train to catch. Thanks so much...
only a little over 50 years!!!! wow
I had doubts that Nikon survive the late move to mirrorless. But I think they made it.
You smile, you enjoy, you do reviews.... but everything is secondary to your joy of shooting and presenting your resulting shot.
That is contagiously positive and good for the viewer's soul. Nobody does this kind of review. You are not so much Tech-focused because the main things are shooting and handlings... and you speak of them like a friend at the pub sharing his own experience.
And that makes you perfect for me.
I'm a Nikon shooter, but it's a feast to me a Duade video.
> I long to come and see your backyard, do some shots with my own gear
( sure I am, you wouldn't do the reverse !! )
Pre-ordered day 1 and sold all my canon rf stuff. I've always liked nikons files so this lens plus 3rd party support led me this way.
do u miss the r system AF?
With latest nikon firmware you won't miss the RF auto focus ... Nikons AF is vastly improved !
I'm not much of a gear junkie, but for some reason the way you bring gear reviews and talk about how lenses and bodies perform - especially in the field, is very insightful, informative and quite helpful. There's a lot you go through and details that I wouldn't ordinarily think about, but which contribute to any decision making potential down the line. I also enjoy seeing all those bird images!
Much appreciated Duade. I have had this lens on a kind of pre-order ever since it appeared on the Nikon timeline. My camera store here in Sydney has assured me that I am "first cab off the rank". I did once own a 200-500mm F mount. But I was never happy with it. Cheers.
This is one fine review, Duade. You sure captured some really nice images with this lens, too. It is a lot of work to do a review video like this. Thanks for taking the time and sharing the results.
Thanks mate, yes, a lot of effort but hopefully will be a long term resource for those interested in the lens. Cheers, Duade
Amazing review! I‘m shooting Canon but I think it‘s an realy good lens for Nikon shooters.
I never thought the difference in sport vs normal vr is so extreme! Thanks for letting us know!
Nikon's lenses have been taking a really different turn from other manufacturers, it's really good to see Canon users reviewing other companies' gear. Rather than just 'Canon is better use Canon', you give us much more detail into why, which is invaluable. 🙂
These days, Canon is good but expensive. Moreover, they nourish some superstitions that have strong spell on them which even priests are unable to drive off. Like producing a 200-600mm prosumers zoom lens. They never had the guts to do it for DSLRs, that scare continues till date.😅
Canon can't use other lenses anymore, so canon can only talk about canon 😬
Great Review.
Thanks a lot. 👍
For me as a Sony shooter the Canon 100-500/7.1 was the game changer of this three lenses.
Thanks for the thorough review, Duade! You're not the only reviewer who found the lens noticeably softer at f6.3, and sharpening up at f8. My copy just arrived today, and I hope to start putting it through the paces this week at a local wildlife area. I greatly appreciate your honest reviews. Having the pros and cons to consider always makes for a better purchase decision with managed expectations. Happy shooting!
Probably the best lens review I've ever watched. Cheers from NSW
Great review, its a shame that canon don't produce something similar, really like that you show the pros and cons of the equipment you review
It's not only this lens. Nikons entire lens line-up offers better overall performance even with lower priced S-Line lenses, for example read the customer reviews about the Z 50 mm f/1.8 S lens. I've checked similar budget f/1.8 lenses at Canon but they are mediocre at best. At Canon you have to buy very expensive L glass to get high quality.
Thanks Harry, it is always fun to try different brands, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Cheers, Duade
Have you tried the RF100-400? not sure any other lens comes close for value and sharpness, but I agree Nikon are producing some wonderful wildlife lenses. Cheers, Duade
This must be better than my nikkor 200-500mm. I need one!!! Excelent review as always!
Thanks for the review Duade. Did you test the lens at F7.1? Is the lens as sharp at F7.1 as it is at F8.0?
Excellent review and presentation. The supporting captions and information are hard to find in other reviews. Love your reviews! Thank you for the effort and sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Finally you mention the big difference in use: the 100 mm of the Canon! This is a BIG difference. Great review again so far! Greetings again from the Netherlands Onno Nugteren. (EF 4.0 300) 🙂
Great review. Would love to see a comparison with this combo vs. the OM-1 + 150-400 f/4.5 combo.
Wow. Didn't know the Focus Breathing was so bad on the Sony 200-600. Great images, Duade and very fair review.
such an an in-depth, exhaustive comparison! Thank you for the time you put into this
Cheers, I am glad you found it helpful!
Great review! I’m a Canon shooter, but I feel that they are out of touch with amateur shooters. I currently shoot the R5 and RF 100-500. I wish it was a 600, but there are so many things that keep me loving this lens. Weight and versatility! I can do landscape at 100 mm, and I can do macro-ish photos with .9 m minimum focus distance. This is the only lens I own. I did get the 1.4 tc for some extra reach, but you need good light to make that work. I really only use it when the ducks are migrating. Sometimes I have to remind myself, it’s not the gear that makes a truly good photo! Thanks for reviewing all brands, it’s good to know what’s out there! Cheers!
Preordered my lens today. Hope I get mine soon. Thanks for a good review and video as always! Best regards from Sweden.
Have fun with it, very nice lens, Cheers, Duade
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always Duade, keep up with the awesome content 🐦👌🤗
Thanks mate, will do. Cheers, Duade
Hi Duade. Thanks for your honest comments. I've got this lens on order along with a Nikon Z8. Can't wait to see how I can improve my bird photography.
Hi Duade. Thanks for yet another excellent, and unbiased, review. Nikon seem to have done a fantastic job with this lens for the price, actually really fantastic for the price. Hopefully the wide open sharpness weakness is just something confined to the pre-production sample you’ve been testing - can’t seem to find it being raised as a particular issue in other reviews even though it is quite clear (well not so clear!) in your test lens. If I was a Nikon user I think I’d probably have an order in already. I don’t think it’s enough to make we want to move from Canon but it should certainly be giving Canon (and even Sony) something to think about. Thanks again.
Thanks John, yes, could have been just this lens, not sure, hopefully that is sorted for the final version. I think it will make many Nikon users very happy. Cheers, Duade
A really nice review and appreciate your honesty. I’m still contemplating trading my 500pf for this lens because I love the flexibility of shooting from 180-600 however was concerned about the loss of sharpness. It’s really good to see that zooming back to 500mm sharpens the lens considerably therefore makes the choice easier so having the extra reach added to the flexibility of that wonderful zoom range is well worth it 👍
Good review, very helpful!!
Kudos to Nikon Australia for sending you the lens. Glad they recognize the value you provide your viewers!
Much appreciated!
Beautiful subjects
.Seriously.
Well done.
T.
Great job, Duade! Very informative. I have a 180-600 on order. It's funny. Nikon announced the 180-600 before Sony announced the a6700. There is no telling when I'll get a 180-600. I've had my a6700 for 10 days! LOL
I just bought this lens. Why I choose it? - native Z mount (I do not see any reason to invest in F-mount any more), internal focusing, sealing, do not change size when focal length is changed. It is obviously heavier than my Sigma 100-400 but it is lighter than Sigma 60-600 or Sigma 150-600. For Nikon Z shutters - it is obvious choice.
Thank you for this comprehensive and detailed review. The best video I have seen about the 180-600 so far. 👍🙂
I hope to get my lens delivered soon. For me it is a great added value that it has an internal zoom and focus.
Glad it was helpful!
The Nikon 400 f4.5 is so light and sharp its incredible. I ordered 2 180-600 one for me and one for my buddy 😅. I can't wait for the new APS-C offerings. Z50ii.
I am just waiting for mine to arrive as it is pre-ordered from my local dealer. I will be pairing it with my Z9 and will be using it for water based motorsports and aircraft photography. It will be interesting to see how it performs compared to my Sigma 150-600 sports that I currently use.
Great review!! For the very first time with TC 1.4. Thanks!
Thanks for the clarification
Mine is a regular production lens and wide open @ 600 on my Z9, resolution measures 88 line pair/mm centrally or at the edge shot at 30 meters. The corner resolution drops a little bit at 72 line pair/mm as one would expect. A prime 600 is a touch better but not by much.
Perfect I am in the market for this lens I’m so glad you posted a review!
Glad I could help!
I really hope these ship soon. Got mine on order
High quality review. Thank you
Very informative, thanks.
Love the accent Sir👍super easy to listen, you will make a career on YT!! Brilliant review 👍👌👏👏Top work!!
wonderfully honest review. thank you for this
My pleasure!
Fascinating to see Duade. The affordability, reach and build quality of this Nikon lens is a winning combination and I only wish Canon would take this onboard with their high-end pricing. I really enjoyed the opportunity to view more images from you that included an excellent moonscape and a stunning Killawarra sunrise! For me that Eastern yellow robin in such a beautiful habitat was tops but many other highlights including swamphens, cockatoos, scarlet robins (your robins are so colourful compared to NZ), red-rumped parrots and dead-tree falcon. Great to see you hand-holding too and all the way down to 1/40th! I really enjoyed and always look forward to your next posting Duade.
Thanks Mike, yes, it is pleasing to see such a good lens shake up the competition. Yes, it was fun doing the moon and sunrise and of course the birds. I still think your tomtits are very pretty and who wouldn't want to see a Black Robin one day :-) Cheers, Duade
Again an other honest review! Very nice! It would be nice to see how big is the subject at 2,4 meters compared to Sony lens. Which I understand that is better in Nikon as you review but at 2,4 meters we could have better understanding of the macro capabilities. Except if you did that and I missed it. 😊. Greetings from Cyprus, I always enjoy your videos, they make me relax.
Thanks very much for this excellent, thorough review. They always factor into my future purchasing plans. Kind regards.
My pleasure Jeffery, Cheers, Duade
Great review. Answered all of my questions as i await its delivery. Also love the as shot RAW image and then after some post work. Well done.
Excellent video!! Please also review Nikon 800mm f/6.3 PF lens. Thank you
Absolutely great comparison! Congrats!
Fantastic review! Your detailed insights really helped me understand the capabilities of the Nikon 180-600mm lens! 📸
Glad you enjoyed it! Cheers, Duade
Excellent review. I just got mine and had a chance to use it last night photographing birds in flight including a blue heron that flew right over me. I had it on 20fps and got about 15 sharp! ❤ The new 2.0 software update that includes bird tracking is brilliant on the Nikon Z8. I used to have my own 600 F4 and 400/3.5 when I shot Sports professionally but I haven't had a super telephoto in a long time. I'm very happy. I'm even pleased with the results that I see shooting wide open, even at 600 mm. One stop down is better. Cheers.
Hi @Duade that was an amazing review 👏🏻
What picture control or file did u use for the video, maybe raw?
Thanks, Duane. I'm going to pass the link to this video along to an online Nikon group I am a part of. Excellent video. As far as the lens being a little soft wide open at 600mm, I'm not surprised. I've yet to see and x-600mm zoom that isn't, with the exception of the Sony. With the focus breathing of the Sony, though, it's not really a 600 when shooting close. Anyway, thanks again. :)
Currently the only Nikon lense that stands out... Many others are just a gimmick. I'm Nikonian.
BTW lovely video!
This is an excellent review! Very useful! Thanks for posting.
Thanks a lot Duade ! Great review and very interesting tips !
A very enjoyable review Duade. I have looked at many reviews of thew same lens and Steve Perry's copy would appear to be far sharper copy than yours. I would like to see a review that shows variations between copies.
Since it's Nikon: haven't much to say... Except: always fun to see the photos! Also: !!
Yes, lots of fun shots, Cheers, Duade
Very informative video, Duade, thank you. I have this lens on pre-order (am UK based) as an upgrade to my Tamron 150-600 F-mount via FTZII adapter. Interested in your experiences with the 1.4 TC, which I may well add - if I can get the additional expenditure past my Financial Controller / Wife...
Thanks so much for this straight forward review! I’m on the list at my local camera store to get one of these lenses to pair with my new Z8! I can’t wait!!!
Well done! Can't wait to get my hands on this new lens!!
I have had some similar results and was very disappointed with the sharpness of this lens. I traded in a D850 and 200-500mm lens which I loved, but got caught up in the mirrorless hype. I did take some photos on the D8 with the 200-500 prior to the 180-600 arriving and they were much sharper than what I could get under the same settings and the 180-600. What I have not tried is stopping down to F8 and after watching your video I will give that a try. Typically, the light is an issue when shooting birds in the early morning hours and I tried to keep the shutter speed at 1/500 or above. I will now go to F7.1 or F8 and a slower shutter speed and see if that gives me better results in regards to sharpness. Thanks for the info and your honesty.
The real unbiased review that I was looking for! Thanks
Good honest review. Would be nice to see comparison with the S 100-400, but I know you don't have that lens on hand.
Terrific review. Your coverage, insights and honesty result in the best review I have seen on this lens. The lens comparisons were also helpful info. Informative images and compositions as well. I'm looking forward to having that reach and flexibility in the field. Update: it is front heavy. On the plus side, it better fills my frame (than my 500) with the subjects, and the VR seems a superb improvement. I am getting sharper images in flight than I expect.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I have the Nikon 500mm F4 vrII, Its an amazing lens, So sharp but its way to heavy. This is a great lens that im going to get. Thank you. Im also waiting for the Nikon Z6 mark 3 that is soon to be released in the next few weeks.
Very nice review, and especially lovely shot of the pelicans in the mist.
Did you notice any spherical aberration at maximum zoom with the tele-converter on the lens?
Also, did you use any physical stabilization (monopod, bean bag, tripod + ball head, etc.) on any of the shots (other than the moon photos)?
Love the content! We are definitely spoiled for affordable wildlife gear. On that note, would lover to see your opinions of the little A6700 paired with the 200-600, particularly with respect to the AF performance.
Thanks, I have been trying to source the Sony a6700 with no luck whatsoever unfortunately. Cheers, Duade
@@Duade I'm actually very glad that's on your radar! An a6700 video would be very timely too especially considering all the excitement for Sony's upcoming A7c cameras that have similar AI autofocus capabilities. Love your work as always and thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Great review Duade - Thank You 🙏🏻 , ordered one so braced myself for the negatives but schooling to use 7.1/8 much more & coming from Sigma I reckon I’ll be over the moon. Internal zoom and video should be game changers for me 😊
Great to hear Simon, yes plenty sharp at 7.1/8 and pretty sharp wide open
Excellent review and delivery as always Duade. The most disconcerting thing is the sharpness at f/6.3. Hopefully, this doesn’t manifest in the final production lenses. Having recently switched to Nikon after 40+ years of being a Canon shooter, I appreciate a few of the observations, namely that about the superiority of the VR along with the challenges of the AF. It is a much more user dependent AF system than say Canon or Sony. Once mastered, the Nikon AF system is really good though it doesn’t eye detect as far as the other systems. Thanks for the balanced review.
I got lucky. Everything came together for me last week.
Got a bonus for 10 years at my workplace, got a 10% discount for the Nikon online store and the lens was actually available.
So I pulled the trigger immediately, even though I originally planed to upgrade from my 200-500/5.6E much later.
Should arrive by Wednesday and I can't wait to try it!
Thank you, thorough and wonderful to watch, as always!
My pleasure, Cheers, Duade
Great content! I appreciate your style and level of information! Subscribing for sure!
Pre-ordered this the moment it was announced. Nikon's primes are lovely but for those of us without a cool 14k burning a hole in our pockets, this fits into a really nice price/performance bracket. I've been happy with my Sigma 150-600 Sport with the FTZ adapter, but the new Nikon is a major upgrade in two ways:
1. It's like 700g lighter 😅
2. It performs much better for video, being a mirrorless-specific lens
Thanks for the detailed review Duade! For birds in flight on the Z9, I find using a large custom area with subject tracking works best, as when it loses the bird detection it picks up the closest object instead.
How does the FTZ adaptor perform for wildlife? I got a Sony 200-600mm and want to upgrade my aging a7rii to a camera with a stacked sensor and 40+ MP. Since Sony only has the way too expensive a1, I was thinking about a Nikon Z8.
@@MarkusGebhard Surprisingly well! I'd say the Sigma 150-600 Sport works better on the Z9 than it does when I used to own it on a DSLR, curiously 🤔 The adapter feels really solid and has no rotational wiggle, which is impressive. I haven't tried any other lenses with it, though. Sony still have more lens options than Nikon but Nikon have really been delivering on firmware updates for the Z9 (and I expect the Z8 to be the same), which is a pretty huge contrast to Sony right now. I've loved the Z9 so far, and I had a go on a Z8 and it feels practically identical, save for the size/weight 😄
Im using ftz adaptor on z8 with 200-500 and found this lens works better on z8 than it did on my old D500 dslr, This 180-600 will be a beast on the z8 and cant wait to purchase, Currently £1795 in the uk
@@MarkusGebhard
@@MarkusGebhard Not sure if it's useful or not, and I don't normally go around sharing links to my stuff, but I have a bunch of example shots at the end of this recent video with the Z9 + FTZ II + Sigma 150-600 Sport: th-cam.com/video/4R5iPCh0ndY/w-d-xo.html
@@MarkusGebhardthe Sony 200-600 also adapts well on Z9/8
Thanks for a great Video Duade
Excellent review thanks Duade
can't wait to find some time to go out into the field and take photos! I enjoy putting headphones on and listening to you and planning my next adventure. Thanks!
Have fun!
What a great video, thank you for this review Duade
Finally a functional and affordable lens , now on what current Nikon body is this lens best suited for those wildlife action shots
Fantastic review, some absolutely cracking shots! Definitely makes me wish that Canon would do something similar in reach but isn't as expensive as the 100-500, if only sigma or tamron could do RF lenses!
Why ? the advantages of the RF 100-500mm.
I often like to walk around the bush behind my house carrying just one lens. On a bush walk, 200mm is often too long for close animals, eg, that kangaroo that faces you on a trail just meters away. You can easliy crop in 500mm to 600mm fov, but you cannot crop wider.
Infact, the 100-500mm lens excels in close focussing and will focus with the body just 90cm from the subject. I can take great pics of bugs from only 0.5m from the end of the lens @ 500mm. You clearly do not understand just how great that is.
The Sony GM 200-600mm has a MFD of 2.4m. This lack of close focussing kills of a huge amount offunctionality the RF100-500 has. Also, the GM 200-600 is not 600mm @MFD. One youtuber tested the GM 200-600 as being only 390mm @ MFD.
The Nikon 180-600 has a mfd of 1.3m @ 180mm, but a whopping mfd of 2.4m @ 600mm !
Thus close focussing on small bugs @ full length is not even possible with the Nikon & Sony, but works great with the Canon 100-500. Thus, I shoot lost of unusual bugs on bushes on my RF100-500, sometimes even with a 1.4x TC - but rarely. Adding a tc reduces focussing speed and accuracy on all 3 platforms, Canon, Sony and Nikon. Best to avoid using a tc.
Thus, when it comes to close focussing, Canon 1, Sony 0 and Nikon 0
Weight.
RF100-500 is 1.365 kg
Z 180-600mm is 1.95 kg
GM 200-600mm is 2.115kg
After a 2hr hike in the bush, up and down steep slopes, that extra 0.75kgs (the weight of an R5 body) the Sony has, holding up this extra weight will turn your arms to jelly, and also consider the leverage effect of this extra mass. All bad mate.
Thus, for weight, Canon1, Sony 0, Nikon 0
For the huge advantages the Canon RF100-500mm has over the Sony and Nikon competition in terms of very close focussing, weight, and the width of 100mm, the small extra $700 of the Canon pve rthe Sony is definitely worth it - you will be able to take full body shots of close roos and macro like shots of bugs that you couldnt take with the Sony.
fully agreed - Canon's RF100-500 is starting to look weak vs the opposition imho (and overpriced).
Big negative of my Canon 100-500 is having only the 300-500 range available when using the 1.4 TC. Plus doing so negates one of the big advantages of the 100-500 which is it’s smaller form factor as the lens can’t retract all the way.
I have a Z9 and used it with the 400 F4 prime it was great but I like zooms so sold the 400 F4 and bought the 180-600. I bought the 1.4 and the 2.0 extenders I am amazed how I can shoot at low shutter speeds even at 1200mm I get great shots of the moon hand held. Nikon keep releasing firmware upgrades so it just gets better. Thanks for the review
Awesome pictures, awesome review. Thank you!
Hi Duade, a very interesting, balanced and well illustrated review! Nikon is indeed fighting it's way back into the game, which is good to keep the big 2 awake. Now Nikon just needs to add like a Z90 to compete with the R7 ;-)
Stabilization seems class-leading but you showed us it comes with a price to pay in EVF experience. Perhaps Nikon does require extra stabe because their gear is significantly heavier as a Z8 + 180-600 seems like 900grams heavier than our R5 + 100-500. For full-frame, Canon seems to easily win the reach-per-kilogram contest and given that in Europe we can't drive as close to the birding spots compared to what you can do in Australia this is a pretty important parameter to me.
Also, in theory the 100-500 looks slower with f7.1 but when you need to step down both f6.3 lenses to f8 to get comparable sharpness so in practice they seem to be pretty similar. It would have been nice to also compare the Canon with extender at 600mm versus both other lenses naked at that distance. and then all 3 extended at 700mm.
One current nice advantage Nikon has with the Z9/8 is the nearly rolling-shutter-free stacked sensor which the other 2 only offer in the pricey a1 & R3.
Thanks mate, yes, I am happy to see Nikon doing so well, more competition only benefits us all. Yes, the RF100-500 is a great lens. Cheers, Duade
Duade you are truly an inspiration . Your way of presenting a review or tutorial is far beyond I have ever seen before. thank you. My budget alows only for a Z6iii so with that said will the Z6iii pair well with this lens?
I preordered the first day 20/6 .❤❤
Any ideas when they will show up? , ordered 17/7 ?
@@simonbooker they said maybe 20/7 when I ordered but now they say sometime in September if you read different forums.😏
@@dannesweden4166 ah well, august is a bad time for birds so hopefully September can be "learning curve" month!
What a great review! I wish everyone else was this thorough! EXTREMELY informative, and VERY interesting! Thanks for sharing! I currently have a SIGMA sport 150-600, and I have been quite disappointed with it at 600mm (attempts at moon shots have been quite hopeless) - of course it could be "just that one example" of this lens, so I'm not criticising SIGMA (I also have one of their ART lenses, and I am amazed how good that one is!) But still, it has left a sour taste, and I have already made up my mind to replace it - so this 180-600 from Nikon looks like being "the go" for me.
Well geez. As though I could want this new lens even more! What a lovely discussion, thank you Duade. Time to go find an dovetail plate.
My pleasure!
Always a great review…not sure if it was your copy as a pre prediction, mine is extremely sharp at 600 f6.3.
Wow this is incredible. I have a Z6 but have been using my adapter Leica M Mount lenses because the Nikon Z lenses are insanely expensive. I also wanted to use this camera for wildlife and this gives me a lot of hope ! Great review
Excellent review Duade
Great Video, certainly makes me think Canon are missing the Market at present. Well done to Nikon, they have some good Mirrorless Lenses available. Keep Well and stay safe. 👍🇬🇧
Thanks for watching!
💚 soon I will have one ☝️ great video 🙏🏽
excellent review .... love it
I have nikon 24 200mm.and stabilization is superb,only thing you need to watch out is when moving the camera,image tends to “snap “ suddenly out of place until it catches your movement,or new position.
My lens is arriving tomorrow!
What a fantastic review this is!
Thank you kindly!
At 6.04 - I think you have not fully understood the “Save to all” & “Save individually” options. The four buttons around the lens act as one - they cannot be programmed individually (assuming this is the same as the 800mm pf that I own and the other Nikon telephoto primes). However you can assign the “Recall focus position” function to multiple buttons on the camera (Z9 in my case). This means that if you select the “Save Individually” option you will be prompted to choose which of the buttons on the camera you would like to recall that particular focus distance. So you can in fact assign different focus positions to each of those buttons on the camera. Handy if you're in a situation where you're hoping a bird may return to one of several perches. Just have to remember which button to press for. each one!
I have one of these on order to replace my 200-500, can't wait.
I don't see the point in comparing it to other lenses though.
Thanks, and fair point, I did not have the Nikon 100-400 or 200-500 on hand to compare so I was just comparing for interest as many people were curious. Cheers, Duade
Fair point.