After a relatively quiet 2022 Ricci is once again working on fumes. Comparing the lens to all of the other lenses is something we’re not likely to see from anyone else, so one heck of a job by Ricci.
Thank you so much for the great video! A great lens, like all native Z-mount lenses - and for me a must have. To be fair, the 100-400 lens plus teleconverter does not look worse than the 180-600 lens plus teleconverter. A further video with a comparison at 400 mm, and at 200 mm (including the 70-200 and the two super zoom lenses: 100-400 and 24-200) would also be interesting. The inner zoom speaks clearly for the 180-600 mm lens as compared to the 100-400 lens, in terms of sealing.
Simply the BEST review of the Nikon 180-600 Z lens so far.. Unlike the other reviews where just the specs are being discussed pointlessly, the ever so detailed comparisons here, along with analysis of it with other lenses including picture comparisons.. Just the thing any potential decision maker is looking for.. Thanks
18:50 this is what everyone wants from a review , you are the only one that let us see the image quality differences without having to download RAW files of each lens. I like the simplicity and maximum informative style of your channel videos. Keep it up! As for the new lens, it seems to be super sharp compared to what we used to see in zoom lenses. This lens is definitely going to be my goal to buy, cause I did want great Telephoto lens for a long time.
As a Canon user, this lens definitely deserves praise. When I compare it to Canon Rf 100-500mm, it has "mm" value in "f" value, no teleconverter usage restriction and it's great with its price. Congratulations Nikon, your comeback has been really great.🙌👏👏👏
The 100-500 is a great lens. It is light weight and portable. But come on Canon! Everybody has a sub-$2,000.00 150, 180 or 200 to 600mm 5.6-6.3 lens! Why are we (Canon users) paying $1,000.00 more for a shorter, slower (at longest focal length) lens?
@@AtaBoraBasar I have never understood why someone buys Canon. They were always a lot more expensive than the competition. Just like Apple: More money for less.
Ignoring the 200-500, considering the 180-600 is 40%cheaper than the next cheapest lens that being the 100-400, and the difference going up quickly from there, I think it holds up really well. The bokeh and background blur is very nice without having to add the qualifier, "for the price." Nikon is going to sell a ton of these and I will most likely buy one even though I already own the 100-400. The only thing which would dissuade me is if Nikon's next announcement is a 600 version of the 400 f4.5. A spiritual Z-mount replacement for the 500 f5.6 PF if you will. Kudos for taking the time to do all the comparisons, it is definitely what most people who tuned in wanted to see!
A spectacular video!!! I own the 100-400 S and the 400 f 4.5 S and use them on the Z 9 and Z 8. I intended to get the 180-600 ASAP. It was a Long Wait! I have pre-ordered it all ready.
hI David , between the 100-400 and 400 f4.5 S which one you think is better if I am not shooting macro or landscape as I have other lenses to cover up to 200mm. I like the 400 f4.5 in term of more lower ISO due to aperture but how it is compare to focus speed and uses to zoom 100-400 Z?
@@graemechow88 I use the 400 f 4.5 more. It focuses faster! However then you don't have the ability to compose the 100-400 has. As you are covered to 200mm I would go to the 400 lens! I use that on a Z 8 now FULL TIME!
I wasn’t even one of the people who have been clamoring for this lens, but wow, looks terrific. Great focal range, competitive launch price, TC compatibility (and the Z teleconverters are so good), internal zoom, nice weight, custom function buttons, focus seems fast and reliable, out-of-focus-rendering looks pleasant… I’m sure I missed several positive points (it was a half-hour’s worth of information to digest, after all!), but for me that seems like rather enough to recommend it. I guess I didn’t say anything about sharpness because I watched this before the higher resolution versions of the video had rendered, so I was watching in SD-but from what you said, which I trust, and from what I could see, it looks like a lot of lens for the price. Congrats for 45k, and congrats in advance for 50K!
For the price alone, everything is forgiven. Base on the pictures, it is sharp enough for me. Now we have many oprions tp choose from? I will still say the 100-400 is a good compromise in terms of reach and aperture
Thank you Ricci! Just saw this on Wex and then your vid popped up answering all, and I mean all, my questions. You really have a gift for imparting a load of information in a short space of time in an interesting and coherent fashion. Thank you so much 😎🎥
Thanks Ricci. A very informative review. Having just purchased the Z8, I think this new 180-600 lens is where I’m going to for my wildlife and airshow photography. Roll on August!
Excellent overview and appreciate all the detailed comparisons, observations, and assessments. The lens comparisons section was the best since I was very curious where this lens compared to the other usual suspects, so thanks for that side-by-side comparison while using a simple process!
Thanks Ricci for a great review. I have been looking for a replacement for my 200-500 and was considering the Z 100-400 to go on my Z6II but after watching this and listening to your thoughts I think the 180-600 will be the next lens for me.
Thanks for the great video, it’s really helpful and I’m sure you are helping many people. I would love to see the 70-200 f4 F lens compared to the new 70-180. I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who is waiting for a native Z lens that I can switch to from it…
I think this video sealed the deal for me. I have really wanted the 100-400 for so long. I rented it for a week last year and fell in love with it. A big plus with the 100-400 is close focusing distance. I think though I can live with out that for the extra telephoto ability the 180-600 offers.
Hi Ricci, you did a nice job reviewing this lens. Very thorough. I'm so glad you covered the closest focus distance as that's important for my work. Are you comfortable letting the weight of the lens be supported by the camera body mount alone? I've never had that mount fail, but curious if you took the foot off if depending on the mounting ring alone would possibly fail after extended use. Thanks. It's a great advantage for me that the lens does not physically get longer or shorter when zooming so I can use static camouflage. Btw, that house sparrow at 18:37 kills off so many songbirds, truly a grizzly little bird species.
I definitely want it... I have the old 200-500 and I just prefer native Z glass. That being said, the 200-500 is my least used lens nowadays so I can't really justify the expense of switching. The 70-180 f/2.8 probably makes more sense for me and I'm looking forward to what you have to say about that lens, especially if you have the old F mount 70-200 f/4 to compare it to. Maybe I'll pick this up in a few years when it makes more sense for me :)
Great video and a Fantastic review Ricci, Thanks. I especially like all the comparisons you made with other lenses, it leaves no doubt in anyone's mind what that lens is capable of. It's a beast of a lens and at the price it's a heck of a good purchase.
Thanks for this great comparison. I was a bit disappointed by the results of the 100-400 next to it but I guess one other saving grace for the 100-400 is the fact that you can get much closer to your subject giving you a near macro like shooting experience. I ordered one even though I already have the 100-400 and will have to see how comfortable I am using and traveling with it. Keep up the great work!
Sold my 200-500 a few weeks ago and bought a new 500 pf for 2100 € for my z6 ii. Fits connected to my camera in my bag, which wasnt possible with the 200-500 or 180-600. Weight is also too high for my liking. A 600mm 5.6 pf native z for under 4 k would be awesome
Super interesting video, the lens is on my wishlist... a comparison between the new 70-180 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 lens would be much appreciated - a choice I have to make soon.
Thank you for showing the focus test with the different AF modes!!!! Super helpful. This one is going in my birding kit. Thanks again for the thorough review and comparison with so many different lenses.
This is the best lens overview on YT, yet again. I have almost lost faith in the photo community when some camera personalities have over 1 million subs and you are less than 50k. The lens is assuredly the best lens value in the industry. While I do not have the budget for what I would want, and seldom need 600mm, this one is on my wish list. One trait of this lens that was evident in all the comparison shoots was how creamy the out of focus rendering was. With the field shots and the test shots, that traits shined through. One can pre-order one now but there will be such a demand that it might take awhile for production to catch up to demand. The 180-600 is going to be very popular and might sway a lot of fence sitters to choose Z bodies over competition based on this lenses.
Please write the focal lengths and specs used when showing the image quality comparison bigger. I can’t barely tell which lens I’m looking at because how small those letters are . Excellent review
So far I think this lens is PERFECT for the price/weight/purpose. Obviously there better lenses, but 10x more expensive and 3 times heavier. And the fact that is internal Zoom/focus is just the 🍒 on top. Sony must be freaking out!!!!!
Actually glad I bought the 500 pf used instead of waiting an eternity for this lens. This thing was going to live at the top end of the focal range for me anyway and now that I’ve gone to primes for my superteles I can’t see myself going back
I have the 500pf and it had been a great lens on the D850. For BIF in many conditions, it was not fast enough with a TC1.4. Having VR in both the lens and camera could be a major advantage.
Many thanks for the video. I'm after a zoom for my Z8 and your comparison has helped. One 'would be nice if' - when you show the shots with the details in the top left, adding the actual focal length of the shot. This would allow us to judge centre and edge clarity across the range for a more informed view of your photos. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for the in depth review, have mine on order, although I have the 100-400 as well as the 500pF and 800PF I feel a long zoom is always a benefit to have for it's flexibility. If doing a birding trip I see this on one body and a prime on the other and I'm all set to go. Thanks again - Jeff
Great comparison! The main thing its missing for me are image quality comparisons at other focal legths. I think fewer people are deciding between the 180-600 and a prime lens than there are people that have to decide between the 180-600, the 100-400 and the 200-500. So it would be awesome to see a comparison between these lenses at the same focal lenghts.
At last it's here! I eventually bought a used 500 PF after giving up waiting. And I shan't be changing that now as it's smaller, lighter, faster, closer focussing and better resolution. I'll live with the lack of flexibility as I'm sure the 18-600 would be used mostly at the long end. A good and comprehensive review of the options, Ricci. Thank you.
I swapped to the 500pf last year from a 200-500 as well. Still have a D500 to keep compatibility with otherwise I might have gone 400 f4.5 + TCs to be even smaller and lighter yet. Before the 500pf the 180-600 would have been an instant buy from me. Going back up to the size and weight of the 180-600 after being on the 500pf for a while would be a bit of a pill to swallow along with the IQ drop.
@@JankyJymClimbing I agree completely. A year ago the 180-600 would have been an immediate must-have. If I wanted a change the 400 f4.5 would be my first choice. But I've already got an F mount TC and a 300 PF so I shall keep my wife happy by not throwing any more money around.
Extremely interesting and useful video Ricci. I have the 400 F4.5 - it is a superb lens. My dilemma is - do I need that extra focal length, yes from time to time. And I do really appreciate the flexibility of a zoom. Extremely tempting, and wonder how long I can be without the 180-600 ! Looking like the best all round wildlife lens (for the occasions when I shoot wildlife). Guess it will be a top selling lens
great review, great glass by Nikon after making us wait for 3 years, Nikon took a bold decision of making 180mm which will impact its 100-400 sales. Nikon is Late but latest, Nikon back into the business. The only aspect missing now is Nikon D500 variant, a 32MP apse body with 20fps.
Great video and interesting to see your comparison between the Z 100-400mm and the Z 180-600 being slightly sharper. I am currently looking to get one of those as an addition to the Z 400mm 2.8 and very likely it is going to be the non S one.
Hi Ricci, love your channel Just a suggestion - it would bed helpful to know the focal length used when looking at sample images taken with zoom lenses. We might assume these are all at 600 but particularly with variable aperture and variable close focus distance this may be times when one might prefer to crop.
Thank you, Great review. I decided to buy this lens based on your review. I already have the Nikon 500 F4 VR2, This is a great lens but i feel that i can do more with this lens. The editing from Photoshop will compensate for sharpness and saturation contrast.
Awesome work Ricci, thanks for this. 180-600 @ 600mm is definitely better wide open than the 100-400 S @ 400mm wide open. Given the 180-600 is not an S that's remarkable result. I think it makes the price of the 100-400 S untenable, it's not worth $1K more at all. The 180-600 is much better than the 100-400 S + 1.4x too.
Another excellent and informative video Ricci and very well done to you. I’ve been waiting for this lens a really long time and it doesn’t seem that I’ll be disappointed. I was really interested in seeing the actual zoom rotation distance which seems fabulous and the quality at 600mm which seems to surpass the 200-500 at 500 and as important it’s lighter. So improvements where I wanted to see them. Excellent, we just need the lens now!
Great review and appreciate the thorough comparison to all the other lenses available using the same test subject, which is just what I wanted to see. Been waiting for this lens since we got a Z7 four years ago, sadly just ordered a Z8 so now we're going to have to get 2!! 😬
Waiting so long for this range...previously I was impressed with Sony 200-600mm lens. Since moving back to Nikon, this 180-600 is really welcoming lens
Great comparison review! You hit all the questions I have about the lens. Looks great, will have to see if I can save up enough to justify getting it in addition to the 200 - 500. 😜
Great lens and great review. Interesting to see the 180-600 vs 400/4.5+TC1.4X and 800PF. 400/4.5+TC combo has the advantage of being around 620g lighter (wo tripod feet), and it still fits sideways in my Lowepro Protactic BP 450 II with the Z9.
Really helpful review as always Ricci. Thank you. I have the Z 400 f4.5 which I love too. Your review has helped me make up my mind about what way to go for longer reach and have decided, despite the extra cost, on the Z 800 f6.3.
Really appreciate your channel nd no bs approach to your videos. I sold My D850 and bought the Z8. Iam so thrilled to have the level of focus that I’ve never had. Just amazing. I usually buy RRS lbrackets but with the price an ounce of over$200 I ordered the small rig full . We’ll see how it works. Ricci alot of comments on the update to theZ9 ”4.0”. I so hope we get the exposure delay and the auto zone capture to the Z8. In your opinion do you think we’ll get those? I live in southeast alaska and would love the zone feature!!! Keep up the great work
Hi Ricci, I have been watching your UA-cam channel for a while now. I thoroughly enjoy the content and have come to rely on it when making Nikon equipment purchasing decisions. As such, I have a suggestion for a new video for you to make. With the release of the new Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 lens many UA-camrs (yourself included) have done introductory videos, but NO ONE (and believe me I have looked and looked) has shown the lens on the Z6ii (or Z5, 6, 7, 7ii) with the lower megapixel sensor and less responsive Auto focus. I can only find videos showing the lens with the Z8 or Z9 (it’s actually spooky, it’s like these are the only Z cameras anymore). A whole huge segment of the market has been ignored. I am sure there are 10’s of thousands of Z6ii owners, many of whom have been waiting for the release of this lens and are looking for some information before spending their hard earned cash (myself included). I’d be interested in a video showing how fast the AF is with this lens compared to the 200-500 with an FTZ, both using the Z6ii (and between the Z6ii and the Z8 or Z9). I’d like to see how sharp the images from this lens are compared to the 200-500, both using the Z6ii. I’d like to see if it makes a difference on the Z6ii with or without the MB-N11 grip (faster to AF or something). I’d like to see what the low light performance is using this lens with the Z6ii. I’d like to see how responsive this combo is for BIF images (better, worse, or the same as with the 200-500, both using the Z6ii). I’d even like to know how the balance is using this lens and camera combo with and without the MB-N11. As a wildlife photographer who uses a Z6ii currently, I am really looking forward to someone providing this kind of information. Thank you again for all your wonderful videos and sharing your knowledge. Thank you also for considering this request. Happy Shooting… Rich
Thank you for this incredibly through review! I dont even have a Z mount camera (rocking a D7200) but your review was still a great watch, especially the comparisons section was super useful.
Excellent comparison without fluff. Nice video. After watching this, it seems the 180-600 is the ideal lens for a zoom to be paired with a prime when you need versatility. This with the 500PF, 400 f/4.5, 800PF, or 600 would be an amazing combination to carry around (well, lug around). Seems to be the only video around at the moment with actual side-by-side comparisons.
I appreciate the wealth of thorough comparison info you provide to us for every new Nikon product. I currently have the 100-400mm, and I've pre-ordered the 180-600mm. Looking forward to many years of extra reach for wildlife photography!
Best presentation of this awesome lens, Ricci! Love it!!! I watched the rest of guys who have test it, but your test is superior! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 For now i use 200 500 FTZ with Z9 and this video was Very usefull to decide that is the best lens for me! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Hello Ricci, This look so nice I see were to 70mm-180mm fit in the range now. I will be interested to see this one. Keep well, keep safe and stay happy.
I got tired of waiting for this lens and bought a F-mount 300mm F/4 back in January, but now I guess I’ll have to end up picking one of these up now too
Hi Ricci, new to your channel, excellent delivery and clarity when discussing the new 180-600 , will now have to trawl backwards to see what else you've been talking about !
The go to channel for Nikon gear information. No goofy gimmicks, no hyperbole or clickbait titles and you know that he’s had the lens/camera for a while to actually run it through its paces. Plus the fun of wondering what he has and is secretly testing that we will find out about in the future. 😬🤷🏼♂️
With 105K views and only 47.7K subscribers my belief is that the rest are lurking and stealing your content ideas for their UA-cam videos. Just Shameful. Your the Best! Cheers!
Ricci - Always the best reviews out there. THANK you. I never liked the 200-500 (slow focus, huge throw and the image quality I felt was Nikon's worst) and was leaning towards the 100-400 as I've enjoyed the times I've borrowed it (sharp, light and great quality). This one looks like it fixes a lot of the 200-500 issues. I do wish the aperture was a bit better but for the price this is an incredible lens. I look forward to borrowing one to compare for myself but I think this will go on my shopping list instead of the 100-400.
sounds like you had a bad copy, I have the Nikon 200-500 coupled to a Nikon d4 and my shots are super sharp,plus I find the focus is quite fast, great!
@@MurielLitchfield must have had 3 bad copies then. Got a loaner 3x and all 3 times said never again. 25 yrs of shooting Nikon and by far the worst lens I’ve ever used.
Would love to see a focus speed test with it on the Z50, as that’s all I have at the moment until the Z500 comes out! Been using the z50 along with the D500 on my 500mm pf. Would the focus speed be better with the z50 and a Z Mount 180-600mm? Great in-depth video👍
Nice comparisons and well summarized. It would be interesting to compare with very professional but old lenses such as AF-S 500 / f:4 and 200-400 / F:4 for example. These lenses can be bought for reasonable money today.
Ricci, it oblivious that you would use either the Z9 or Z8 for focusing test which are Nikon best AF camera. But for us hobbyist photographer who can't afford or justify the price of the Z9 or Z8. It would really excellent to compare the Z50 (which I own) with this new lens and the F mount 200-500 with the FTZ for focus speed. Also it would be great to compare AF of the D500 to the Z50. it may be a bit hard to compare, but as you know Nikon has left us hobbyist photographer in dark when it comes to AF with their current offering (Z50, Z5, Z6II and Z7II).
After a relatively quiet 2022 Ricci is once again working on fumes. Comparing the lens to all of the other lenses is something we’re not likely to see from anyone else, so one heck of a job by Ricci.
but I don't agree that it is better than my 100-400!
@@gosman949 It is but ok 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for the support !
@@RicciTalksIf it is then it’s just gone onto my shopping list as the 100-400 is great
Thank you so much for the great video! A great lens, like all native Z-mount lenses - and for me a must have. To be fair, the 100-400 lens plus teleconverter does not look worse than the 180-600 lens plus teleconverter. A further video with a comparison at 400 mm, and at 200 mm (including the 70-200 and the two super zoom lenses: 100-400 and 24-200) would also be interesting. The inner zoom speaks clearly for the 180-600 mm lens as compared to the 100-400 lens, in terms of sealing.
Simply the BEST review of the Nikon 180-600 Z lens so far.. Unlike the other reviews where just the specs are being discussed pointlessly, the ever so detailed comparisons here, along with analysis of it with other lenses including picture comparisons.. Just the thing any potential decision maker is looking for.. Thanks
18:50 this is what everyone wants from a review , you are the only one that let us see the image quality differences without having to download RAW files of each lens. I like the simplicity and maximum informative style of your channel videos. Keep it up! As for the new lens, it seems to be super sharp compared to what we used to see in zoom lenses. This lens is definitely going to be my goal to buy, cause I did want great Telephoto lens for a long time.
Update as of January 2024, I own this lens now.
Thank you so much for all the hard work to put out a thorough video.
Iv missed out on a lot of sleep 🤣
As a Canon user, this lens definitely deserves praise. When I compare it to Canon Rf 100-500mm, it has "mm" value in "f" value, no teleconverter usage restriction and it's great with its price. Congratulations Nikon, your comeback has been really great.🙌👏👏👏
The 100-500 is a great lens. It is light weight and portable. But come on Canon! Everybody has a sub-$2,000.00 150, 180 or 200 to 600mm 5.6-6.3 lens! Why are we (Canon users) paying $1,000.00 more for a shorter, slower (at longest focal length) lens?
@@alansach8437 Absolutely correct fix. that's why I keep using my Canon Ef 100-400mm v2 lens, because the $1000 difference seems pointless to me 😉
@@AtaBoraBasar I have never understood why someone buys Canon. They were always a lot more expensive than the competition. Just like Apple: More money for less.
Ignoring the 200-500, considering the 180-600 is 40%cheaper than the next cheapest lens that being the 100-400, and the difference going up quickly from there, I think it holds up really well. The bokeh and background blur is very nice without having to add the qualifier, "for the price." Nikon is going to sell a ton of these and I will most likely buy one even though I already own the 100-400. The only thing which would dissuade me is if Nikon's next announcement is a 600 version of the 400 f4.5. A spiritual Z-mount replacement for the 500 f5.6 PF if you will. Kudos for taking the time to do all the comparisons, it is definitely what most people who tuned in wanted to see!
A spectacular video!!! I own the 100-400 S and the 400 f 4.5 S and use them on the Z 9 and Z 8. I intended to get the 180-600 ASAP. It was a Long Wait! I have pre-ordered it all ready.
Hope you get it soon !
hI David , between the 100-400 and 400 f4.5 S which one you think is better if I am not shooting macro or landscape as I have other lenses to cover up to 200mm. I like the 400 f4.5 in term of more lower ISO due to aperture but how it is compare to focus speed and uses to zoom 100-400 Z?
@@graemechow88 I use the 400 f 4.5 more. It focuses faster! However then you don't have the ability to compose the 100-400 has. As you are covered to 200mm I would go to the 400 lens! I use that on a Z 8 now FULL TIME!
I wasn’t even one of the people who have been clamoring for this lens, but wow, looks terrific. Great focal range, competitive launch price, TC compatibility (and the Z teleconverters are so good), internal zoom, nice weight, custom function buttons, focus seems fast and reliable, out-of-focus-rendering looks pleasant… I’m sure I missed several positive points (it was a half-hour’s worth of information to digest, after all!), but for me that seems like rather enough to recommend it. I guess I didn’t say anything about sharpness because I watched this before the higher resolution versions of the video had rendered, so I was watching in SD-but from what you said, which I trust, and from what I could see, it looks like a lot of lens for the price.
Congrats for 45k, and congrats in advance for 50K!
For the price alone, everything is forgiven. Base on the pictures, it is sharp enough for me. Now we have many oprions tp choose from? I will still say the 100-400 is a good compromise in terms of reach and aperture
Thank you Ricci! Just saw this on Wex and then your vid popped up answering all, and I mean all, my questions. You really have a gift for imparting a load of information in a short space of time in an interesting and coherent fashion. Thank you so much 😎🎥
Thank you for watching ! 😊
Really liked your talking through the sample files - much more helpful and interesting than just showing the pics
Really good to know 😊
After 4 years it's finally here. Nikon will sell truckloads of this lens 👍👍
Tactical to sell the other telephoto lenses before this.
It is by far the cheapest tele up to 600mm as far as I know
Thanks Ricci. A very informative review. Having just purchased the Z8, I think this new 180-600 lens is where I’m going to for my wildlife and airshow photography. Roll on August!
Excellent overview and appreciate all the detailed comparisons, observations, and assessments. The lens comparisons section was the best since I was very curious where this lens compared to the other usual suspects, so thanks for that side-by-side comparison while using a simple process!
As always Ricci - a stellar review and great overview to this lens - well done :)
-PD
Thanks Ricci for a great review. I have been looking for a replacement for my 200-500 and was considering the Z 100-400 to go on my Z6II but after watching this and listening to your thoughts I think the 180-600 will be the next lens for me.
Thank you so much Ricci, great review. This lens is really something to consider.
So happy the 180-600 lens is available for preorder! 🎉
Same. I’m hyped
Yea!!! Finally. Ricci, unbelievably thorough review and comparisons. You’ve out done yourself. Thank you for such effort!
Thank you so much !
It certainly took some time
@@RicciTalks I’ve placed my pre-order. Hopefully Nikon built up some early inventory for the launch.
Thanks for the great video, it’s really helpful and I’m sure you are helping many people.
I would love to see the 70-200 f4 F lens compared to the new 70-180. I’m guessing that I’m not the only one who is waiting for a native Z lens that I can switch to from it…
I think this video sealed the deal for me. I have really wanted the 100-400 for so long. I rented it for a week last year and fell in love with it. A big plus with the 100-400 is close focusing distance. I think though I can live with out that for the extra telephoto ability the 180-600 offers.
Hi Ricci, you did a nice job reviewing this lens. Very thorough. I'm so glad you covered the closest focus distance as that's important for my work. Are you comfortable letting the weight of the lens be supported by the camera body mount alone? I've never had that mount fail, but curious if you took the foot off if depending on the mounting ring alone would possibly fail after extended use. Thanks. It's a great advantage for me that the lens does not physically get longer or shorter when zooming so I can use static camouflage. Btw, that house sparrow at 18:37 kills off so many songbirds, truly a grizzly little bird species.
I definitely want it... I have the old 200-500 and I just prefer native Z glass.
That being said, the 200-500 is my least used lens nowadays so I can't really justify the expense of switching. The 70-180 f/2.8 probably makes more sense for me and I'm looking forward to what you have to say about that lens, especially if you have the old F mount 70-200 f/4 to compare it to.
Maybe I'll pick this up in a few years when it makes more sense for me :)
Great video and a Fantastic review Ricci, Thanks.
I especially like all the comparisons you made with other lenses, it leaves no doubt in anyone's mind what that lens is capable of. It's a beast of a lens and at the price it's a heck of a good purchase.
Cheers for this first look Ricci. So glad this lens has finally been released. My pre-order was placed at Grey's first thing this morning! 🙂
Terrific, Nikon have a winner ;)
Thanks for this great comparison. I was a bit disappointed by the results of the 100-400 next to it but I guess one other saving grace for the 100-400 is the fact that you can get much closer to your subject giving you a near macro like shooting experience. I ordered one even though I already have the 100-400 and will have to see how comfortable I am using and traveling with it. Keep up the great work!
Sold my 200-500 a few weeks ago and bought a new 500 pf for 2100 € for my z6 ii. Fits connected to my camera in my bag, which wasnt possible with the 200-500 or 180-600. Weight is also too high for my liking.
A 600mm 5.6 pf native z for under 4 k would be awesome
Looks amazing, thanks for all your work Ricci i am going to start putting some money away for this, it looks incredible.
Super interesting video, the lens is on my wishlist... a comparison between the new 70-180 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 lens would be much appreciated - a choice I have to make soon.
Thank you for showing the focus test with the different AF modes!!!! Super helpful. This one is going in my birding kit. Thanks again for the thorough review and comparison with so many different lenses.
Thanks for watching it all 😊
This is the best lens overview on YT, yet again. I have almost lost faith in the photo community when some camera personalities have over 1 million subs and you are less than 50k.
The lens is assuredly the best lens value in the industry. While I do not have the budget for what I would want, and seldom need 600mm, this one is on my wish list. One trait of this lens that was evident in all the comparison shoots was how creamy the out of focus rendering was. With the field shots and the test shots, that traits shined through.
One can pre-order one now but there will be such a demand that it might take awhile for production to catch up to demand. The 180-600 is going to be very popular and might sway a lot of fence sitters to choose Z bodies over competition based on this lenses.
Really nice work... Shows the ton of effort which you have put into the review... And all for us consumers... An amazing review...
Morning. I thought the addition of you chatting through sample images was particularly informative. Thanks as always, Simon.
Please write the focal lengths and specs used when showing the image quality comparison bigger.
I can’t barely tell which lens I’m looking at because how small those letters are .
Excellent review
Nikon as so lucky to have you testing their products.
So far I think this lens is PERFECT for the price/weight/purpose. Obviously there better lenses, but 10x more expensive and 3 times heavier. And the fact that is internal Zoom/focus is just the 🍒 on top. Sony must be freaking out!!!!!
Actually glad I bought the 500 pf used instead of waiting an eternity for this lens. This thing was going to live at the top end of the focal range for me anyway and now that I’ve gone to primes for my superteles I can’t see myself going back
I have the 500pf and it had been a great lens on the D850. For BIF in many conditions, it was not fast enough with a TC1.4. Having VR in both the lens and camera could be a major advantage.
Many thanks for the video. I'm after a zoom for my Z8 and your comparison has helped.
One 'would be nice if' - when you show the shots with the details in the top left, adding the actual focal length of the shot. This would allow us to judge centre and edge clarity across the range for a more informed view of your photos.
Thanks again.
Thanks so much for the in depth review, have mine on order, although I have the 100-400 as well as the 500pF and 800PF I feel a long zoom is always a benefit to have for it's flexibility. If doing a birding trip I see this on one body and a prime on the other and I'm all set to go. Thanks again - Jeff
Great comparison! The main thing its missing for me are image quality comparisons at other focal legths. I think fewer people are deciding between the 180-600 and a prime lens than there are people that have to decide between the 180-600, the 100-400 and the 200-500. So it would be awesome to see a comparison between these lenses at the same focal lenghts.
At last it's here! I eventually bought a used 500 PF after giving up waiting. And I shan't be changing that now as it's smaller, lighter, faster, closer focussing and better resolution. I'll live with the lack of flexibility as I'm sure the 18-600 would be used mostly at the long end. A good and comprehensive review of the options, Ricci. Thank you.
I swapped to the 500pf last year from a 200-500 as well. Still have a D500 to keep compatibility with otherwise I might have gone 400 f4.5 + TCs to be even smaller and lighter yet. Before the 500pf the 180-600 would have been an instant buy from me. Going back up to the size and weight of the 180-600 after being on the 500pf for a while would be a bit of a pill to swallow along with the IQ drop.
@@JankyJymClimbing I agree completely. A year ago the 180-600 would have been an immediate must-have. If I wanted a change the 400 f4.5 would be my first choice. But I've already got an F mount TC and a 300 PF so I shall keep my wife happy by not throwing any more money around.
Nice review although was hoping Nikon would produce a Z mount 600mm pf lens.
@@billblackledge2679 And if they did I think I'd have to find the pennies to buy it! That would be perfect.
Tree sparrow.... Nice find.
Best and most comprehensive review out there. Really impressive job!
Extremely interesting and useful video Ricci. I have the 400 F4.5 - it is a superb lens. My dilemma is - do I need that extra focal length, yes from time to time. And I do really appreciate the flexibility of a zoom. Extremely tempting, and wonder how long I can be without the 180-600 ! Looking like the best all round wildlife lens (for the occasions when I shoot wildlife). Guess it will be a top selling lens
Excellent introduction to this exciting new lens. I am sure it is going to be very popular in the wildlife photography community.
Thumb up for this
I am looking for this kind of comparison
Thanks
great review, great glass by Nikon after making us wait for 3 years, Nikon took a bold decision of making 180mm which will impact its 100-400 sales. Nikon is Late but latest, Nikon back into the business. The only aspect missing now is Nikon D500 variant, a 32MP apse body with 20fps.
Great video and interesting to see your comparison between the Z 100-400mm and the Z 180-600 being slightly sharper. I am currently looking to get one of those as an addition to the Z 400mm 2.8 and very likely it is going to be the non S one.
Hi Ricci, love your channel Just a suggestion - it would bed helpful to know the focal length used when looking at sample images taken with zoom lenses. We might assume these are all at 600 but particularly with variable aperture and variable close focus distance this may be times when one might prefer to crop.
Thank you, Great review. I decided to buy this lens based on your review. I already have the Nikon 500 F4 VR2, This is a great lens but i feel that i can do more with this lens. The editing from Photoshop will compensate for sharpness and saturation contrast.
A great review, comparing to the other lens helps us see a clearer picture of what we are purchasing.
Great video Ricci. This new lens puts that venerable old 200-500 to shame. Oh well, I still love my 200-500.
Awesome work Ricci, thanks for this. 180-600 @ 600mm is definitely better wide open than the 100-400 S @ 400mm wide open. Given the 180-600 is not an S that's remarkable result. I think it makes the price of the 100-400 S untenable, it's not worth $1K more at all. The 180-600 is much better than the 100-400 S + 1.4x too.
Another excellent and informative video Ricci and very well done to you. I’ve been waiting for this lens a really long time and it doesn’t seem that I’ll be disappointed. I was really interested in seeing the actual zoom rotation distance which seems fabulous and the quality at 600mm which seems to surpass the 200-500 at 500 and as important it’s lighter. So improvements where I wanted to see them. Excellent, we just need the lens now!
Thanks for watching !
The zoom distance is reallly nice and short
@@RicciTalks After the excessive turn on the 200-500 this will be wonderful.
Great review and appreciate the thorough comparison to all the other lenses available using the same test subject, which is just what I wanted to see. Been waiting for this lens since we got a Z7 four years ago, sadly just ordered a Z8 so now we're going to have to get 2!! 😬
Thanks for the best review, I' ve already pre ordered.
Thanks for watching it
Thanks Ricci, this was tremendous helpful to take my buying decision (Z8+180-600) and to my surprise I can pick it up coming Monday
Waiting so long for this range...previously I was impressed with Sony 200-600mm lens. Since moving back to Nikon, this 180-600 is really welcoming lens
Great comparison review! You hit all the questions I have about the lens. Looks great, will have to see if I can save up enough to justify getting it in addition to the 200 - 500. 😜
Great lens and great review. Interesting to see the 180-600 vs 400/4.5+TC1.4X and 800PF. 400/4.5+TC combo has the advantage of being around 620g lighter (wo tripod feet), and it still fits sideways in my Lowepro Protactic BP 450 II with the Z9.
Great review. My exchequer will have to recover from buying the 100-400 before I entertain this.
I have this on order and can't wait to get my hands on it. I'd like to see a few photos of it at 600mm with the 2xTC attached.
Excellent Ricci. I think I’ll be sticking with my 100-400mm and 800mm PF combination. I couldn’t carry around two large lenses!
Definitely will be getting one... ❤
Yes me too😊
Excellent video comparison
Wow I just bought one
and a whole filters set for landscape from Kase. Can't wait to try! It's a very good camera!
Really helpful review as always Ricci. Thank you. I have the Z 400 f4.5 which I love too. Your review has helped me make up my mind about what way to go for longer reach and have decided, despite the extra cost, on the Z 800 f6.3.
Great to hear you found it useful
great review Ricci! Can't wait to get this as I'll be in the Chilean fjords in November and this will be the perfect lens for that trip!
Really appreciate your channel nd no bs approach to your videos. I sold My D850 and bought the Z8. Iam so thrilled to have the level of focus that I’ve never had. Just amazing. I usually buy RRS lbrackets but with the price an ounce of over$200 I ordered the small rig full . We’ll see how it works. Ricci alot of comments on the update to theZ9 ”4.0”. I so hope we get the exposure delay and the auto zone capture to the Z8. In your opinion do you think we’ll get those? I live in southeast alaska and would love the zone feature!!! Keep up the great work
Excellent and detailed review, Ricci. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Ricci,
I have been watching your UA-cam channel for a while now. I thoroughly enjoy the content and have come to rely on it when making Nikon equipment purchasing decisions. As such, I have a suggestion for a new video for you to make. With the release of the new Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 lens many UA-camrs (yourself included) have done introductory videos, but NO ONE (and believe me I have looked and looked) has shown the lens on the Z6ii (or Z5, 6, 7, 7ii) with the lower megapixel sensor and less responsive Auto focus. I can only find videos showing the lens with the Z8 or Z9 (it’s actually spooky, it’s like these are the only Z cameras anymore). A whole huge segment of the market has been ignored. I am sure there are 10’s of thousands of Z6ii owners, many of whom have been waiting for the release of this lens and are looking for some information before spending their hard earned cash (myself included).
I’d be interested in a video showing how fast the AF is with this lens compared to the 200-500 with an FTZ, both using the Z6ii (and between the Z6ii and the Z8 or Z9). I’d like to see how sharp the images from this lens are compared to the 200-500, both using the Z6ii. I’d like to see if it makes a difference on the Z6ii with or without the MB-N11 grip (faster to AF or something). I’d like to see what the low light performance is using this lens with the Z6ii. I’d like to see how responsive this combo is for BIF images (better, worse, or the same as with the 200-500, both using the Z6ii). I’d even like to know how the balance is using this lens and camera combo with and without the MB-N11.
As a wildlife photographer who uses a Z6ii currently, I am really looking forward to someone providing this kind of information.
Thank you again for all your wonderful videos and sharing your knowledge. Thank you also for considering this request. Happy Shooting…
Rich
Thank you for this incredibly through review! I dont even have a Z mount camera (rocking a D7200) but your review was still a great watch, especially the comparisons section was super useful.
Excellent comparison without fluff. Nice video. After watching this, it seems the 180-600 is the ideal lens for a zoom to be paired with a prime when you need versatility. This with the 500PF, 400 f/4.5, 800PF, or 600 would be an amazing combination to carry around (well, lug around). Seems to be the only video around at the moment with actual side-by-side comparisons.
I think the purpose of this lens is so you do not have to carry around the other lenses.
Great quick comparison.
Only the overly excited music for the focusing test is a bit odd :)
Great review. The comparisons with a variety of lenses and teleconverter combos were invaluable. Thanks!
I appreciate the wealth of thorough comparison info you provide to us for every new Nikon product. I currently have the 100-400mm, and I've pre-ordered the 180-600mm. Looking forward to many years of extra reach for wildlife photography!
Pre ordered....no doubt I won't see it this side of Xmas lol 😋
Best presentation of this awesome lens, Ricci!
Love it!!!
I watched the rest of guys who have test it, but your test is superior! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
For now i use 200 500 FTZ with Z9 and this video was Very usefull to decide that is the best lens for me! 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Great to hear 😊
Hello Ricci, This look so nice I see were to 70mm-180mm fit in the range now. I will be interested to see this one. Keep well, keep safe and stay happy.
Isn’t that gap filled by the 70-200?
Thank you very much, Ricci! Yes, I was waiting for this lens and I'm loving it already.
Great information! thanks for putting this together!
Well done Ricci, amazing review. It's great to that you showed it will not be as sharp as the S.Line primes.
Hi Ricci, Nice to see the Z8. as a base being featured here🙂
I got tired of waiting for this lens and bought a F-mount 300mm F/4 back in January, but now I guess I’ll have to end up picking one of these up now too
Very nice comparrison 😊
Hi Ricci, new to your channel, excellent delivery and clarity when discussing the new 180-600 , will now have to trawl backwards to see what else you've been talking about !
Very thorough as always Ricci, good job!
very useful comparison; one of the best I've seen
The go to channel for Nikon gear information. No goofy gimmicks, no hyperbole or clickbait titles and you know that he’s had the lens/camera for a while to actually run it through its paces. Plus the fun of wondering what he has and is secretly testing that we will find out about in the future. 😬🤷🏼♂️
With 105K views and only 47.7K subscribers my belief is that the rest are lurking and stealing your content ideas for their UA-cam videos. Just Shameful. Your the Best! Cheers!
Thank you very much for that excellent work! Amazing engagement like you do it always!
Ricci - Always the best reviews out there. THANK you. I never liked the 200-500 (slow focus, huge throw and the image quality I felt was Nikon's worst) and was leaning towards the 100-400 as I've enjoyed the times I've borrowed it (sharp, light and great quality). This one looks like it fixes a lot of the 200-500 issues. I do wish the aperture was a bit better but for the price this is an incredible lens. I look forward to borrowing one to compare for myself but I think this will go on my shopping list instead of the 100-400.
I do prefer it over the 100-400
sounds like you had a bad copy, I have the Nikon 200-500 coupled to a Nikon d4 and my shots are super sharp,plus I find the focus is quite fast, great!
@@MurielLitchfield must have had 3 bad copies then. Got a loaner 3x and all 3 times said never again. 25 yrs of shooting Nikon and by far the worst lens I’ve ever used.
Would love to see a focus speed test with it on the Z50, as that’s all I have at the moment until the Z500 comes out! Been using the z50 along with the D500 on my 500mm pf. Would the focus speed be better with the z50 and a Z Mount 180-600mm? Great in-depth video👍
Nice comparisons and well summarized. It would be interesting to compare with very professional but old lenses such as AF-S 500 / f:4 and 200-400 / F:4 for example. These lenses can be bought for reasonable money today.
After reading it, I subscribed to your channel and plan to buy one! Thank you very much!
Super!! I'm a big fan of zooms, where the tube doesn't go far out. Because I absolutely hate that.
$1,699 for the 180-600mm!? That's a great price!
how dare he say that this lens is better than my $2700 100-400!
@@gosman949 I just pre-ordered my copy. I couldn't resist.
Great price compared what
@@gosman949 I doubt it. But it's ~$1000 cheaper lol
@@gosman949 better value for sure, and 1/3 stop is really a tiny sacrifice , considering how sharp this lens is even not being an S line.
Thank you so much for the image quality comparisons. Decent budget tele lens, but I'd pay the extra for the pf. It is just so much better.
Ricci, it oblivious that you would use either the Z9 or Z8 for focusing test which are Nikon best AF camera. But for us hobbyist photographer who can't afford or justify the price of the Z9 or Z8. It would really excellent to compare the Z50 (which I own) with this new lens and the F mount 200-500 with the FTZ for focus speed. Also it would be great to compare AF of the D500 to the Z50. it may be a bit hard to compare, but as you know Nikon has left us hobbyist photographer in dark when it comes to AF with their current offering (Z50, Z5, Z6II and Z7II).