Nikon Extends Z Lineup with Telephoto Zoom Duo

2023.06.21

Last week Nikon introduced a pair of powerful telephoto zoom lenses for their Z mirrorless platform. These new complementary lenses provide seamless coverage over a huge focal-range, from 70mm all the way to 600mm in two lenses which are among the lightest such models on the market.

First up, the new Nikkor Z 70-180mm F/2.8 is destined to be one of the most popular lenses around. Its 70-180mm telephoto range with a Full-Frame imaging circle is slightly shorter than the classic 70-200mm that most camera manufacturers offer which allowed Nikon to make this lens much lighter than other F/2.8 offerings. Both Sony and Canon have heavier F/4 versions for their own mirrorless systems!

This constant-aperture telephoto zoom lens is ideal for street photography and a great match for indoor sport and closeup photography. It captures an angle-of-view between 13° and 34° and reaches an impressive 0.48X maximum magnification. The front of the lens accepts standard 67mm screw-on filters.

The barrel of the Z 70-180mm F/2.8 sports a large focus-ring and a customizable control-dial. This lens is part of the standard Z-mount range and it is sealed against the elements. It features an internal focusing mechanism to focus quickly and quietly. This lens is only 14cm long and weighs just 795g.

The second lens launched is the new extreme telephoto Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR. Its starts off at the point where the 70-180mm finishes and takes it all the way to 600mm which translates into a 4° angle-of-view on a Full-Frame camera. Even at its shorter lens, the maximum aperture of this lens is dim which makes it among the lightest lenses to reach such a focal-length.

Lenses like this Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR are extremely popular for bird photography and can be used equally for wildlife in good light. With an ultra-long reach, image-stabilization is essential and IBIS systems have trouble maintaining their efficiency. Nikon equipped the Z 180-600mm with a 5½-stop optical image stabilization system which also makes it usable on Nikon APS-C mirrorless for the ultimate reach.

This is a specialized lens that will be used almost exclusively outdoors and so Nikon made it fully weatherproof. Both the zoom and focusing mechanisms in this lens are internal, keeping the lens of the lens a constant 32cm long. This is relatively compact for a lens that reaches 600mm. At just under 2kg, it is manageable. A detachable tripod collar is included for better balance while shooting from a tripod.

The Nikon Z 70-180mm F/2.8 is expected next month for $1250 USD or $1700 CAD. It is possible to preorder the lens from Adorama or B&H Photo already. This lens will undoubtedly by hugely popular. Meanwhile, the longer Nikon Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR is scheduled to ship one month later for $1700 USD or $2300 CAD. Given its reasonable price point and expected shorter manufacturing runs, interested photographers should preorder to secure one from an earlier batch. Again, Adorama and B&H Photo are accepting preorders right now.

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