The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is designed for those who need a versatile telephoto lens for wildlife, sports, and more. Its long focal range, coupled with its relatively light weight for a zoom of this size, makes it an attractive choice for anyone looking to capture detailed shots at a distance.
Coming to you from Mario Kilian Photography, this thorough video explores the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens in various shooting situations. Kilian starts by highlighting the lens' compact design, noting that its internal zoom mechanism prevents dust from getting into the lens—a common issue with external zooms. He also points out that switching from 180mm to 600mm requires only a quarter-turn of the zoom ring, a feature that sets it apart from other lenses, where you often need a full turn to get the same range.
In terms of performance, Kilian puts the lens to the test in both photography and video. The autofocus is quick and precise, which is particularly important for wildlife and sports photography. Kilian mentions that he had no trouble capturing birds in flight. For video work, the quiet autofocus motor is another big advantage, making it possible to film without picking up unwanted noise from the lens itself.
Another feature Kilian appreciates is the customizable focus ring, which allows you to assign different functions like adjusting the aperture. This flexibility can make a big difference in fast-paced shooting environments where you need to adapt quickly. Kilian also demonstrates the lens' ability to blur backgrounds, even at f/6.3, making it useful for isolating subjects in both wildlife and sports settings. However, he notes that while it’s excellent for outdoor sports, the f/6.3 aperture may be too slow for indoor events.
Kilian continues by testing the lens's macro capabilities, even though it wasn’t designed for close-up work. The minimum focusing distance of 2.5 meters offers some room for experimentation in macro photography, though this feature is secondary to the lens’s primary strength: wildlife and outdoor sports photography. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilian.
