NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR First Impressions
ISO800, 490mm, f6.3, 1/320s, Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR
Introduction
The NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR is a versatile and highly sought-after addition to Nikon’s telephoto lineup. Sporting an impressive focal range from 180mm to 600mm, it’s a frequently-used focal length for sport, wildlife and bird photographers.
I’m primarily a landscape and wedding photographer by trade, and honestly haven’t really tried my hand on these genres. When Nikon Singapore reached out and asked if I’d like to try this new lens. I decided, “why not?”.
So I took the NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR to the neighbourhood park to photograph some birds (mostly wild chickens), flowers, and even managed to photograph the blue “super moon” that graced our skies on the night of 31st August 2023.
ISO400, 600mm, f11, 1/125s (cropped at 100%), Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR
First Impressions
My time with the NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR was short-lived as I needed to return the lens to Nikon Singapore within a week, but boy did I have fun! It’s challenging to shoot at the 600mm end, as very little light hits the sensor at that focal length and I find myself cranking up the ISO even in broad daylight.
ISO800, 600mm, f6.3, 1/500s, Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR
Weight and Handling
The lens itself was a joy to use and operate, with a smooth and steady zoom ring. Focusing with the Z8 was really fast and easy as well. With the exception of the moon shot, all the images here were shot handheld as the Vibration Reduction (VR) performed really well.
The lens weights approximately 1955g, and balances really well on the Z8. The provided tripod collars makes for a well-balanced handle when I was simply walking around with the lens.
ISO2000, 600mm, f6.3, 1/320s, Nikon Z8 with NIKKOR Z 180-600MM F/5.6-6.3 VR
Final Thoughts and Price
The best part of this lens, to me was the price tag. At $2,699 SGD (MSRP), I’m shocked at how affordable this lens is in terms of value vs performance. If you’re a budding bird or sports photographer looking to enter the genre, this is a serious lens to consider as your first foray into telephoto zooms for the Nikon Z mount.
