Nikon continues to expand its line of Z-mount lenses with the introduction of new models: the Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR and the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F/2.8.
Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR
The Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR is the successor to the popular Nikon 200-500mm F/5.6 SLR lens. The optical formula of the new lens includes 25 elements arranged in 17 groups, including six ED glass elements that help reduce chromatic aberration. The weight of the lens is 1955 grams or 2140 grams with the included tripod leg.
It features an internal zoom mechanism, nine aperture blades and two custom programmable buttons. For convenient movie shooting, the lens is equipped with a click-free control ring and focus breathing suppression during recording. Thanks to the stepper motor, silent autofocus is achieved.
Photo: Nikon
The latest Super Telezoom also has a built-in stabilization system that can reduce the effects of vibration by 5.5 stops. The minimum focusing distance at the wide end is 1.3 meters. The zoom ring has a short 70-degree rotation angle for fast zooming.
In addition, the Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR lens is compatible with the Nikon TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, allowing you to increase the focal length up to 1200mm. Nikon also notes that the lens is resistant to dust and moisture.
Photo: Nikon
Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR
Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8
The Nikkor Z 70-180mm F/2.8 joins Nikon’s line of zoom lenses, which includes the Z 17-28mm F/2.8 and Z 28-75mm F/2.8. The new lens has similar specifications to the Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD, but the Nikkor uses a stepper motor instead of the linear drive used by Tamron.
The optical formula of the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 consists of 19 elements placed in 14 groups, including five ED elements, one Super ED element and three aspherical elements. At the same time, the lens itself is 40% more compact compared to the Z 70-200mm F / 2.8 model and weighs only 795 grams.
Autofocus is handled by a stepping motor, which also ensures silent operation when shooting movies. The minimum focus distance is 0.27 meters at the wide end and 0.85 meters at the telephoto end.
The lens also has optimized features for movie shooting, including focus breathing suppression, and a programmable control ring that can be set to control aperture, ISO, or focus. The focus position is linked to the rotation angle, providing more precise manual focus control.
Photo: Nikon
Like the previous lens, the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F/2.8 is compatible with the Nikon TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, reaching a maximum focal length of 360mm. When using the TC-2.0x converter, the magnification factor is 0.96. Nikon also emphasizes that the novelty is protected from dust and moisture.
Prices and Availability
The Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR will be available in August for $1,699, while the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F/2.8 will be available from mid-July for $1,249.
