Nikon 180-600mm First Look Review: A Wildlife Photographer's Field Report

Подписаться 257 тыс.

Просмотров 144 тыс.

50% 1

The wait is over! Nikon has announced the new 180-600mm zoom - and I have a first look review ready and waiting for all of my fellow wildlife photographers!
A couple of weeks ago, Nikon contacted me and told me this lens was (finally) coming and asked if I wanted to take it for a quick test run. Of course, I said, "Yes!!" The truth is, I've had soooo many wildlife photographers asking me about this one I've been anxious to give everyone the scoop!
The video below contains all the critical specs, my impressions about its performance, how it handles in the field, and some sample photos. Oh, and the price on this one is going to make a LOT of people very happy!
Check it out - if you're a Z shooter that does any kind of bird or wildlife photography, you're really gonna want to see this :)
Link Tree (books, newsletter, sites, etc. - everything in one place)
backcountry-gallery.aweb.page...
Nikon Z8/9 Setup Guide:
bcgwebstore.com/product/the-u...
Secrets To The Nikon AF System:
bcgwebstore.com/product/secre...
////
Website / Newsletter Signup:
backcountrygallery.com
Backcountry Gallery Nature Photography Forums:
bcgforums.com/index.php
Books / Video Workshops:
bcgwebstore.com
Master Index Of All My Videos / Articles:
backcountrygallery.com/the-bc...
Follow me on Instagram:
/ backcountrygallery
Have nature and wildlife photography questions? Check out the BCG Forums! Ask and answer gear and technique questions questions, post photos and more. Check it out and sign up today!
bcgforums.com/index.php

Опубликовано:

5 июл 2024

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 548

@JayBlue2U Год назад

Happy to see this lens is now announced. Thanks to Steve for providing a report of his brief test in the field!

@Ajdhahir Год назад

Now and 7 years ago when I was watching Steve my opinion is the same, he is very well spoken, articulate, and straight to the point. The older you get the more you appreciate Steve is what I discovered.

@backcountrygallery Год назад

Thanks so much!

@sbphotography3751 Год назад

Superb preview - looks like Nikon has a winner here. Thanks for sharing, Steve!

@carollynaugh4761 Год назад

Great introduction to this lens, very happy to see it finally announced. Your pictures look terrific. I’d be interested to see how it stacks up to the 100-400 with teleconverters. Thank you for sharing!

@abhijeetjagtap91 Год назад

Considering the amount of time you had with this lens, you literally did a solid job of finding wildlife subjects and getting them so right. Also, loved the slide show with exif at the end of the video. Definitely would love to see more such reviews from you.

@victorguardia8272 Год назад

Thank you Steve for your great explanations! This is the lens I have been waiting for!

@JRodPhotoArt Год назад

Way to go Nikon !!! Thanks for the quick review Steve!

@BowlesImages Год назад

Wow - that looks great! Thanks for the report. I'm sure there will be a lot of demand for this lens.

@mcunner Год назад

Love your content, Steve! As a wildlife shooter I've learnt a lot from you!

@davidsneddon2242 Год назад

At this price point Nikon would seem to have done again Steve. Love this video and can't wait to see the full detailed discussion. I know my 500PF is not a zoom but would love to see a comparison at the 500mm end for sharpness. I'll be using it on my new Z8.

@ShashankD137 Год назад

@lauramacky4083 Год назад

Me too

@amitdutta8768 Год назад

Delighted to know abt this lens. I am a 200-500 user, so eagerly waiting to see more in-depth reviews in future. Thanks Steve for this review.

@raulzaldivar7828 Год назад

Thank you Steve for the excellent review of this lenses, you have covered from A to Z with amazing details and information!!

@mzeeshanch Год назад

Thank you so much for your absolutely great advice and insights... As someone who has started wildlife photography not long ago, your advice has been REALLY helpful for me when buying my lenses... That aside, your pictures are just AWESOME as well... Just amazing work man...

@quicktastic Год назад

The 200-500 set the bar pretty high for a zoom lens. I still use mine and it performs great. Nice to hear that they have further improved upon it while also increasing the range.

@albuonanno5554 Год назад

Thanks Steve for your informative video. It was also nice to see my old stomping grounds again. I lived in Bailey, Co for over 20 years and shot around Guanella and Kenosha Pass often. Hope you had a wonderful trip.

@hishamosman4341 Год назад

Be prepared for a loooong waiting period! For the price alone, every shortcomings are forgiven. Looking at the test pictures, they look excellent to me. To rotate from 180 to 600 is such a short twist is a winner here, so as being an internal focussing barrel is a blessing.

@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism Год назад

I suspect you are right!

@joebecker3107 Год назад

A part of me thinks Nikon is on top of it with this lens. I think they are aware of the demand for it and got a jump start on production. At least thats my hope!

@andrewmason8691 Год назад

I suspect too that Nikon has been building a large stockpile of this lens before launching it. That’s what they did with the Z8. Nikon has learnt its lesson about making people wait too long.

@NikkiDog060 2 месяца назад

I am thankful to say, that ordering this lens from Nikon online in April 2024, I had it in my hands within 2 wks! I may have just gotten lucky with my timing, but I am very pleased!

@wendellfranks1337 Год назад

Thanks so much, Steve. Excellent first view. I would love to see it compared with the 100-400S + 1.4TC as well as the Sigma Contemporary.

@joerg_koeln Год назад

This was one of the best reviews of a lens I have ever seen.

@cyrilhamel8289 Год назад

As always, great preview! 👍🏻

@Shivashankar Год назад

Eagerly looking forward to this in hand. Thank you Steve, for the insight.

@doderiolarkisso4038 Год назад

Ha, i like how you only had a few hours with it, but still managed to produce such an informative video that is almost a half hour long! That's why i subscribed to your channel years ago.

@backcountrygallery Год назад

Thanks! I have to say, this is the roughest time doing a preview I have ever done. Between limited wildlife and time, it's a miracle it got done - I only finalized the video a few hours before launch!

@raphbritton5604 Год назад

It’d be great to see this compared against a sigma 150-600mm contemporary using Ftz adapter and Nikon z 70-200 f2.8 with 2x teleconverter. Be good to see it’s performance on a z6ii for those who can’t afford a z8/z9 :) Thanks Steve

@rogneypiedra1355 Год назад

Yes... Please Steve, make that comparison!

@valentingattringer441 Год назад

Hi, I‘m also using a Z6ii and not quite sure if it‘s worth buying this lense with that camera.

@oldiesmore9485 Год назад

Would be great to see this comparison, maybe also the Tamron 150-600 as both lenses are available for a couple of years and are relatively cheap when buying a used one. I have heard, that the Z8/Z9 can handle these F-Mount lenses quite well while the Z6/7/II versions have less CPU power and lack AF speed (I own a Z7II 🙂)

@giovannifx.4945 Год назад

Great video Steve, as always. On Z7ii, lens performance is expected to be comparable to that seen on Z8 or Z9? I mean: fully or in part? Please be candid 😊 - Thank you Steve

@Thunderb3Martin 11 месяцев назад

Why contemporary? If comparing to sigma, use the proper sport one

@garybrenner2801 Год назад

Great video once again! Looking forward to the review of the production model. This lens gives me yet another option to consider when choosing a replacement for my 200-500mm Nikon lens, (like you mention, Nikon has a lot of choices). Thanks Steve!

@joanneabramson2645 Год назад

I have taken some fantastic photos with the Nikon 200-500mm. The weight and external zoom are a hindrance though. The 200-500mm also has the most annoying hood which loves to jump off the camera. This lens looks like a winner with the internal zoom, weight, and 180- 600mm range. And a hood that might stay on would be an incredible advantage. Thanks for the timely review. I look forward to your future deep dive.

@DennisGingerich Год назад

Thanks so much! I love my old Nikon 200-500 but since my Z9 ended up in my bag 15 mo. ago, I've been waiting for this one to appear!

@realnikonlover6207 Год назад

Thank you Steve for this quick down and dirty. It really helps me to move forward with the purchase. Ciao. Jim

@nickolasmazzara127 Год назад

Glad the lens has finally been announced/released. It seems it was well worth the wait.

@betacar0tin Год назад

I'm glad you get early access! You are my favorite Nikon guy on the net

@LarryMarvin 5 месяцев назад

I really appreciated this video review! Thank you for such a thorough explanation. Mine is now on the way!

@22welcome Год назад

Size , internal zoom , 180-600mm , price , I think it’s amazing lens for wildlife , thank you so much for this amazing video , waiting the release date 😍

@RitwickSatyaki-wq3nk Год назад

Please test the lens with Z6 & Z7 bodies too since not everyone can afford Z8/Z9. Also, please compare it with sony 200-600, tamron 150-600 G2 lens etc. Test the video autofocus as well as it will help wildlife videographers a lot! Thank you ❤

@kbhutia8466 Год назад

Wow , thats awesome , finally ..Thank you for detailed intro review.

@billchambers5348 Год назад

Looks great can,t wait to get one!

@turnerx5 Год назад

Great lens preview, your Z8/9 setup guide is top notch!

@backcountrygallery Год назад

Thanks so much!

@baljindersinghsidhu3959 Год назад

Incredibly built.. Best lens❤❤❤❤❤I'm definitely going to buy this for my Z6ii body..

@patriciablyler6484 Год назад

Thanks Steve! I’ve been waiting for this lens!

@mikedavis1110 Год назад

Great intro video and I was waiting on this lens for AirShows and Wildlife. Personally I think it’s a great consumer/entry level lens for sports or wildlife. On another, reviewers comments, the lens foot is different in that the whole foot comes off the barrel. With it off it’s easier to hand hold, but it could roll off the desk. A better solution is an Arca-Swiss foot or just the foot to replace. This might be a lens to add my 300PF/f4, 500f4G and 1.4TC to add the zoom flexibility, as you mentioned! Great intro and looking forward to your further testing!!

@frederickpearsall4532 Год назад

Hey Steve, Thanks for getting back to me so quick. Looks like I got some thinking to do.

@chennytango9298 Год назад

Thanks for the great preview. Would love to see how it compares to the z100-400 s lens when you get a working copy.

@TinManLee Год назад

Fantastic review. You covered most of the topics I am interested in learning. big thanks. BTW just received the 800 6.3 and Z8, I am broke but happy.

@lukes5533 Год назад

Great review, thanks Steve. 👍

@ROBERTKINGOFMAINE Год назад

Thank you Steve. You did an excellent job!

@CamillaHolm Год назад

Since I am both in the no 1 category (not rich) and no 2 category (thin and not young) this lens is very compelling. I have stuck to my PF F-lenses with FTZ, and I am very happy with them. But there are certainly times when I have wished I could quickly change focal length, sitting out in nature where something interesting might happen a lot closer than anticipated. Thank you for sharing your impressions!

@randyschwager2515 Год назад

Thanks Steve! It looks like a great value!

@amnaturephotography Год назад

Thanks Steve I have been waiting for this lens for a while now, my wife is going to love it..

@pierrederumine1295 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for drawing my attention to this new lens. Its very interesting for me. I am now quite old and don't particularly can carry & use heavy lenses. Great to the subject presentation.

@rodrigomartin-hidalgo1592 Год назад

Pretty sure most of us would love a side by side comparison with the Sony 200-600! Thanks as always for these great and comprehensive reviews Steve!

@ShashankD137 Год назад

True. I’m only just switching to mirrorless and how these lenses perform will play a part in choosing Nikon or Sony

@isar-wildlife Год назад

The Bokeh looks quite compelling for a zoom at that price point. Impressive.

@dafyddthomas7299 Год назад

Agree - one on my wish list; likely to get this and the 70-180 F2.8 once my F lenses 200-500 F5.6, 70-200 F4 give up the ghost / break down. Good that Nikon is filling up the Lens landscape with most subjects and lengths covered; need more Z PZ zoom lenses including Z DX, e.g., 16-80 F2.8 - F4 , 70-200 F4 Macro, 300 PF, 120-300 F2.8 and PC-E lenses migrated from F to Z. Another pressing matter / market to address is the opportunity to make sales volume and money in a Z6 II replacement, a Z70 (R7 equivalent).

@backcountrygallery Год назад

I agree - I was really surprised how nice it was.

@Aleksejs_Saripins Год назад

Thanks Steve! Nice review!😊

@ajh5124 Год назад

Professional and complete, thanks, Steve!

@ajh5124 Год назад

Steve, do you use UV filters on your lenses?

@ploverlittle532 Год назад

Wow love the internal zoom!

@johnredrup1036 Год назад

Excellent as always Steve, thanks. I would be interested in a 500 PF comparison.

@johnhjic2 Год назад

Hello Steve, Just to say your thoughts are alway welcome as they do tend to be honest and true. Thamk you for this first look I will look forward to a detailed review. Keep well, keep saffe and enjoy life.

@JeffandLeslie Год назад

Nice Review Steve. Looks like it will be a winner. You mentioned lenses to test against. I would like to see it tested against, of course, the Sony 200-600 but also the Canon 100-500.

@MehdiRF Год назад

You won't see anywhere else this much information in a short time, just before announcement. Professional.

@candidalean4454 Год назад

Thanks for a comprehensive review. When the production version is available I’d be interested in a comparison against the Sigma contemporary 150-600, which I use with my Z6ii. I’m wondering when to upgrade. Thanks

@HotGates Год назад

This is going to be awesome on my Z8 BRAVO Nikon, Great video Steve;)

@vzshadow1 Год назад

Thanks for the review.

@EugeneMaynard Год назад

Excellent run through !👏🏾 👍🏾🙏🏾

@BipulHaldar Год назад

Excellent initial review. I would like to see a comparison with 800PF for AF performance & sharpness.

@coffeestory9533 Год назад

Great video Steve. Will be great if you can compare the af speed and sharpness with Nikon 500mm pf. Looking forward to see your next video.

@Razzer0693 Год назад

Just called my local camera store and booked it! Captured slot 1 ! Can't wait for it

@arjunsengupta1661 Год назад

Impressive review, more so given the amount of time you had with the lens. Personally, I would like to see a comparison with 500pf - at 500mm, pretty sure many people still adapt that lens with the z cameras (I am one ;) )

@user-by1xs3db3j Год назад

Great video and great news. I’ve been waiting for this lens to be announced. Would like to know your thoughts as to how image quality, sharpness, and focus speed stack up to the 500 PF.

@ciureamihai Год назад

Wowwww! Steve, you're awesome! U make my day! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

@jacobhuebert8298 Год назад

I'd love to see a comparison against the sigma 150-600 with the ftz. I'm sure this lens is sharper and faster than the sigma, plus the weather proofing. But I'm curious by how much. Considering they're within the sane price range (relatively) I think it'd be a good comparison for even newer shooters

@AileDars Год назад

Nice video as always !!

@JornVangoidtsenhoven Год назад

Great video! I would be interested in seeing this lens compared to the 200-500 f/5.6 (is the new lens worth the upgrade?) and the 180-400 f/4 (is the extra f stop worth over 10K?). Thanks!

@SpaklesDr Год назад

out of focus areas look awesome. Very smooth.

@Guairenito Год назад

FINALLY Nikon. O my we have been waiting for this lens but now finally it is here. Z8 + 180-600mm = perfect setup for a starting wildlife shooter.

@enricomarconi8358 Год назад

Nikon!! What a great move!! No doubt will invite lots of people to even possibly switch to Nikon!!

@Photographersforyou 10 месяцев назад

As always great preview and I am sure your full review will be great. You asked about what tests to conduct once you have a full production copy so here goes. AF speed at 600mm and sharpness at 600mm wide open. If you have an 80-400mm nikon lens as I am upgrading from that. Also with VR on and continuous autofocus is there any Chromatic aberration in the images, as I noticed some lens misbehave when several shots are taken and VR On. Thanks as always, what ever you conduct Im sure it will be very informative.

@jodasile2 Год назад

What a great new! Would like to see this compared to the 400mm f4.5 S. Thanks for sharing!

@roderickwho1983 Год назад

Thanks Steve. You got some wonderful sample photos with that lens :-) I'd like to see a comparison to the Tamron 150-600 G2 ( with the adapter of course) when you get the production copy.

@kdikun Год назад

I'm really excited about this lens. I have really enjoyed the 200-500 and I would be happy to have an extra 100mm reach for birds while shaving off a tiny bit of weight. However, at my price point I'm not sure what body I would put this on. I have the Z50 but I don't find the autofocus good enough for photographing birds (my primary subject). And I can't afford a Z8. I like the extra "zoom" of a crop-sensor body, which I suppose I could get using a z7ii and using crop mode, or cropping in post, but is the AF system suitable for birds? I'm feeling a bit left behind by Nikon and feeling a bit impatient waiting around for a capable crop sensor camera.

@RichardUpstanding Год назад

Thanks, I’d like to see how it compares to the 400mm f4.5

@TheGarthinator 11 месяцев назад

I user the 200-500 for a long while, eventually I gave it to my dad when I got a 300 F/4, and about to pick up the 500 PF. I don't miss the zoom to much, however that extra reach was really nice for Birds in flight, hence getting the 500 prime. But when I move to mirrorless one day, this looks like a solid option.

@Raysnature Год назад

Loved my 200-500 so this sounds great.

@jake52072552 Год назад

h by the way your channel has helped me so much. Always a pleasure to view.

@mailtoswarup1 Год назад

Thank you for a great insight on the lens in a short time you got the lens to work with. Would love to see how it performs with Z6ii and Z7ii. I hope Nikon comes up with a goo APSC z series body. With this lens it will be a great combo for bird photography

@samuelsherman5513 Год назад

I started out with a z50 and the two kit lenses, using the 50-250mm for any wildlife shots. I finally got tired of waiting for this lens and bought a used F-mount 300mm F/4 PF and an FTZ which has been a massive improvement. I’m definitely considering upgrading to a Z6 II body with this lens as my next upgrade

@conchmk Год назад

Great review. I was considering acquiring the 100-400 now the I'm moving to the Z family. I'm now going to strongly consider this lens instead. Since I have the 200-500, and like it's versatility, this lens looks like a good move.

@annmccutcheon13 Год назад

Please also show test shots with the two TC’s attached! Excited for this lens.

@TRD_Kyle Год назад

This is excellent to see, it has been a long time coming. I moved from a 200-500 to a 500pf last year and have been extremely happy with it but did pick up a Tamron 100-400 just to have a bit of zoom ability when absolutely necessary. The weight and balance of the 200-500 always bothered me a bit so I am curious how this 180-600 will feel. I know the Sony 200--600 felt better when I tried it out in store. I would really like to see this lens compared against the 500pf, 400 f4.5 and the Nikon 100-400 with TCs. Those 3 are appealing to me because of the size and weight advantage they have over the 180-600 and hauling them around on some longer hikes. A niche use case that will likely have my Tamron 100-400 sticking around for a while as much as I want the Nikon version.

@user-fc6iv2bw2h Год назад

Great to see this announcement! Thanks for the quick review. Compare to NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S and the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

@grahamfinch1 Год назад

Hi Steve - thank you for the video. As a Nikon D500 user with the Sigma 150-600 contemporary I am really interested to know if the new 180-600 will be much sharper than the Sigma if I upgrade my camera to the Z9. The internal zoom feature is clearly better and I suspect image quality should be better too but how well does the Sigma hold up? Would the Z lens in crop mode on the Z9 be better than the Sigma either on my D500 or a Z9? Thanks.

@robinc-k7162 Год назад

Impressive looking lens! Would you please test it with the 500mm PF and the Nikon 100-400mm S lens? Great video, thanks!

@dimitrisskyhunter9827 Год назад

Definitely curious as to how it differs from the Tamron 150-600 G2

@romanhar4151 Год назад

Thanks for your review. I would like to see the comparision to the 70-200/2.8+TC2 (both @400mm). I orderd mine 🙂

@WatchmanNiel Год назад

I already see this as a compelling upgrade to my current Sigma 150-600mm Sport due to weight, but it would be phenomenal if you are able to determine how this new Nikon compares to it, the Contemporary, or even the Tamron 150-600.

@user-zp6jc9zu4w Год назад

Hi Steve, lovely review. Now all are awaiting the release of Z90 APSc Nikon body

@franktherabbit42 6 месяцев назад

I have just got mine this week. It's absolutely awesome, but it's an absolute unit! Weighs a fair bit. But the results speak for themselves.

@bernardlanguillier7970 Год назад

Thanks, a comparison vs the 400mm f4.5 S would be appreciated!

@gyalbobhutia2825 Год назад

Thanks for the Video and hope in future you will also compare it with 100-400z and autofocus speed on z6II/z7II and z8/z9

@craigpiferphotography Год назад

I'm not a Nikon shooter, and have no intentions to switch, but this would be a very tempting replacement for my Tamron 150-600. It will be interesting to see if Canon does anything to match this as their 100-500 is still out of my price range, and I do like the extra reach to 600. Really like the idea of internal zoom.

@joelcrow Год назад

First time I've EVER pre-ordered a lens on Nikon's website the day of announcement! This one is going to be awesome on my Z50 --- 900mm FTW!

@franciscop.fernandezjr.4210 Год назад

Hi Steve! I would be interested in how it compares to the 500PF in terms of AF speed and Image quality. Thanks

@davidledbitter3098 Год назад

Thanks for the review Steve. Your opinion on using this lens for motorsport? I use a Z9/FTZII and my 200-500 as well as a D500

@perrypasloski158 Год назад

ordered! now the wait for delivery!

@joseftimar5087 Год назад

Thank you for your (as always) excellent review, Steve! I would be very interested to hear about your experience with the Auto Capture and know more about the minimal distance, which can be set with different lenses. My own results have shown, that the minimal distance, which a lens allow for regular use can‘t be set in auto capture while using the lens with that function. As one example: The minimal distance of my Z 800mm f6.3 S is 5m, but with auto capture the nearest point to focus to set seems to be 16m, with TC 2x even doubled, to 32m, for the Z 105mm f2.8 MC S (minimal distance 29cm) 2,1 m. At both 20x of the focal length. For Z 20-120mm f4 S. I would be also interested on a test, how the image quality of the Z Nikkor 400mm f2.8 TC VR s with the internal TC compares with that of the 180-600m at 560mm. Thank you for the answers in advance!