Which of These Two Supertelephoto Zoom Lenses Is Better?

In the past decade, we have seen an explosion of highly capable supertelephoto zoom lenses, and the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS and Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR are two of the most versatile options. How do they compare? This great video review takes a look at both lenses, their various characteristics, and how they match up with each other. 

Coming to you from Matt Irwin Photography, this great video comparison takes a look at the Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS and Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lenses. No doubt, it is great to see just how capable supertelephoto zooms have become. It used to be that the only way to get top-level image quality was to invest in a stratospherically priced supertelephoto prime lens, and while those still hold a major advantage in maximum aperture, the gap in image quality has closed significantly, and if you do not need all that extra light-gathering power, the vastly lower prices and increased versatility of zoom lenses make them well worth a look. Both Nikon's and Sony's options look quite impressive. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Irwin.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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3 Comments

I am confused about the point of the comparison. It makes sense if the Sony outperforms the Nikon in image quality, and the adapter mentioned gives as good or better focus on the Nikon body as it does on a Sony body. It could make sense if you primarily shoot sports or wildlife, and most of your shots are in a range greater than 200mm. Also, the body is secondary, so pick the lens first then pick a body to go with it. Making the assumption that any body you choose has the features you need.

Otherwise it is apples and oranges. If the adapter doesn't perform well, go with the system you like. A more meaningful comparison is either of these lenses with comparable third party lenses.

Comparing a preproduction lens to a production lens is invalid, is it not? Wait for a production copy of the Nikon lens!

Invested into a system determines the lens to be purchased by most humans who cannot afford to support many systems.
Perhaps, s already stated, compare manufacturer's lens with 3rd party lens to help decide if the exyra expense is worthwhile.