Nikkor Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR

Specifications01

MountNIKON Z

Focal length180-600mm

Max aperturef/5.6

TypeCinema · Telephoto · Zoom

Weight1955 g

Filter size95 mm

Physical length315.5 mm

Min focus distance2.4 m

Max magnification0.25

Aperture blades9

Optical elements25

Groups17

Lens hoodbarrel-shaped, bayonet mount, supplied

Additional Info02

Category["Nikon Z (Full Format)"]

Review AuthorKlaus

Review Rating6.5

Other Featuresfluorine coating 4 Fn buttons Focus limiter rotating tripod collar image stabilization (5.5 stops) dust- & moisture-resistant compatible with Nikon Z-series teleconverters

Review VerdictThe Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is capable of providing a decent and pretty consistent performance. It can't rival prime lenses on high-megapixel cameras, but it doesn't break the bank either. Just like with its rivals, it performs best at the "wide" end of the range with high sharpness, specifically in the center. The borders & corners are still pretty fine. However, there's only a slight decrease in this pattern towards the 600mm setting. Both image distortions and vignetting are well controlled. Lateral CAs are only present at 180mm, but all this can be well auto-corrected. The quality of the bokeh is pretty good for such a lens. Nikon relies on high-quality engineering plastics for most of their lenses, and that's also the case here. Regardless, the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR feels very solid. The internal zoom mechanism allows for rapid action and provides some extra protection on top of the weather sealing. The AF is quite snappy, and the image stabilizer is efficient. Nikon may not have classified it as an "S" class lens, but this shouldn't stop you from producing high-quality images. Overall, it's an easy value recommendation.

Review Criteria{"Build Quality":9,"Optical Quality":6.5,"Price / Performance":9}

Review Published2025-12-24T11:39:51+00:00

Optical Construction25 Elements in 17 Groups (6x ED, 1x aspherical)