Having patiently waited, I recently acquired the Nikkor 180-600 zoom lens for my Z6II camera. The results? Pure delight—I couldn’t be happier! The images are sharp and what you would expect from Nikon. It may not belong to the S line of lenses, but there’s no compromise in quality. This lens boasts a robust construction and integrates seamlessly with my Z6II. I'm impressed with the lens design and ergonomics.The only slight downsides are the lens’s generous size and its noticeable weight. However, these characteristics are entirely expected for a top-tier zoom lens with such impressive reach.

While not an S lens, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR comes very close, delivering excellent image quality at long ranges. I admit that I was initially skeptical about a telephoto with this wide range of focal lengths at this price point. I am happy to say that my experience with this lens has greatly exceeded my expectations. Well done, Nikon!

While not an S lens, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR comes very close, delivering excellent image quality at long ranges. I admit that I was initially skeptical about a telephoto with this wide range of focal lengths at this price point. I am happy to say that my experience with this lens has greatly exceeded my expectations. Well done, Nikon!

Excellent lens couple with my Z8- the short barrel turn to go from 180-600, I can keep my eye on my subject. AF is fast and accurate. I never use a monopod / tripod, pictures are sharp and clear. The function button on the lens, I use as DX mode as needed.

Excellent lens couple with my Z8- the short barrel turn to go from 180-600, I can keep my eye on my subject. AF is fast and accurate. I never use a monopod / tripod, pictures are sharp and clear. The function button on the lens, I use as DX mode as needed.

I have owned some of Nikon's best exotic lenses such as the 400mmf2.8 the 180-400mmf4, and the 500mmf5.6PF which I still own. When I first used the 180-600mm lens I was blown away as to its overall acuity and Bokeh. Though not quite as sharp as the best primes, it is close enough that only the diehard professional would really notice or care. A real testament to the quality of this lens is that it still has good image quality with a 1.4TC attached. I have never had a zoom, other than the 70-200F2.8, perform as well with a TC. This lens also can focus quite close, something that the big primes cannot do. This is a big help when photographing small birds etc. such as hummingbirds. It is hefty, over such lenses as the 500mmf5.6 PF, the 400mmf4.5, and the 100-400mmf4.5/5.6, but these lenses cannot get to 600mm and that is where you need to be for birds. Period. I use it on my Z8, which allows for precise focusing on the eyes of birds and animals, something that is quite important and not so easy with the Z6 and Z7 type cameras. If only it weighed about a pound less! I have included one photo below of a cat taken with the 1.4TC attached to the 180-600mm lens.

I have owned some of Nikon's best exotic lenses such as the 400mmf2.8 the 180-400mmf4, and the 500mmf5.6PF which I still own. When I first used the 180-600mm lens I was blown away as to its overall acuity and Bokeh. Though not quite as sharp as the best primes, it is close enough that only the diehard professional would really notice or care. A real testament to the quality of this lens is that it still has good image quality with a 1.4TC attached. I have never had a zoom, other than the 70-200F2.8, perform as well with a TC. This lens also can focus quite close, something that the big primes cannot do. This is a big help when photographing small birds etc. such as hummingbirds. It is hefty, over such lenses as the 500mmf5.6 PF, the 400mmf4.5, and the 100-400mmf4.5/5.6, but these lenses cannot get to 600mm and that is where you need to be for birds. Period. I use it on my Z8, which allows for precise focusing on the eyes of birds and animals, something that is quite important and not so easy with the Z6 and Z7 type cameras. If only it weighed about a pound less! I have included one photo below of a cat taken with the 1.4TC attached to the 180-600mm lens.

Four months into owning this lens, I am still blown away by the image quality. I use this lens primarily for bird photography and it has been a game-changer for my hobby. I use it on my Z6ii; I shoot primarily hand-held and while hiking. At this price point it's a steal, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs reach and versatility.

Four months into owning this lens, I am still blown away by the image quality. I use this lens primarily for bird photography and it has been a game-changer for my hobby. I use it on my Z6ii; I shoot primarily hand-held and while hiking. At this price point it's a steal, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs reach and versatility.