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Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

sum1sgrampa
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p.23 #1 · p.23 #1 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

This crazy bird couldn't care less

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens 600mm f/6.3 1/12800s 1000 ISO -2.3 EV

Jan 15, 2024 at 08:29 PM

armd
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p.23 #2 · p.23 #2 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

EeyoreSadFace wrote:
Just wanted to say the photos and discussions in here convinced me to pull the trigger on the 180-600. Found a store in California that had stock (1 lol) and would ship, excited for it to get here later this week. Should be a pretty big leap up from my F mount Sigma 150-500 I've been adapting to my ZFC and had used on my D60, D7000, and D600 over the last decade plus.

I went up and photographed Sandhill Cranes at a nearby wildlife reserve this last weekend, and found the Sigma really showing its age sadly which was also...Show more →

Fill the frame, expose correctly, and you’ll be surprised what this magic drainpipe can deliver.

Jan 16, 2024 at 08:20 AM

sum1sgrampa
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p.23 #3 · p.23 #3 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

OwlsEyes wrote:
Oh... for some reason I thought you lived in the Carolinas. If you live near Buffalo NY, then you definitely understand the challenges of a real winter.

cheers,
bruce

Carolinas ?? I wish

That's why I used to post so many feeder bird images. Western New York is not exactly a wildlife photographer "destination" point

I go stir crazy in the winter. Oops. Deleted photos. Those were with my old Sigma S

Jan 16, 2024 at 10:54 AM

sum1sgrampa
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p.23 #4 · p.23 #4 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

Wondering if I'll ever use my 400 4.5 again. Yes, I much prefer carrying the 400 and it does provide a cleaner image but is it enough to give up the flexibility of the zoom ?
Two similar shots and similar crops. The Tc definitely takes the edge off.

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Z TC-1.4x lens 840mm f/9.0 1/3200s 1600 ISO -2.3 EV

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens 600mm f/6.3 1/500s 2000 ISO -2.3 EV

Jan 17, 2024 at 10:34 AM

George DeCamp
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p.23 #5 · p.23 #5 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

These again (as well as previous images) look great! I'm a big fan of this lens as well the zoom is a huge help in certain locations and those locations that you're not sure what to use! A nice addition to my kit and yours as well! Kudos again on the photos Mr Grandpa! 😊

Jan 17, 2024 at 11:02 AM

sum1sgrampa
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p.23 #6 · p.23 #6 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

George DeCamp wrote:
These again (as well as previous images) look great! I'm a big fan of this lens as well the zoom is a huge help in certain locations and those locations that you're not sure what to use! A nice addition to my kit and yours as well! Kudos again on the photos Mr Grandpa! 😊

Thanks George. Very much appreciated.
Only two and a half more months till kayak season

Jan 17, 2024 at 11:15 AM

sum1sgrampa
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p.23 #7 · p.23 #7 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

Can't resist a dark background

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens 600mm f/7.1 1/2500s 800 ISO -2.3 EV

Jan 17, 2024 at 01:01 PM

MatthewK
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p.23 #8 · p.23 #8 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

Sort of in the same boat, except I have the 600PF and 180-600. Wish it were a 500PF vs. 200-500 situation, where the 500PF was the easy choice, but in this case Nikon decided to make the 186 nearly perfect, so it makes the choice extremely difficult. Lucky for me that it's winter, not much motivation to get out and shoot, so haven't yet been able to get a true hands-on feel for which lens I'm going to tend towards the most. That'll come when the Spring migrants arrive and I'm in the field every day... like you say, only 2.5 months to go!

Jan 18, 2024 at 09:52 AM

sum1sgrampa
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p.23 #9 · p.23 #9 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

I can definitely see where having the 600 would make it a much tougher choice. In my case, while I absolutely love the 400, it's often too short, and if I'm going to add a tc I may as well be using the zoom. Add to that, it can also be too long, especially in the kayak, which really makes me hesitate to take it out instead of the zoom. So honestly, the zoom is perfect for my needs. But the IQ from the 400 is just that little bit better

I'm assuming the IQ from the 600 prime is better than the zoom. I think if I had that lens I'd be tempted to pair it with the Tamron 150-500 because of it's smaller size. But then I'd need another body and carrying too much in the kayak is not feasible. Which brings me right back to the 180-600

I really don't like hanging on to equipment that I don't use often enough but the thought of parting with that 400 makes me ill. It's easily the best telephoto I've ever owned.

Jan 18, 2024 at 10:12 AM

sum1sgrampa
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p.23 #10 · p.23 #10 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

I was reading some Brad Hill blogs last night and came across his "path to 800mm" section. First off, I really enjoy reading Brad Hill and greatly value his opinions. And I certainly don't disagree with the order of his listings. However, I do think he may have been a little harsh when it came to his assessment of the 180-600. " Those looking for ID shots of birds or just wanting to document what they see may be happy." Now I'm sure his gear expectations are much loftier than mine, and rightly so, but I wouldn't consider these to be in the "bird ID" category. I'm just saying this stuff is all relative and that's why it's best to experiment on your own. The first is probably not the best example because my focus hit the wing instead of the eye but I liked the shot

YMMV

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Z TC-1.4x lens 840mm f/9.0 1/2000s 1250 ISO -2.3 EV

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Z TC-1.4x lens 840mm f/9.0 1/3200s 1600 ISO -2.3 EV

Jan 18, 2024 at 11:30 AM

armd
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p.23 #11 · p.23 #11 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

Yes, Brad and I depart on his hair splitting assessments. The best lens is the one a photographer can use to catch the moment successfully. Sure, I'd much prefer a long prime that I would have to mate to a gimbal, though that doesn't work in every circumstance and quite candidly, today's zooms are of much better quality.

Jan 18, 2024 at 12:09 PM

sum1sgrampa
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p.23 #12 · p.23 #12 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

Acorn Woodpecker

NIKON Z 9 NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens 500mm f/6.3 1/500s 2000 ISO -2.3 EV

Jan 18, 2024 at 12:54 PM

ChrisMak
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p.23 #13 · p.23 #13 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

Going through this complete thread, I have to say that the 180-600 is a surpise to me.
I used to own the Sony 200-600G, and it may have had a bit more resolution at 600mm wide open or not, it is not a true 600mm at the long end anyhow, the Nikon does appear a true 600mm at the long end, and the A1 has slightly higher resolution.
But what I see going through this thread, is the same very nice color rendering and contrast that I also see in the Z400mm f4.5 images.

I had the 500PF for a few years with the D500, but the new Z9/8 with this lens renders especially nice colors, and has very nice clarity and contrast. It does not render like a typical consumer zoom at all, even if it does not have the top prime crispness and resolution. I prefer the colors and overall contrast to the D500+500PF combo.

Jan 18, 2024 at 03:59 PM

OwlsEyes
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p.23 #14 · p.23 #14 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

ChrisMak wrote:
Going through this complete thread, I have to say that the 180-600 is a surpise to me.
I used to own the Sony 200-600G, and it may have had a bit more resolution at 600mm wide open or not, it is not a true 600mm at the long end anyhow, the Nikon does appear a true 600mm at the long end, and the A1 has slightly higher resolution.
But what I see going through this thread, is the same very nice color rendering and contrast that I also see in the Z400mm f4.5 images.

I had the 500PF for a few years with...Show more →

Hi Chris,
I think you are seeing Nikon's color science. Their lenses are pretty consistent when it comes to color and contrast. I've been using the 180-600 side-by-side with the 400 f2.8S w/ built-in converter, and unless you were to do direct comparisons, you'd be hard pressed to see the difference at anything but 100% resolution. This is particularly true if your subjects are relatively close. There are obvious differences in depth of field and bokeh, but again this would only be noticeable in side-by-side comparisons.

cheers,
bruce

Edited on Jan 19, 2024 at 07:59 AM · View previous versions

Jan 18, 2024 at 08:54 PM

saaketham
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p.23 #15 · p.23 #15 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

@ChrisMak
I currently have both. Plan to test both and keep the one I like better.

Jan 18, 2024 at 11:23 PM

ChrisMak
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p.23 #16 · p.23 #16 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

saaketham wrote:
@ChrisMak@
I currently have both. Plan to test both and keep the one I like better.

Wow Anil, that gives you a first row seat to establish which combo is best, or rather, which you prefer.

I hope you will share your thougths, because I have an interest in adding a Z8 with the 180-600 for travel, due to its versatility and relative ease of carrying/handling. Should I like the Nikon combo, then I intend to add a 600PF in time.

I could also just get a Sony 200-600G for that purpose, it's a very good lens, but the background rendering is a bit rough. Also, having a Nikon combo would free up the A1 for a general purpose or a macro lens.

I am especially interested because the Nikon appears to have very nice OOF rendering next to very nice color, and appears to be very close to being a true 600mm lens. And of course Nikon has the 600PF as the ultimate travel birding lens.
Much has changed for me now that the Z8 is here. The Z9 was not an option for me, but the Z8 sure is. Sony is about to put the 300GM in the stores, but I would practically have to glue the 2xTC to it, and then you start to think about the Z600PF....

Jan 19, 2024 at 05:18 AM

ChrisMak
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p.23 #17 · p.23 #17 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

OwlsEyes wrote:
Hi Chris,
I think you are seeing Nikon's color science. Their lenses are pretty consistent when it comes to color and contrast. I've been using the 180-600 side-by-side with the 400 f2.8S w/ built-in converter, and unless your were to direct comparisons, you'd be hard pressed to see the difference at anything but 100% resolution. This is particularly true if your subjects are relatively close. There are obvious differences in depth of field and bokeh, but again this would only be noticeable in side-by-side comparisons.

cheers,
bruce

You should be right about that Bruce.
I liked the Z9's colors in the posted images from the day it was released, especially with the 500PF adapted (that I used on the D500). I guess the Z8 colors are identical.

Jan 19, 2024 at 05:25 AM

ilkka_nissila
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p.23 #18 · p.23 #18 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

sum1sgrampa wrote:
I was reading some Brad Hill blogs last night and came across his "path to 800mm" section. First off, I really enjoy reading Brad Hill and greatly value his opinions. And I certainly don't disagree with the order of his listings. However, I do think he may have been a little harsh when it came to his assessment of the 180-600. " Those looking for ID shots of birds or just wanting to document what they see may be happy." Now I'm sure his gear expectations are much loftier than mine, and rightly so, but I wouldn't consider these to...Show more →

Hill's comments are in the context of using the 180-600 mm with TC to get to 800 mm lens. His photos are typically in places like the Great Bear Rainforest which is 53 degrees North, so the light levels would be typically lower than in the continental United States. I live in Southern Finland (60 degrees North) and in wintertime during mid day I may still have about six stops less light than some of your recently posted images from the 180-600mm. So it's often the case that at f/5.6 the exposure time is too low (1/30s) and/or ISO too high to get good results on a consistent basis, let alone with a 2X getting an 800/11 (or f/9 with the 180-600+1.4X at 800 mm). If I were to photograph wildlife as primary application for the lens, the 400/4.5 would really the minimum that would work consistently in these conditions, apart from the 400/2.8 or 600/4 which would be the real deal, finances permitting. The 100-400 (which is the Z long lens that I have) is excellent for landscape though, on a tripod and ISO 64, which is primarily what I use it for during this time of year. For birds the probabilities in this light are just not favourable with an 400/5.6 (or 800/9 or 800/11, or using the 100-400 at 400mm and cropping by 2X or more). It shouldn't be shocking that these options would not be considered to give a professional wildlife photographer an edge over their peers when working at a 800 mm field of view.

Jan 19, 2024 at 06:59 AM

MatthewK
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p.23 #19 · p.23 #19 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

I'd say that the 600PF has a "cleaner" rendering of fine detail, and is a minuscule bit sharper; others report the 600PF is much noticeably sharper, but in my side-by-side shooting most times they're indistinguishable. It could be copy variation as well: I may have a great 186 and an average 600PF, I'll never know, but suffice to say, both lenses are sweet.

We're also the same in that I don't like keeping gear that isn't being used on the regular or its capability is replicated by something else. The 186 vs. 600pf is one such an example where I'd eventually part with one, except the 186 is so good + so affordable that I don't feel I'm tying up too much $ in keeping it, and it can easily be re-sold if need be. I think if it was another $3-$4k lens one of them would already be gone, though I think I'd have seller's remorse either way I went. So for now, I'm keeping both

As to the 400 4.5... great lens that I had/sold last year in favor of the 100-400, which later became the 186. Versatility was the reason, and 400 was too short for birding. It was a lens I had to go out of my way to use, and to me that means it really wasn't needed. I think that if I shot with two bodies though, it would make more sense... that might be something I eventually end up doing (I hate changing lenses).

Jan 19, 2024 at 07:34 AM

OwlsEyes
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p.23 #20 · p.23 #20 · Official Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR Image Thread

Bird chaos with the 180-600...

NIKON Z 6_2 NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lens 600mm f/6.3 1/2500s 2200 ISO 0.0 EV

Jan 19, 2024 at 08:05 AM

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