When you said 'animals don't want to get that close to you', did you see the flying irony that almost hit your head? ;-)

I dont know what nikon is doing but even the kit lens is incredibly sharp

Thanks for the comparison Tony ... no surprises really. But here's the thing ... a huge number of owners of the 200-500 paired it with the D500. The obvious upgrade path would be to the 180-600/Z8 combination. Comparing the respective weights of the two kits we see they are almost identical. So yes, you get a measurably better performance from the Z combo ... but you still need to keep the gym membership. One of the big advantages of mirrorless touted by the camera industry a few years ago was how much lighter and compact it was going to be ... I'm not convinced. And at $10,000 AUD I'm hanging on to the DSLR combo for a good while yet.

Just got my 180-600 and just love it with my Z8 and I agree with your findings as well as others that have reviewed it, One thing is for sure is Nikon hit it out of the park with this lens;)

I bought a D500 not that long ago to pair with my 200-500. If i had a Z8 I would get the 180-600 but I think my most likely upgrade is to the 500mm pf lens. Other than live view autofocus the D500 is still a beast.

Everyone should upgrade to this and dump their old 200-500s onto the used market so it's cheaper for me to snag one for my D300 and my future D800/810.

Even though both are weather sealed, internal zoom makes a hughe difference when being out in heavy rain shooting wildlife and or big waves in stormy weather !! I know I had been waiting to see what Nikon would come out with in that zoom range for mirrorless and was super happy to see that !!

Love the D500 with the 200-500 lense. Do not want to spend 5 grand to upgrade.

Tony, Thank you for another informative video. I own the 200-500 and just bought the Z8 and was on the fence about the upgrade until watching your review (and just ordered using your link). I appreciate you and Chelsea for your efforts.

I just got the 180-600. New to mirrorless Z8 and am really excited. Thanks for your vids!

I just got my Z8 and 180-600mm lens! Switching from the D 500 has been a bit of a learning curve but I’m loving it. Thank you for the video.

This is my new combo Tony…. Had the Z8 paired with the 200-500, but now I’ve got the 180-600 tracking birds in flight is a dream 👍

I decided to upgrade to mirrorless. Found a used Z9, ordered the z 180-600, bought a z 100-400 and the z28-75 f2.8. Traded my D500, D7500, 200-500, and Sigma 150-600, and Nikon 18-300 DX lens Thanks for your reviews and content. Appreciate your reviews and insight.

Ordered my 180-600 to replace a 200-500 the day after it went on sale. Can't wait to get it! Great video, covering the differences. looking forward to even sharper shots, and a little bit less cropping!

Thanks for the great review! I’m on a waiting list at my LOCAL camera store for a 180-600! Im going crazy waiting for it!!

Thank you Tony. I already got one and I totally agree with you. It most definitely is an amazing lens which works perfectly when attached to my new Z8. You got yourself a new follower. Kind greetings from Denmark

I recently got the 180-600, and am using it on my Z8 and Z9. I have the 200-500, and it's been my workhorse for a few years now (with the D500 and the Z bodies), and I agree that it is the perfect fit for the Z system. The autofocus works better with the 180-600, and the images are generally sharper as well. I also have the 800 pf, so now I can have a great focal length range with two bodies. If I don't get the shot now, it's on me.

Thank you for a wonderful comparison of the two lenses. I just got a call from my local camera store that my 180-600 has arrived. Can't wait to put that on to the Z9!

I had been using my 200-500 with FTZ on my Z7, a month ago I upgraded to Z8, now waiting for my Z180-600 to arrive as not happy with slow focus, soft focus and missing shots with 200-500. Can’t wait, so excited

I just took delivery of the 180-600 and tested it on my Z9 with the 1.4X Z extender comparing it with a Nikon 100-400 S which is optically superb. Subject matter was a microwave dish antenna about 70 feet in the air on a short tower. Looking at a small serial number on its mounting arm and lettering embossed on a hex bolt, both lenses did admirably with the 840mm I got from the new lens plus extender providing better detail as expected. Both were hand held. Image stabilization worked very well in both cases. It is the heaviest lens in my kit. So I'll likely need to do some weight training at age 77 to reverse some muscle loss with age. As to high ISO, if you're not doing much cropping you can get away with a lot of gain where needed. I do a lot of theatrical shoots using faster lenses due to indoor lighting limits. I was surprised by the fun lens I recently bought, the diminutive Nikon 24-200mm Z lens. Being small with about a 9 to 1 zoom ratio, in spite of it being a slow lens, I found it to be ideal for shooting from on stage during rehearsals where rapid change from wide to tele gave me lots opportunities I would have otherwise missed. My normal goto lens for theater had been the AFS Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 FL ED with FTZ adapter. I love the internal zoom on that lens similar to the new 180-600.

Received my 180 to 600 today so far so good! 🎉

Thanks for the comparison, this is definitely the upgrade path I want to take with my Z9, I've really enjoyed using the 200-500 and a 1.4x but these advantages are important to me.

Thanks for the great video, I have just upgraded my 200-500 t the new 180-600 today based on your review :)

I love you guys thanks for all the great content 🙌

I’m thinking of pairing this 180-600 lens with my Z50!

I use a d500 and the nikon 200-500mm for my sports photography. Very happy with the combo. I'm just a hobbyist, so I'm not quite ready to make the leap to mirrorless. Hopefully someday.

Thanks for the review. Clear the Z glass blows the previous iteration away. So grateful to have the 400mm f4.5. I use the 200-500 with my D850 for everything else.

As a Canon shooter I am envious of Nikon shooters with this as an option.

Thank you for the term "focal shrinking". When I'm explaining it to someone, I have avoided "focus breathing" because that has a different effect. I remember this from when channels like yours and Matt Granger's talked about it with the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR I!

Gracias me ayudo a tomar la desiciòn y ya lo compreeeee. Tanks

Awesome Tony.

I will keep my 200-500, so that I can still interchange with my D850, which I will definitely keep. And I will rather invest in the 400mm 4.5 now. This gives me much more options, considering some low light situations. Also, I am a hobby photographer and I can live with the fact that the 200-500 is a little less sharp.

The lack of focus scale is frustrating. Prefocusing your lens in wildlife is useful, even with modern autofocus.

I have both of these lenses but have retired the 200-500 as I didn't want to keep having to fit the FTZ. I also have the 2xTC to use on the 180-600 or my 70-200. Despite what some might say, the results using the TC are very good as long as you have good light.

Mine is on order! I'm gonna start by using on my Z6ii. I'm doing grandkids sports more than birds these days. I can't wait to see results!

Great video! Thank you. My current favorite Super tele is my (manual) Nikkor 500mm f/4 P ED, though it is much harder to get consistently clear shots (need to stop down and increase iso to deepen the focus range) but it is an amazing lens. I just ordered a new Zf to replace my Leica SL, so perhaps this 180-600 will be added to my quiver of lenses :)

Great video; thanks. Comparison to the Nikkor 100-400mm would be great too.

Tony, Thank you taking the time & effort to provide the comparison review of the lens. I'm planning to get the 180-600mm when available. If shooting the Nikon Z9, which brand & size CFexpress Type B Cards would you use for wildlife still photography and would you use a different size card for wildlife video work? THANK YOU

Thanks Tony, nice review for Nikon. I received my Z 180-600 whilst in hospital for 13 days, back home now. I tried it on my Z8 but I must admit after major surgery the body needs to heal before I can physically get out and enjoy what I love most ie. wildlife and landscape. Looking forward to your next review maybe the Nikon ZF?

A really informative review thank you Tony. Specifically for bird photography , which Nikon body would you strongly suggest to go with 180-600?

Good info, Tony. What would you say about focusing SPEED? Did you see an advantage in either lens? THANKS!

I have 200-500 on my Z6 and this combo is still pretty good

I'm happy with the 500PF. I like to know your opinion on the 500PF adapted vs the 180-600.

Well done Tony, I actually enjoyed your video, did you notice any CA when VR is ON with the lens especially with flying birds or would you recommend VR Off with higher shutter speeds with BIF ?

I am considering a move to Nikon and this lens would be the main reason. As much as the Z8 looks fantastic, I am more thinking about the Zf. This would mostly be for wildlife and I am just a hobbyist so a $2000 camera vs $4000 that seems to have most of the software I would need seems to be a good option.

Tony on the Z8/Z9 to get better results in terms of noise after ISO 200 go straight to ISO 500. it has been shown that the Z8/Z9 has a dual gain function which improves performance at ISO 500

I use Sony and have the 200-600mm...I say...well done Nikon!! They gave their customers the internal zoom...what a game changer. Now you can rack your zoom and stay on target like never before. Meanwhile over at Canon...they are humping their customers. Good show Nikon!!!

I would love to see the z8 with the 180-600 go up agaibst the sony a7rv with the 200 to 600 for wildlife video. Taking into acount the stabilization and also things like clear image zoom

I've got the 200-500 which I love and I have the 180-600 on order yet. I am upgrading from a D850 to Z8 and can't wait to offload the D850 with the few lenses I have left. The Z8 is amazing and is a wonderful replacement for the D850. Thanks for the review. I am looking forward to receipt of the 180-600 so I can get out and find something interesting.

Great review. I'm not in the market, but I can dream.

How did you find the ease of shooting video handheld on the two lenses? I’ve had very little luck shooting video on the 200-500mm unless on a tripod. I’m trying to decide between upgrading to the 180-600mm, or purchasing a 400mm f/4.5. Cheers and thanks for an informative video. 👍

I've had the 200-500mm for years, and for a decade before that the 200-400 f/4 VR1. Weight and cost savings made the 200-500 regret-free, but there are ergonomics issues hopefully the 180-600 addresses. First, is it Internal Focus? (No one complains about the quarter-turn range, which suggests it is, but nobody's said "Internal Focus"). 2nd, is the focusing ring still behind the zoom ring? Last, can the front button(s) be assigned specific AF -on mode (like back focus buttons can, and old 200-400 could do Spot, at least)?

Loving my so far. Got to upgrade the camera. The Z6ll is good for landescapes but not so much for wildlife.

Excited for the influx of used 200-500's that'll be available.

Thanks. Great vid. I still need to see more reviews. I hope someone compares this lens to the old F Mount Sigma 60-600 sport (This is what i have upgraded to from the 200-500)

NIce comparison. The one caveat that I'd raise is that the 2090 grams you cite for the 200-500mm is not only without the tripod collar, but without the 125 grams of a FTZII adaptor. So the 200-500mm on a Z-body with the tripod collar is about 3/4 lb heavier than the new lens. Not a huge deal, but something I notice on a long hiking climb on my 70-ish body. I have an order in for the Z 180-600mm.

Not an easy lens to get due to limited availability - but I finally got one, should be here tomorrow just in time for the Long Beach air show. I guess I'll find out just how good it is with the Z9. Thanks for taking the time to review it for us ;-)

Hi Tony, You mentioned Focus Breathing in the video. Is Focus Breathing an issue with the Nikon z mount lenses?

I own the 200-500 and use it in FTZ and am really on the fence on this one. I def see the new one is a big upgrade but here in Canada the 200-500 is worth about $900 used and by the time I’d pay tax on on the retail price of the new one I would be closing in on $2.7k so the question becomes: Is it worth triple the price? How did you find the slower 6.3 speed? Even though the new lens is optically better does the higher ISO requirement offset that much? Surprised you didn’t talk about that at all.

sold. Upgrading ASAP. went from D850 to z8 two days ago

Thanks Tony for this detailed review. Would you be doing a comparison between Canon, Nokin and Sony telephoto zooms with their wildlife cameras (R5, Z8, a9 or a1) please? I am curious to know which combo is the best or more relevant perhaps is the advantage of each system

Yay, lots of 200-500s going up for sale to scoop up! - BTW: If you're starting out, you can get a used D500 and 200-500 lens for less than $2K USD. Just a thought if you don't mind pre-owned gear.

Did you record this before the Zf was out by any chance? Since you don't recommend a body below the Z8 based on the AF performance.

I would love to see video conparison of Z8+180-600mm and D500+200-500mm :-)

Tamron's 150-500 is coming to Z mount soon. Price aside, I think the more compact size of that lens will hold some value to photographers hiking into the backcountry. Both the length and weight are big considerations in that scenario.

5:20 "....animals don't want to get that close to you, right?" Mere seconds later a bird passes close behind Tony. lol

Which camera would you recommend between the Nikon D850 and the Nikon Z7 MK2? You have a lot of experience in photography and have use a lot of different cameras.

Nice vid -- yes the 200-500 has relatively slow AF motors and a huge throw on the zoom ring. Obviously there is no point comparing the 200-500 without the FTZ/FTZii to the 180-600 - the FTZ adds back the difference between the small flange depth on the Z bodies vs DSLRs. Look at the focus distance indicator on the Z9 EVF, which no doubt will come to the Z8 as well. I note you use/show lenses without lens feet attached -- these must be used when using such lenses on a tripod/monopod. Anyone out in heavy weather on on boats must use appropriate rain coats on their gear - not least to keep salt/spray out.

One of the biggest jumps hands down is the short throw. The old 200-500 is great but for fast moving subjects it is way too much throw to get through the range.

Tony, if you made a video like you did back in the day that you referred to in this video of the best combos for different price ranges, would the Z8+180-600 be above the Canon R5+100-500 or the Sony a7rV+200-600? It seems like it would, with a stacked sensor and a great lens that reaches to 600mm while being reasonable priced.

Great review, Tony. Wow, the lack of CA is impressive.

Curious about the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) plane at :25. Just a random fly-by you captured? One of my volunteer hats is airborne photographer with CAP so it was cool to see it. I take photos out of those planes of natural disasters and other similar missions.

How does it compare to Nikon 100-400 + 1.4 ?

I started with the Tamron 150-600 F5.6-6.3 moved up to the Nikon 200-500 F5.6 several years ago which was a good update, and I've been using it adapted on a Z7. It works well. Yes the Auto focus isn't what you could get with the Z8. I've been waiting for your review for over 2 years since this lens has been on the roadmap for forever and I knew you would give it a fair non-biased review. This lens is on my list to buy due to the lens quality, native Z, focus improvements (which for more of a step will require a body update), weight savings, non telescoping, and shorter zoom throw which I think will be a fairly big deal in usability for me. Would love to have you review it with the new Nikon FC to see how that autofocus performs, but it would be hard to go back to 24MP after using the 45MP Z7 for a while now. Still I think that will tell us what the autofocus in a Z7/Z6 III will be like with the Expeed7 processor. I'll buy the lens now with the hope that in the not to distant future there will be a lower priced 45MP body than the Z8, after all it's just a hobby for me. I was very pleasantly surprised a the $1700 price, I was expecting around $2200-$2500.

I'm an amateur photographer, looking to upgrade from a Z6 with S AF 70 - 200....what do think about combining the new nikon ZF with the Z 80 - 600 ??

the 180-600 is next on my list to buy.

I concur with other commenter, could you please do a comparison review of the 100-400 Z (s line) vs the 180-600? 🙏

I originally bought this lens, and it is a good lens, but I upgraded to the 100-400mm S lens. It is a faster, sharper lens, and has very close focusing. It is smaller and lighter, with the added ability to go as wide as 100mm. With the TCs it gives me the ability to zoom from 100mm to 800mm. I found that the 180-600 was so close in size to my 800mm S lens that the 100-400 is a better combination for me. These 2 S lenses cover 100mm-1,600mm and are easily usable handheld.

I have the 180-600 on order. Not sure if I will keep it. I also own the 100-400 and 500PF. I would really like to be all Z lenses, but the 500PF is so portable and sharp, however, background rendering suffers under certain conditions. Whenever I go out, I tell myself I need more light and range. This lens will provide the range, but not the light. The 400 2.8TC + TC is calling to me, but it's hard for me to justify the money. The 800PF seems a bit limited, but would certainly give me more range. I think a 600 5.6 built similar to the 400 4.5 ( if possible or maybe a PF) would be a great addition to Nikon's lineup.

I’ve done the Nikon and Canon long lens thing. Now I just crop in with medium format.

Tony's got that dynamic Keynote slide background

Happy with my Z100-400mm, Z800mm & ZTC.4x. The new lens looks great, but won’t fit in my bag with the Z800mm

I reeeally am interested in this lens, but I need to replace my body first...waiting to see what they come up with for the Z6III.

Thanks for an okay review. Anyone who has played with the Nikon 200-500 knows that there is a lot of variation between individual lenses - also regarding chromatic aberration. It's nice to see that the Nikon 150-600 is sharper, but considering the price - one can get a 200-500 today for 878 EUR or less. Nikon's 150-600 costs 2,027 EUR in Europe... that's also worth considering.

the highlight "THAT FISH DID NOT LOOK GOOD" hahahahaha!!!!

You didn't mention in this review the difference in using DSLR direct view vs the Z8 or 9 EVF. Looked at a Z8 today and it is clear the viewfinder is not up to DSLR standards at present for active wildlife and flying aircraft., sports, etc. Holding out for better EVF before making the switch. Since Nikon buys sensors from Sony.....wonder if they might buy Sony's higher resolution EVF for their next iterations of the Z8, Z9? Just wish there was a version of this new lens for the DSLRs already out there. Maybe secondary market could design a work around to use this lens with DSLRs?

I'm using a Z7II + FTZII+ Tamron 18-400 DX (29mm-640mm equivalents) for my do-it-all travel lens. I'm not getting the benefits of the full frame, but the mirrorless body is way better than my old D7500 DSLR. I do miss the pop up flash, however, and the bigger body fits my big hands better.

Which mic did you use in this video? Thank you

I'm buying the Nikon 180-60mm. You aided my decision making all i need do now is cash in my son's college fund, he's not very bright in anycase. I'll enjoy the lens more than my son would've enjoyed college

My 200-500 mm is still the best! Still going strong!

Which camera did you shoot this video with ? Focus accuracy/location, colors and sometimes sharpness seem a bit weird ... Great video though :)

I've pre-ordered the Z180-600 on the morning of the release. I would love to know how I like it but I haven't received it yet. I'm using my Sigma 150-600 until then.

Is Nikon 80-400mm lens with Nikon D500 body Good for bird photography?

For a few hundred dollars more, the 180-600 is a no brainer. However, Nikon just dropped the price of the 200-500 by $340! So, for only $1049, the 200-500 is a steal. It's a super sharp lens and I'm glad I just bought it again. For my purpose, it's more than sufficient. Now that leaves me with over $600 in savings to put toward another Z! I think too much emphasis is being put on sharpness. With the improvements in post processing such as Topaz Photo AI 2, what can be brought out from most any lens is incredible. My 200-500 came in today and a series of wildlife shots in RAW were more than acceptable for anyone's standards. After running them through Photo AI 2, I could count the blades of grass at 500 and cropped. Stunning software and lenses.

I bought a Z5 about a year and half ago. A Z8/Z9 would be great, but not in my budget. I got the itch for bird photography and the only reasonable quality, reasonably affordable option was the 200-500 and an FTZ. I really love the 200-500, but would likely have opted for the new lens, if it had been available. I could sell the 200-500 and add another $1,000 to get a 180-600, but can't justify that right now as the older lens works well for now. I'm retired, maybe I could get a part time job and save up for a Z8/180-600 combo. For now, I'm content exploring the Z mount 105 micro I just splurged on (There goes my photography gear budget for the next year). So far, I'm bringing home much better macro images than I am bird images, so perhaps that's the niche I should concentrate on. In the end, it's more about the photographer than the equipment. More's the pity for me.

I'm going to Africa soon and hope Nikon starts delivering!

Back in the film days we used tripods with Gimbal heads as there was no such thing as stabilisation. I notice you never seem to use them. Is there any advantage to having one now days?

How does it compare with Nikon z 100-400mm as I’m in between the two. I’m not one for shooting much wildlife but the option of 600mm is appealing and nice to have the reach, especially when will be getting 2.8 trio of lenses covering 14-200mm range. The 100-400 is more versatile at wider range, lower aperture and then being a s line lens.

Can’t wait until my 180-600 copy shows up. I have the 200-500 and it is a great lens.

How does this lens compare to the Sony A1 + Sony 200-600?