Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Best Variable telephoto lens for your bucks

My first impression after taking the item out of the box is how light the lens is. Compared to my old Tamron 150-600mm F5-6.3 G2 lens, this Nikkor lens is a tad lighter. What I like about this lens is that the zoom function is done internally compared to other conventional variable telephoto lens where they zoom externally. Balance when mounted to my Nikon Z9 is really, really good when handling it. My old Tamron becomes front heavy when fully extended so hand holding it for an entire day of shooting with it extended will take a toll on my wrist and arm. This lens however, I can hand hold it for an entire day because of how balanced and light it is. I also love the short throw on the zoom ring. From 180-600mm takes only about 60-70 degrees of twist to reach top end, compared to my Tamron which will require me more degrees of twisting just to reach 600mm. With this Nikkor lens, the zoom transitions are done in a snap! As for the image quality, it produces a very nice contrast, crisps, and tact sharp image. When shooting birds and aircrafts you can clearly see all the details. The only downside of this lens is the collar/foot. My Tamron 150-600mm G2 foot have the Arch-Swiss foot, so I can easily mount is on a tripod or gimbal. This lens requires me to add an Arca-Swiss plate just to mount it. However, this issue does not entail a half-baked product from Nikon. I’ll take lightness, balance, and sharpness of image quality over a proper foot mount. The Price is Right as well. For $1700, you got a Best variable telephoto lens for your bucks!!!! I would highly recommend this lens to any Nikon mirrorless users.

5 Posted by Edelson Nueva on 8th Sep 2023