NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

This is a truly remarkable lens - I am delighted with the sharpness and image quality that I am able to achieve hand-held, and tripod-mounted images are stunning! At this price point, I have to say, "Buy it!". I have been using this lens on a Z6 iii and I am convinced that I truly need more megapixels to do it justice, so I guess I'm well on my way to a new Z8...

I have extensively used my Nikon Z8 for bird and wildlife photography, primarily with the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm lens. PURCHASED AS A BODY/LENS KIT.There is a great deal I like about the Z8. In strong light, the camera is capable of outstanding detail and image quality. I have produced photographs at considerable distances that retain an impressive amount of fine detail.My experience in lower-light birding conditions, however, has been much more frustrating.Bird photography frequently requires relatively fast shutter speeds because even a perched bird may suddenly move its head, hop, or take flight. With the 180-600mm at 600mm and f/6.3, I have repeatedly found that the Z8's Auto ISO rises very quickly in shade, wooded environments, gloomy weather, and other lower-light conditions. Slowing the shutter lowers ISO, but then even slight subject movement can produce a blurred image. Keeping the shutter fast enough to stop motion can result in ISO values high enough that noise and loss of fine feather detail become very noticeable.I understand that photography is dependent on available light and that the maximum aperture of the lens is an important part of this equation. Nevertheless, as a wildlife photographer using a premium camera body, I have found the low-light tradeoff between shutter speed, ISO noise, and subject motion more restrictive and frustrating than I expected when purchasing the Z8.My second major disappointment is Nikon's mobile connectivity.I have experienced repeated problems using SnapBridge with my Nikon Z8 and Google Pixel 8, particularly during the Bluetooth-to-Wi-Fi handoff. On multiple occasions the connection has failed, and I have experienced camera lockups severe enough that the battery had to be removed to restore operation.I performed extensive troubleshooting, including removing and reinstalling SnapBridge, deleting and rebuilding Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, resetting the camera's access-point connection settings, checking Android permissions, testing WPA2 settings, restarting both devices, and even testing the camera without the MB-N12 battery grip. Direct Wi-Fi connections and wired USB-C transfers have been considerably more reliable.I reported these problems to Nikon Support and provided detailed information about the failures. Nikon documented the issue under a support case, but I was ultimately told there were no known compatibility problems involving SnapBridge and the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connection. After providing detailed information about repeated failures and camera lockups, I was disappointed that there did not appear to be a meaningful engineering-level investigation or solution offered.A camera in the Z8's class deserves a mobile application and wireless experience that is equally dependable.Overall, the Z8 can produce exceptional photographs when conditions are favorable, and its autofocus system, speed, resolution, and customization make it an extremely capable wildlife camera. But my ownership experience has also shown me two significant weaknesses: the difficult noise-versus-shutter-speed compromise I encounter when photographing wildlife in lower light, and a SnapBridge/mobile connectivity experience that has fallen well short of what I expect from Nikon.The Z8 has tremendous capability, but my experience with it has not been without significant frustration.

This is my 2nd long range telephoto lens for Nikon Z 7ll. I like the range it can reach for long shots and the clarity at the 600 range. I don't need the expansion of the lens barrel to extend beyond the length. For the price point now, its still a great buy.

this lens is now priced $400 more than when it was released, and it still remains a bargain at the higher price. excellent value for money. wonderful photographs are coming out of this lens. :)

I love my 180-600! I used it with my z5ii. Even though the camera is 24 MP, the image came out sharp and great. In the future I will def upgrade to 48 MP and see if the image will be even more sharper. The lens weight is a little heavy and use it with a 700g z5ii is a little bit unbalanced. Changing the camera to z8 or z9 will def be helpful.

I moved back home to the east coast last year. Very close to a bald eagle hot spot. Decided to give wildlife photography a shot while settling back in. Decided to pick up the 180-600 to throw on my Z5. Was fun but the Z5 was struggling so of course immediately picked up a Z8 because that's what we do right? :) What an amazing fall and winter last year. I spent every weekend with this lens just photographing eagles fishing, chasing each other, building nests, etc. Photos are sharp, it is light and fairly compact for a 600 so I can carry it around all day. And at the price, I've more than gotten my money's worth already. It might not be as sharp as a 600 prime, but for 1/7th of the price, it opens the door to so many more people to enjoy some long lens photography.

Bought this to replace my old 200-500mm
As per my luck with Nikon Product the last 4 yrs this one is Defective
Even though the VR is turned on in the Camera, it does not function. In order for it to work, temporarily, I have to turn the VR Off in the Camera Menus, then turn it back On. A Pain in the Butt to have to do several times a Day.
Gave it a 2 Star Rating as who knows what else is going to Fail in this thing.

I needed something to reach out and touch my subjects as they are often wild animals and birds of prey. Wow, great addition to my lens collections.

Purchased for an upcoming trip to Africa. The lens is optically impressive and a good value, but also massive. Be aware that the refurbished version does not come with the CL-C6 lens case shown as an I clouded accessory in the user manual. Nikon says this is normal. It’s not much of a case, just a polyester sock, so it’s not a great loss.