Nikon NIKKOR Z 70

Nov 18, 2023

Nikon has announced the new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8. These are two new super telephoto NIKKOR Z lenses for enthusiasts that have good focal ranges in a lightweight design.

The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is a good budget option for those users who want to capture wildlife, nature, aviation, etc. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 completes Nikon’s trio of affordable f/2.8 zooms.

The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is a modernized follow-up to the popular F-mount AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6. The F-mount AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6 was a very popular lens with Nikon shooters given its low price and long focal reach.

The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR improves upon its old F-mount cousin by giving users a lightweight, high-performance super-telephoto lens with an even more versatile focal range. According to Nikon, it features fast AF performance, superior handling, and balance that never shifts because of its internal zoom.

The 180-600mm weighs in at 1955 g (4.3 lbs) and for those wanting to shoot video, it has a click-less control ring that supports the smooth operation and minimizes operational noise. Nikon also claims that it has effective suppression of focus breathing.

The lens also features a minimum focus distance of 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) at 180mm.

The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 looks to be a good option for photographers and videographers who are looking for a fast and affordable telephoto zoom. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 joins the recently released 28-75mm f/2.8 and 17-28mm f/2.8, rounding out the trio of affordable and compact f/2.8 zooms.

The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is approximately 40% smaller when compared to the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8, but offers a similar versatile focal range. The lens weighs 795 g (1.75 lbs).

The lens has been optimized for video with suppressed focus breathing and near-silent focusing. The customizable control ring can be programmed to gradually change the aperture, ISO, and focus.

The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens will be available in August 2023 for $1695.95 USD while the new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens will be available in mid-July for $1246.95 USD.

Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with over 30 years' of experience working in more than 50 countries around the world.He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010.Matthew has won 48 ACS Awards, including five prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.