Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Reviews
So far, so good!
By Larry
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-21
So far so good!
In the couple weeks I've had the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 I've had a chance to both test the lens, figure out my best technique in using it in an actual project and make sure that it all checks out.
It's a perfect balance on my Z6 and in the normal low-light churches I work within, an upgrade to the brightness and shallow DOF over my well-used 24-200. At the longest focal length, it's more than two stops faster which is great for me!
I still shoot with my adapted 70-200 f/2.8 VR but having just 2/3rds the size and a lot less weight for me to pack is a bonus! I'm getting older and weight/size is something I need to consider.
As far as no VR in the lens, the Z6/Z7 takes care of that with the sensor VR so though loosing out on a little more VR, the smaller size and lighter weight plus f 2.8 is a reasonable tradeoff.
Smaller filters is also a plus though Nikon has thrown-out their once consistent filter collection for a hodgepodge of diameters, but overall, I can get by with just a couple of filter sizes and a few stepping rights so it's not too much of an issue.
Now, for the gravy, IQ is absolutely fine, both on a 24 MP Z6 and on the 45 MP Z7-II. The extra two stops-plus over my 24-200, a great lens BTW, even on the Z& II is nice!
Now that I've run my testing on the lens, next week will begin my boots-on-the-ground use of the 70-180 Nikkor. Though it adds weight to my carry-on and a little more bulk, I'll be leaving my favorite 24-200 behind to give this one a whirl combined with the 24-70mm f/4 along with the 14-30mm f/4 and see how they work on a team.
I know it's not the Holy Trinity of f/2.8 lenses and not the mini-Trinity combined with the other two compact f/2.8 system, but after years of travel I think it will work just swell.
Having a longer reach and f/2.8 for my longest normal lens will come in handy for sure as this was one of my workhorse lenses when I was shooting M43 during travel for several years. Thought the M43 system has a lot of pluses, the big minus is in low-light shooting and the durability of the bodies just doesn't seem to work for me though I love the lenses!
Anyway, an alternative to the 70-200 f/2.8 at less than half the price, smaller and lighter is something worthwhile to consider. I'm certain that absolute image quality isn't quite as nice but that's on paper. When the ink hits the paper, that's what really counts!
Very Nice Nikon
By Stephen
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-09
A great size and quality lens. Accepts a 67mm front filter. Worked great on all of my Z's. I thought the price was good too esp. buying during the Bild Sale.
As Good as the 70-200 minus a tiny bit, but will you see it?
By Daryl
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-01
This lens is another great value in Nikon Z, similar to the 14-30 and 24-70/4 this lens gives you everything the more expensive Pro Z lenses give you with perhaps corners being the exception, but you'll only notice it if you are comparing the lenses. When I tested this lens against the 200/2 it was so close as to be indistinguishable except for the 20mm difference. I then compared the lens to the Leica 75/1.2 Noctilux and the Nikkor was as good on center, and sharper in the corners. Okay, it's not always fair to compare an adapted lens to a native lens but the comparison was against two phenomenal lenses. So far I've only talked about resolution, it will not match the 70-200Z for AF speed and other specific needs such as greater VR. If you don't need those buy this lens, it is outstanding. Kudos to Nikon for making lenses in Z system that rival the best optics.
Great lens, excellent performance
By Rafael
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-08-29
This lens has excellent image quality, great contrast and color rendition. It is light and manageable. It does not have function buttons but I don't mind that.
Lightweight
By Phil
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-08-05
Really enjoying this lightweight lens on my Z 8. very sharp great walk around lens. Will be going on a trip soon great travel lens.
Lightweight and sharp
By Dan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-08-03
The lens is half the weight of the Tamron 70-200 it replaced. It's very sharp and the focus motors are absolutely silent! It would be nice if it had an actual switch to deactivate VR but it's easy enough to do from the touch screen.
Great Lens
By Chris
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-18
Good order, quick ship and great lens! Thank you for the great support, product line-up and financial flexibility. Always awesome experience with B&H. Best in the business! Thank you! Chris
Amazing lens
By Rudolph
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2023-09-15
I just got this lens, and I am pleasantly impressed. Great for the money. About as sharp as the 24-120s. I have many lenses to compare it to like the 70-200 afs. If you’re on the fence, don’t hesitate. It performs very well on my Z6ii and the Z8. I very happy!