As a pro portrait and event photographer, I have and use the 70-200 2.8 S lens and it is phenomenal. That said, I would still consider this lens for the event work, but only because of the size and weight difference - I'm surprised that you did not mention this difference as I see it, it is the most relevant difference right after the price savings. As you point out, the 180 to 200mm difference is not significant (assuming no focus breathing issues) but for me to have a lens that is 40% smaller and lighter means it will fit in a small bag which is easier to lug at events. I would continue to use my 70-200 2.8 S lens in any situation that does not require less size and weight as it is no doubt the better lens if only IQ and aberration control are the criteria - but this lens does seem good enough to use for events and would likely make it a more pleasant experience and that is super important. Thanks for this video and congrats on working with Nikon on the various campaigns. -PD
Thanks for checking out the video and for the detailed comment! You make a very valid point about the weight and size of the 70-180 vs the 70-200. It's been over a month since I used the lens last so I forgot this about the lens. Plus these images were shot with the Z8 and I'm used to my Z9 so over all ya the weight was a lot less than I was used to now that I think of it. Great comment and I hope it helps other people that check out the video, thanks!!
Some of the Nikon F mount 70-200mm had a lot of focus breathing. The VR II for example, is more like a 120mm at its closest focus distance @ 200mm, it improves the further you step away from you subject, it turns into a 170mm at medium reange and only at longer focus distances, it is closer to a true 200mm when used at 200mm. A better comparison would be with the actual Z 70-200 of course, so you can see what you'll be missing out on (or not), while winning in the weight & size department. Personally I still adapt my Tamron G2 70-200 F2.8 with FTZ - which has less focus breathing than the Nikon F versions - so the weight & size gain would be even bigger for me. If I can see a test, showing the difference is really really small at 180mm, I'm going for this 70-180mm. Unless it has heavy focus breathing of its own of course, but it has a closer minimal focus distance, so that might compensate things.
@@caleidoo I didn’t notice any focus breathing when using the Z 70-180. I do notice it with my older f 70-200 on my Z9, which can be quite annoying at times. If I can get the lens I’ll do that comparison for sure.
Thanks!!! Ya, we tried the teleconverter as well and although the f/stop goes down of course, it worked well and is a very compact way of getting over 300mm focal length, especially if it’s not something you need all the time.
Good to hear that the autofocus of this lens holds up well, but did you notice it being any slower than the 70-200mm F2.8? I predominantly use a 70-200mm F4 F mount lens so this looks like it could be a good replacement for it.
I also use the f mount 70-200 and I think it’s at least as fast as that, if not faster. I haven’t been able to do a side by side comparison of the two lenses but at no point in the shooting was the auto focus speed being an issue at all.
This information was what I was waiting for. I wanted to know how much zoom loss those 20mm less represented. Thank you very much. This may be my first Z mount zoom lens because the 70-200 is out of my reach. The 180-600 also appeals to me a lot because it has an excellent price and features. I would use it for surfing photography since I live on an island where it is practiced a lot. I think these are the two lenses I'm looking forward to buying in the near future. Thanks again for the video.
I have been waiting for a z 70-200 ish lens. (I have the Gmount but it’s so heavy on now on my Z 5 with the adapter! ) I’m concerned about no VR factor.
The weight difference alone should make this lens quite interesting for you. Try renting one and see how you feel with it. I had zero issues when shooting with this lens.
The reduced size compared to my favourite lens , the 70-200 f/2.8 e vr could just be what brings me into the z system with a gen 3 Z6/7 . I’ll sacrifice 20mm for increased portability. Pairing with the z 180-600 with tc options to 1200mm a tantalising prospect, I don’t believe anyone who would buy a 70-180/200 would also own a 100-400 but 180-600 I could see.
Nice feedback! My 70-180mm arrived today and you made a lot of great points. While I usually have no problem wanting to drop the big bucks for something like the 70-200 2.8 S., I am not new to photography or a professional making any real money from my work. That being said, from everything I learned up to actually getting this lens ... this should be perfect for my needs and anything it lacks can be resolved to post editing. Thanks Jason!
Amazing to hear!! Thanks so much and good luck!! I’m actually finally able to rent one for the weekend and will be shooting a big event here with skateboarding, flatland BMX, 3x3 basketball, breakdance… Looking forward to testing it in my real life use! Try to get a new video up next week. If there is anything specific you would like me to check let me know!
I honestly don’t know about that. It wasn’t anything that was brought up during the shooting for the campaigns so I’m assuming it’s not a selling point of the lens.
It is a great lens, you enjoyed shooting with it, it was fun, you got images on the Nikon site from using it... and you "might" get one, or try one and test it more, and maybe get it of the 70-200 Z to replace your old F mount. Okay. Got it.
Hey Jason, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer and I wonder do you interested to have a logo for your channel? I would love to have the honour to design your channel logo for you, let me know if you want to make it happen!
Come on, you don’t make a video just showing yourself 99% of the time while flipping the pics taken from the subject lens in less than a second or two!
It's massively overpriced though. The original Tamron 70-180 for Sony E can be bought new for about 1,100 bucks. The rebranded Nikon copy costs 400 more, presumably for the nice "Nikkor" logo.
As a pro portrait and event photographer, I have and use the 70-200 2.8 S lens and it is phenomenal. That said, I would still consider this lens for the event work, but only because of the size and weight difference - I'm surprised that you did not mention this difference as I see it, it is the most relevant difference right after the price savings.
As you point out, the 180 to 200mm difference is not significant (assuming no focus breathing issues) but for me to have a lens that is 40% smaller and lighter means it will fit in a small bag which is easier to lug at events.
I would continue to use my 70-200 2.8 S lens in any situation that does not require less size and weight as it is no doubt the better lens if only IQ and aberration control are the criteria - but this lens does seem good enough to use for events and would likely make it a more pleasant experience and that is super important.
Thanks for this video and congrats on working with Nikon on the various campaigns.
-PD
Thanks for checking out the video and for the detailed comment!
You make a very valid point about the weight and size of the 70-180 vs the 70-200. It's been over a month since I used the lens last so I forgot this about the lens. Plus these images were shot with the Z8 and I'm used to my Z9 so over all ya the weight was a lot less than I was used to now that I think of it.
Great comment and I hope it helps other people that check out the video, thanks!!
Some of the Nikon F mount 70-200mm had a lot of focus breathing. The VR II for example, is more like a 120mm at its closest focus distance @ 200mm, it improves the further you step away from you subject, it turns into a 170mm at medium reange and only at longer focus distances, it is closer to a true 200mm when used at 200mm.
A better comparison would be with the actual Z 70-200 of course, so you can see what you'll be missing out on (or not), while winning in the weight & size department. Personally I still adapt my Tamron G2 70-200 F2.8 with FTZ - which has less focus breathing than the Nikon F versions - so the weight & size gain would be even bigger for me. If I can see a test, showing the difference is really really small at 180mm, I'm going for this 70-180mm. Unless it has heavy focus breathing of its own of course, but it has a closer minimal focus distance, so that might compensate things.
@@caleidoo I didn’t notice any focus breathing when using the Z 70-180. I do notice it with my older f 70-200 on my Z9, which can be quite annoying at times. If I can get the lens I’ll do that comparison for sure.
I am so glad i was patient and waited and waited...finally i can purchased the 70-180 and 180-600. For affordable price.
Great!!
The teleconverters compatibility is enough reason for me to get it. Happy for your Nikon collaboration!
Thanks!!! Ya, we tried the teleconverter as well and although the f/stop goes down of course, it worked well and is a very compact way of getting over 300mm focal length, especially if it’s not something you need all the time.
Good to hear that the autofocus of this lens holds up well, but did you notice it being any slower than the 70-200mm F2.8? I predominantly use a 70-200mm F4 F mount lens so this looks like it could be a good replacement for it.
I also use the f mount 70-200 and I think it’s at least as fast as that, if not faster. I haven’t been able to do a side by side comparison of the two lenses but at no point in the shooting was the auto focus speed being an issue at all.
This information was what I was waiting for. I wanted to know how much zoom loss those 20mm less represented. Thank you very much. This may be my first Z mount zoom lens because the 70-200 is out of my reach. The 180-600 also appeals to me a lot because it has an excellent price and features. I would use it for surfing photography since I live on an island where it is practiced a lot. I think these are the two lenses I'm looking forward to buying in the near future. Thanks again for the video.
Sweet, happy I could help! Having a 70-180 and 180-600 would be great for shooting lifestyle and action at surfing.
Fantastic video!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks for checking it out and for the super nice comment!!
@@jasonhalaykophotographyno problem!
i was waiting for a Z 70 200 F4, but I think this one will be as good, and one stop better.
Having it at f/2.8 all the way through is great, and will be great to have for this price.
I have been waiting for a z 70-200 ish lens. (I have the Gmount but it’s so heavy on now on my Z 5 with the adapter! ) I’m concerned about no VR factor.
The weight difference alone should make this lens quite interesting for you. Try renting one and see how you feel with it. I had zero issues when shooting with this lens.
@@jasonhalaykophotography good to know ; I wondered if that weight difference helped . Renting… good idea. Thank you for the reply !
@@karenm853 thanks for the comment and checking out the video!
The reduced size compared to my favourite lens , the 70-200 f/2.8 e vr could just be what brings me into the z system with a gen 3 Z6/7 . I’ll sacrifice 20mm for increased portability. Pairing with the z 180-600 with tc options to 1200mm a tantalising prospect, I don’t believe anyone who would buy a 70-180/200 would also own a 100-400 but 180-600 I could see.
For sure. That 180-600 is next on my list to rent and try. Want to take it to shoot surfing!
Nice feedback! My 70-180mm arrived today and you made a lot of great points. While I usually have no problem wanting to drop the big bucks for something like the 70-200 2.8 S., I am not new to photography or a professional making any real money from my work. That being said, from everything I learned up to actually getting this lens ... this should be perfect for my needs and anything it lacks can be resolved to post editing. Thanks Jason!
Amazing to hear!! Thanks so much and good luck!! I’m actually finally able to rent one for the weekend and will be shooting a big event here with skateboarding, flatland BMX, 3x3 basketball, breakdance… Looking forward to testing it in my real life use! Try to get a new video up next week. If there is anything specific you would like me to check let me know!
@@jasonhalaykophotography I look forward to another review after you've put the lens through your paces!
@@myketripp3838 hopfully I can post it this week!
Could the lens also be used as a macro lens with its minimum focus distance of 27cm? Can't find anything about whether that is also 27cm at 180mm.
I honestly don’t know about that. It wasn’t anything that was brought up during the shooting for the campaigns so I’m assuming it’s not a selling point of the lens.
It is a great lens, you enjoyed shooting with it, it was fun, you got images on the Nikon site from using it... and you "might" get one, or try one and test it more, and maybe get it of the 70-200 Z to replace your old F mount. Okay. Got it.
yup, pretty much sums it up, cheers
it's all about the weight and size of this Nikon/Tamron glass, "wenn es um die Wurst geht", as we say in Switzerland, I take my Z 70-200mm S f/2,8
Wow man you pronounced "Nikon" basically in the right way xD.
hahahaha
Hey Jason, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer and I wonder do you interested to have a logo for your channel? I would love to have the honour to design your channel logo for you, let me know if you want to make it happen!
That is super kind of you to reach out and offer to design a logo, but I’m good at this time. I quite enjoy designing them myself actually.
Come on, you don’t make a video just showing yourself 99% of the time while flipping the pics taken from the subject lens in less than a second or two!
Check out my latest video, full review with the lens in hand. Cheers.
It's massively overpriced though. The original Tamron 70-180 for Sony E can be bought new for about 1,100 bucks. The rebranded Nikon copy costs 400 more, presumably for the nice "Nikkor" logo.
It goes for 1249$ nikon usa the 180-600 is at 1700$
@@ShortyGuzman13 It goes for 1449€ here in Europe.