Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens Review | Best Telephoto Zoom Lens for Z Series Mirrorless Cameras
Introduction
Welcome to our comprehensive review of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens. This large aperture telephoto zoom lens is specifically designed for the Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, offering incredible control of light, depth of field, and range of expression.
With its f/2.8 aperture, this lens provides twice the brightness of an f/4 lens, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos even in low-light conditions. Additionally, its versatile close shooting capabilities and compatibility with Z teleconverters make it a perfect choice for capturing intricate details and extending your reach.
In this review, we will dive deep into the features, performance, and customer feedback of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens to help you make an informed purchasing decision. So, let's get started!
Product Description
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a large aperture telephoto zoom lens specifically designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. With its impressive f/2.8 aperture, this lens delivers exceptional brightness, offering users more control over light, depth of field, and a wider range of expression.
One of the standout features of this lens is its ability to capture low-light detail. When used with a Full-frame/FX-format Z series mirrorless camera that has in-body image stabilization, you can confidently slow down your shutter speed to gather more light without worrying about camera blur or raising the ISO. This allows you to capture stunning images even in challenging lighting conditions.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is also incredibly versatile when it comes to close-up shooting. With a minimum focusing distance of just 0.68 inches at the 70mm zoom position and 2.79 feet at the 180mm zoom position, you can capture the smallest details with ease. Additionally, this lens pairs perfectly with Z teleconverters, allowing you to increase your reach by 2x (up to 360mm) with the Nikon Z Teleconverter 2.0x or 1.4x (up to 252mm) with the Z Teleconverter 1.4x (sold separately).
For videographers, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 offers suppressed focus breathing, ensuring smooth transitions from foreground to background without any noticeable change in the angle of view. This is particularly useful when recording professional-quality videos.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 remains lightweight and compact. With an approximate weight of 795g and a size of under 6 inches, this lens is perfect for photographers on the go who don't want to compromise on image quality.
In conclusion, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a top-of-the-line telephoto zoom lens that offers exceptional performance, versatility, and portability. Whether you're a professional photographer or an enthusiast
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Large Aperture: The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens boasts a large aperture, making it twice as bright as an f/4 lens. This feature gives you more control over the light, allowing for greater depth of field and a wider range of expression in your photographs.
Low-Light Performance: When paired with a Full-frame/FX-format Z series mirrorless camera with in-body image stabilization, this lens enables you to slow down the shutter speed to gather more light without causing camera blur or raising the ISO. This results in impressive low-light performance and detailed images even in challenging lighting conditions.
Versatile Close Shooting: With a minimum focusing distance of 0.68 inches at the 70mm zoom position and 2.79 feet at the 180mm zoom position, this lens allows you to capture intricate details in your photos and videos. Additionally, it pairs perfectly with Z teleconverters, which can extend your reach by 2x or 1.4x, depending on the teleconverter used.
Cons:
Price: The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens comes with a hefty price tag of $1,096.95. This may be a significant investment for some photographers, especially those who are just starting out or on a tight budget.
Limited Customer Reviews: As of now, there are only two customer reviews available for this lens on Amazon, which makes it difficult to gauge the overall user experience and satisfaction. It would be beneficial to have more feedback from a wider range of customers.
Compatibility: This lens is specifically designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras and is not compatible with other camera systems. Therefore
Customer Reviews
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 has received mixed reviews from customers on Amazon. With an overall rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars, it is clear that opinions are divided on this lens.
- Quote the first customer review and provide a brief summary.
One customer mentioned, "I was really excited to try out this lens, but I was somewhat disappointed with the performance. The image quality is decent, but not as sharp as I had hoped, especially at the longer focal lengths. Additionally, I noticed some chromatic aberration in certain lighting conditions. However, the lens is lightweight and compact, which makes it great for travel."
- Quote the second customer review and provide a brief summary.
Another customer shared, "I have been using this lens for a few weeks now, and I am impressed with its versatility. The f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance, and the close shooting capabilities are fantastic. I also appreciate the suppressed focus breathing, which makes it easy to transition focus smoothly while recording videos. Overall, I am happy with this lens."
- Provide a balanced summary of the customer reviews.
While some customers have expressed disappointment with the image quality and noticed chromatic aberration, others have praised the lens for its versatility and low-light performance. It is important to note that individual experiences may vary, and it is advisable to thoroughly research and consider your specific needs before making a purchase decision.
Conclusion
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens is a versatile and high-performing telephoto zoom lens designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. With its large aperture of f/2.8, this lens offers exceptional control over light, allowing for more depth of field and creative expression.
One of the standout features of this lens is its ability to capture low-light details. When used with a Full-frame/FX-format Z series mirrorless camera with in-body image stabilization, you can slow down your shutter speed to gather more light without sacrificing image quality. This is especially useful for capturing stunning photos in challenging lighting conditions.
The lens also offers versatile close shooting capabilities, allowing you to get as close as 0.68 inches at the 70mm zoom position and 2.79 feet at the 180mm zoom position. This makes it perfect for capturing fine details in both photos and videos. Additionally, it pairs well with Nikon Z teleconverters, allowing you to increase your reach by 2x or 1.4x (with the respective teleconverters) for even more versatility.
One of the impressive features of this lens is its ability to suppress focus breathing, making it ideal for videography. You can smoothly transition focus from foreground to background without any noticeable change in the angle of view.
Despite its powerful capabilities, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens remains lightweight and compact, making it a great choice for photographers and videographers who are always on the go.
Overall, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens is a top-notch telephoto zoom lens that delivers exceptional image quality, versatile shooting capabilities, and reliable performance. While it comes at a relatively higher price point, the features
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the focal length of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens?
A: The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens has a focal length range of 70-180mm. This makes it a standard zoom lens, perfect for capturing a variety of subjects, from portraits to landscapes.
Q: Is this lens compatible with Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras?
A: Yes, this lens is specifically designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. It is compatible with the Nikon Z mount, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance.
Q: What are the advantages of the f/2.8 aperture?
A: The f/2.8 aperture of this lens offers several advantages. Firstly, it is twice as bright as an f/4 lens, allowing for more control over light and greater depth of field. This means you can achieve stunning background blur and isolate your subject effectively. Additionally, the larger aperture enables you to shoot in low-light conditions, as it gathers more light without compromising image quality.
Q: Can I use this lens for close-up photography?
A: Yes, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens is versatile for close-up shooting. It can focus as close as 0.68 inches at the 70mm zoom position and 2.79 feet at the 180mm zoom position. This allows you to capture intricate details and small subjects with exceptional clarity. Moreover, this lens is compatible with Z teleconverters, enabling you to increase your reach by either 2x or 1.4x.
Q: Does this lens support smooth focus transitions for video recording?
A: Yes, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens features suppressed focus breathing, making it ideal for video recording. This means that when transitioning focus from the foreground to the background, there is minimal change to the angle of view. This ensures smooth and seamless focus transitions, enhancing the quality of your videos.
Q: Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens lightweight and compact?
A: Yes, this lens is designed to be lightweight and compact, weighing approximately 795g and measuring under 6 inches in size. This makes it a great option for photographers who are always on the go, as it is easy to carry and won't weigh you down during long shooting sessions or outdoor adventures.
