Nikon announce NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lenses

Nikon Inc. 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 super telephoto NIKKOR Z lenses for enthusiasts that combine outstanding zoom capabilities with lightweight design.

“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

The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is the thoroughly modernized follow-up to the F-mount AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6. The new NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR 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. 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

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.
• 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 resistance, 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.
• 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

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 company said. 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.

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-resistant 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, respectively. When the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× is attached, the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.96⨯, which is close to life-size reproduction.

The new NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8  lens will be available in mid-July for a suggested retail price of $1249.95.