Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 and Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR Lens Announced

Nikon officially announced two new two new telephoto zoom lenses: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, both of which were part of Nikon’s lens roadmap and have now become a reality.

Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 lens is a lightweight and compact and well-suited versatile telephoto zoom lens for sports and wildlife image makers.
This new lens costs $1,246.95, first available for pre-order at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Nikon Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR lens is an unprecedented super-telephoto zoom lens for sports and wildlife photographers. This new lens costs $1,696.95, first available for Pre-order at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens Key Features:

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22
• Fast Telephoto Zoom
• STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
• Internal Focusing Design
• One Super ED and Five ED Glass Elements
• Compatible with Z-Series Teleconverters
• Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Dust and Weather-Sealed Design
• Lightweight and Compact Form Factor

Nikon has introduced the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8, the final addition to their trio of affordable F2.8 zoom lenses. Joining the Z 17-28mm F2.8 and Z 28-75mm F2.8, this lens is designed to excel in various applications such as weddings, portraits, sports, and video production. Interestingly, the specifications of the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 closely resemble those of a recent Tamron lens, specifically the Tamron 70-180mm F2.8 Di III VXD. However, Nikon’s version utilizes a stepper motor rather than Tamron’s linear actuator.

The lens comprises 19 elements in 14 groups, incorporating five ED elements, one Super ED element, and three aspherical elements within its optical formula. Notably, Nikon has managed to reduce its size by approximately 40% compared to the Z 70-200mm F2.8 lens, while still delivering exceptional performance, albeit with a slightly shorter telephoto reach. Additionally, weighing in at only 795g (1.75 lbs), it is roughly half the weight of its predecessor.

Featuring a stepping motor for autofocus, the lens operates quietly, making it ideal for video recording. It offers a minimum focus distance of 0.27m (10.6″) at the wide end and 0.85m (33.5″) at the telephoto end. Additionally, it incorporates video-optimized features such as suppressed focus breathing and a customizable control ring that can be programmed to adjust aperture, ISO, or focus settings. Furthermore, the lens’s focus position is linked to rotation angle, enabling precise manual focus control.

The Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 is also compatible with Nikon’s TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, extending its maximum reach to 360mm. When paired with the TC-2.0x converter, it achieves an impressive 0.96 magnification ratio. Nikon certifies its dust and drip resistance, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging conditions.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens

Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens Key Features:

• Full-Frame | f/5.6-6.3 to f/32-36
• Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens
• STM Autofocus Stepping Motor
• 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization
• Programmable Control Ring
• Customizable Function Buttons
• Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism
• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
• Compatible with Z-Series Teleconverters
• Includes Quick-Release Tripod Foot

Nikon introduces the Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR, which serves as a worthy successor to the F-mount 200-500mm F5.6 lens. With a robust optical formula of 25 elements in 17 groups, including six ED glass elements for chromatic aberration reduction, this lens boasts a substantial build at 1955g (4.3 lbs) or 2140g (4.7 lbs) with the included tripod foot.

Equipped with an internal zoom mechanism, nine aperture blades, and two custom function buttons, the Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR offers enhanced functionality. It caters to videographers with a click-less control ring and focus breathing suppression during video shooting, while the stepping motor ensures quiet autofocus performance.

Featuring up to 5.5 stops of vibration reduction, this lens allows for sharp and stable imagery. It achieves a minimum focus distance of 1.3m (4.3 ft) at the wide end, and its zoom ring allows for swift adjustments between extreme focal lengths with its short, 70-degree throw. Additionally, the 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR is compatible with Nikon’s TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, extending its reach to an impressive 1200mm. Nikon has also designed the lens to be dust and drip resistant, ensuring durability in various environments.

Press Release:

SUPER TELEPHOTO PERFORMANCE IS CLOSER THAN EVER WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR LENS

Also Introducing the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, Completing the Trio of Affordable F/2.8 Zooms

MELVILLE, NY (June 21, 2023) Today Nikon announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, two new super telephoto NIKKOR Z lenses for enthusiasts that combine outstanding zoom capabilities with lightweight design. The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR has been highly requested from Z series users, especially those capturing wildlife, nature and aviation, while the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 completes Nikon’s trio of affordable f/2.8 zooms for enthusiasts.

“Within a relatively short time period, we have built an extensive series of lenses for our mirrorless system with a selection of lenses that differentiates itself with options for all kinds of users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “We already have a collection of extremely fast pro-level super telephotos, and with these two new lenses, I firmly believe Nikon builds upon what was already the most appealing collection of telephoto lenses available on the market today for the enthusiast and professionals.”

NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR – Boundless Creativity with an Extreme Focal Range

The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is the thoroughly modernized follow-up to the immensely successful and popular F-mount AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6, a lens that won hearts worldwide for its powerful reach and attractive price. The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR improves upon this winning formula by once again delivering a lightweight, high-performance super telephoto lens with an even more versatile focal range, sure to become a favorite for those photographing birds, planes, sports and more. With fast focus, superior handling and balance that never shifts thanks to its internal zoom, this lens enables the capture of powerful, up-close shots of fast-moving subjects. It also features a minimum focus distance of 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) at the wide-angle position, which is ideal for capturing close-up shots of flowers and insects, even at the user’s feet. The broad range of focal lengths allows users to enjoy shooting a wide variety of scenes and subjects all with this single lens.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

• Super lightweight lens that is easily hand-holdable, weighing just 1955 g (4.3 lbs).¹
• Covers an extremely broad focal range, from a versatile 180mm to an extreme 600mm. This is equivalent to 270-900mm when DX crop is engaged.
• A short minimum focus distance of 4.3 ft (1.3m) at the wide-angle and 7.9 ft (2.4m) at the telephoto position enables close-up shots of flowers, insects and more.
• Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization performance equivalent to a 5.5-stop increase in shutter speed effectively reduces blurring in dimly lit surroundings and/or with handheld shooting.²
• Utilization of a stepping motor (STM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing.
• Internal zoom mechanism maintains balance, increases zooming stability and dust resistant performance.
• Customizable Fn buttons at the front end of the lens barrel are easy to use when shooting handheld.
• Designed with consideration for dust and drip resistance³, in addition to an antifouling fluorine coating on the front lens element enables easy removal of dust and dirt.
• Ideal for video recording with a click-less control ring that supports smooth operation and minimizes operational noise, as well as the effective suppression of focus breathing.
• Maintains superior resolution when using the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× to extend the maximum focal length to as much as 840 mm or 1200 mm, respectively.⁴
• Construction of 25 elements in 17 groups, using six ED glass elements effectively compensate for chromatic aberration, with nine aperture blades for a round, natural bokeh.
• Extremely short ring throw of only 70 degrees to adjust from the widest to longest focal length.

The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8: Nikon’s Trilogy of Affordable f/2.8 Zoom Lenses is Complete

The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a truly compelling option for photographers and videographers looking to step up their lens collection with 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 ideal upgrade lenses for those looking to take their creativity to the next level.

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 that’s perfect for weddings, portraits, sports and video event coverage. The combination of fast f/2.8 aperture and telephoto zoom range allows the user shoot in low light scenarios like at a reception or indoor gym, but also gives flattering compression and enticing bokeh that draws attention to the subject.

Primary features of the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8

• Creative possibilities are expanded with the constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 which provides great low light ability and smooth-looking background blur.
• Extremely compact and lightweight, weighing in at only 795 g (1.75 lbs), making it an easy lens to carry all day.
• Excellent ability for close-ups with a minimum focus distance of 0.27m (at 70mm) and 0.85m (at 180mm).
• Optimized for video with suppressed focus breathing⁵ and near-silent focusing. Additionally, the customizable control ring can be programmed to gradually change aperture, ISO, and focus. Because the focus position moves in accordance with the rotation angle, regardless of how fast the focus ring is turned, videographers can also control MF as intended.
• Fast autofocus with a stepping motor (STM) that supports quick focusing on moving subjects for both stills and video.
• Dust- and drip-resistant³ design with an antifouling coating on the front-most surface of the lens.
• Lens construction consists of 19 elements in 14 groups including five ED elements, one Super ED element, and three aspherical elements which help to suppress chromatic aberration and flaring.
• Use of the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× extends the maximum focal length to 252 mm or 360 mm, respectively⁴. When the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× is attached, the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.96⨯, which is close to life-size reproduction.

Price and Availability

The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens will be available in August 2023 for a suggested retail price of $1699.95.*, while the new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens will be available in mid-July for a suggested retail price of $1249.95. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

1. Excluding tripod collar ring.
2. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to a camera with full-frame/FX-format sensor, with the camera’s VR function set to “NORMAL”, and when zoom is set to the maximum telephoto position.
3. Complete dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
4. Depending on the subject, ambient lighting conditions, and the focus point selected, the camera may be unable to focus using autofocus or the focus indicator for electronic rangefinding may flicker while a teleconverter is attached.
5. Focus breathing may be noticeable depending on the distance between the lens and the subject due to the characteristics of the lens.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Regardless of what is next, stay tuned to our website to find out the latest digital camera news and Nikon Rumors.

Join the Nikon Camera Users Group to share your Nikon photography, ask and answer questions that arise and help each others!