Great review. I've had the Z 70-180mm for about 3 weeks now and I have to say, there's a lot to be said for its handling. The reduced weight is great and I've gotten some great pictures and I can see myself taking this lens everywhere. I had the 70-200 (f mount) and loved it ... and thought I'd made a mistake not getting the z 70-200 f2.8. The more I use this z 70-180 more attached I'm becoming to it for its versatility and it does very well with the TC 2.0x. I now think, if I do want to invest in a top-end portrait lens I save for an z 85mm prime. Jason, thanks for this informative review.
Thanks for checking out the video and for your great comment. I’m happy to hear you have been enjoying the lens!! I need to get around to switching out mine as well. So busy these days, haha
I have to say, having shot the F mount 2.8 70-200mm FLED lens since it’s release, I couldn’t find any meaningful justification to upgrade to the Z equivalent version. But this lens changes that. I really don’t want the size and weight of a traditional 2.8. I have not been disappointed with any of the Z lenses that I have seen and or, used. Whilst some of the F mount versions are great on Z cameras, most, if not all Z mount lenses far exceed them in optical quality, S line or not. Losing the 20mm at the end of the focal range is far less important than losing just a couple of mm at the wide end on the super wide zoom lenses, which is a biggie for me. So if this lens delivers the way you and others have said, it’s time to swap out my older FLED version. Thanks for the review.
Thanks for the video. I recently bought the Z8 and 24-70 2.8 S lens and looking to add the next longer length to my kit. I think the 70-180 2.8 came along at the perfect time to help me with my purchasing decision. I am an armature and want a good kit without breaking the bank. All I have read and seen on video have convinced me that this will be my choice. Keep up the good work.
I was hoping this was about 70-180mm Z vs your 70-200mm E. There are a lot of us out there like you hanging on to our older glass because it is economically feasible. Image quality and performance on the Z6ii and Z8 with a FTZ adapted 70-200mm f2.8E vs 70-180mm native is important to me. Might have to rent this lens and try it out for myself. Thanks but I wish you would have gone deeper with your comparison.
Thanks. I think renting and seeing how it works for yourself is a very good idea indeed. I’m still using my old 70-200 as it’s still an amazing lens and one I’m not using EVERY shoot so need to upgrade myself at the moment.
This is the only review I've seen that talks about the right perk of this lens - it's not its price, it is the greatly reduced weight while retaining large aperture and telephoto zoom. And I don't think VR matters if you are using this lens to shoot on the move. The reduced weight will also shave a few stops off your shots. I would take this over any 'optically superior' heavy super telephoto or 2.8 70-200 in most occasions. Walking around with a bag full of glass can be really annoying, you could have this lens around your neck or on a holster and it would be feasible.
Thanks!! I found the weight, and the lens’ center of weight to be super nice. Really considering selling my 70-200 f mount and getting this. For what I do it’s perfect! So happy to hear you liked the video, thanks!!!
@@jasonhalaykophotography what do you think about lack of "S" badge? I think a lot of people are probably hesitant to pick this up since it won't be as 'premium'. Personally, I just want to know it has decent weather protection - I won't swim with it but I hope light rain can be handled easily.
@@sBepo7 lack of “S” makes no difference to me if it saves my body when I’m shooting with it AAAAALLLLLLLLL day, haha. Should be ok with a little rain I would think. But picking up a cheap rain cover is never a bad idea.
Thanks for this review. I'd love the 70-200 2.8 but I just shot a triathlon over the weekend and I can't imagine lugging that thing around, same as you mentioned. I switched between the 24-120 and the 85 1.8, but if I had the 70-180 it would have been the perfect lens and I could have shot with just that. I'll probably pick this up and save the money and weight.
@@jasonhalaykophotography I’ll also be going mountain gorilla trekking and I’d much rather carry this lens than the 2.8 up into the mountains. Hoping it will serve me well there too. Thanks!
Agreed - this is totally about use case. I have the 70-200 2.8 S lens and it is phenomenal. Still, I am tempted by this lens for event work specifically - where I am shooting for long hours and have to lug equipment around all day. I would still use my 70-200 2.8 S lens for just about everything else, but for events, or even just for fun walking around, I could see using this lens. May be picking it up in the future. Thanks for your insights on this, and confirming some of my thoughts on it. -PD
THello and thanks for the great review. I bought the N 70-180 and I'm waiting for the delivery :) On a daily basis, I use the N 24-70 2.8 S and the N 105 1.4. I was looking for a good zoom lens for events, occasionally for a wedding to take a few candid shots, or for traveling. In my backpack, I also carry a DJI mini 2 drone + batteries. I considered buying the Tamron G2 70-200 and the N 70-200 S, but the weight of those large zooms is a bit daunting for me. I do everything to make my backpack as light as possible. Therefore, for my needs and in my opinion, the combination of Z6 II + N 24-70 2.8 + 70-180 2.8 and DJI is perfect. I mainly use the N 105 1.4 for outdoor sessions where I have time to step away from the model, or when I want to showcase a fantastic background blur and the image's depth. Regards.
Thanks for the amazing comment and happy to hear you like the video!! I’m all for keeping my bag as light as possible. Used to try and take EVERYTHING all the time and ended up just destroying myself, haha. Live and learn. Good luck with your shooting!
I think the smaller weight and size of the lens would be a good help for sure when traversing the trails, and it’s 2.8 all the way so zoomed in to 180mm should do pretty good with that. If you are in a budget but still want separation I think this is a good option for you.
@@Pdubbcooking that would be a nice focal length for sure, if it was f/2.8 and not f/4. A large part of my shooting is fast action in darker areas so the 2.8 is a nice little boost for sure. Outdoor events…that could be a good little option as well! Thanks for the comment!!
@@Pdubbcooking generally the conditions of where I’m shooting dictate that I shoot wide open, darker venue, fast action, and I don’t want to raise my ISO too high because even on the Z9 when you get above 4,000ISO I don’t like the noise. In this video I’m shooting outside, but I just left it at 2.8 because it was looking good and working for what I wanted to do, separate my subject from the busy background. Of course as needed I do step down my aperture, but having the option of going to 2.8 when needed verses only being able to shoot at f/4 is more important to me as a professional photographer. Hope that helps.
@@Pdubbcooking I see. Getting a new lens is always a tough decision. And the “nice” ones for wildlife can get VERY expensive. Good luck with your search and your shooting!!
Well I still have an old 70-200 f mount that I am using and still like the quality. I think both lenses are just fine so if you are wanting to improve your image quality only this might not make a massive difference in my opinion.
@@jasonhalaykophotography I see.. but I feel in a difficult position then, because if quality of the new one is fine compared to the "old" one, then it's weight it's just an half.. and I can but the old one and buy the new one with a "small" effort, depending on some factors, but at around 3-400€. So, that's just confusing me.. will I loose something else? Water and dust resistant maybe? Or it can be a pitty to loose the "non-zooming" lens? Today and tomorrow, combining Nital's sale and Amazon prime days, the new 70-180 is going to cost 1099€.. now it's really affordable I think..
@@070701984 When in this position I tend to try renting the lens for a couple days and seeing how I like it for myself and see if it fits my needs. But that is a pretty good sale price...good luck!!
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Thank you very much!!!
Great review. I've had the Z 70-180mm for about 3 weeks now and I have to say, there's a lot to be said for its handling. The reduced weight is great and I've gotten some great pictures and I can see myself taking this lens everywhere. I had the 70-200 (f mount) and loved it ... and thought I'd made a mistake not getting the z 70-200 f2.8. The more I use this z 70-180 more attached I'm becoming to it for its versatility and it does very well with the TC 2.0x. I now think, if I do want to invest in a top-end portrait lens I save for an z 85mm prime. Jason, thanks for this informative review.
Thanks for checking out the video and for your great comment. I’m happy to hear you have been enjoying the lens!! I need to get around to switching out mine as well. So busy these days, haha
Just bought this lens for sports videography and so excited to finally work with it. Great video as well! 🔥
For sure, the first couple clips of action I have in the video were shot with this lens. Worked great!
I have to say, having shot the F mount 2.8 70-200mm FLED lens since it’s release, I couldn’t find any meaningful justification to upgrade to the Z equivalent version. But this lens changes that.
I really don’t want the size and weight of a traditional 2.8.
I have not been disappointed with any of the Z lenses that I have seen and or, used. Whilst some of the F mount versions are great on Z cameras, most, if not all Z mount lenses far exceed them in optical quality, S line or not.
Losing the 20mm at the end of the focal range is far less important than losing just a couple of mm at the wide end on the super wide zoom lenses, which is a biggie for me. So if this lens delivers the way you and others have said, it’s time to swap out my older FLED version.
Thanks for the review.
I agree with you 100%!
Thanks for checking out my review and good luck with your shooting!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! This is really helpful. Love your work!
Thanks for checking out the video!! Much appreciated!
I have the 28-70 f2.8 and have been pretty happy with it so itd be cool to match it with this
I think that would be a great match for sure.
Nice review, and really good photos! I'm supposed to receive my lens tomorrow (on sale!) and I can't wait to use it.
Thanks for checking out the video and the nice comment!! I hope it arrives safe and sound and you are able to get some great images with it.
Thanks for the video. I recently bought the Z8 and 24-70 2.8 S lens and looking to add the next longer length to my kit. I think the 70-180 2.8 came along at the perfect time to help me with my purchasing decision. I am an armature and want a good kit without breaking the bank. All I have read and seen on video have convinced me that this will be my choice. Keep up the good work.
Cheers!! Glad I could be of service!! Good luck with your shooting and thanks for the nice comment!!
I was hoping this was about 70-180mm Z vs your 70-200mm E. There are a lot of us out there like you hanging on to our older glass because it is economically feasible. Image quality and performance on the Z6ii and Z8 with a FTZ adapted 70-200mm f2.8E vs 70-180mm native is important to me. Might have to rent this lens and try it out for myself. Thanks but I wish you would have gone deeper with your comparison.
Thanks. I think renting and seeing how it works for yourself is a very good idea indeed. I’m still using my old 70-200 as it’s still an amazing lens and one I’m not using EVERY shoot so need to upgrade myself at the moment.
This is the only review I've seen that talks about the right perk of this lens - it's not its price, it is the greatly reduced weight while retaining large aperture and telephoto zoom. And I don't think VR matters if you are using this lens to shoot on the move. The reduced weight will also shave a few stops off your shots. I would take this over any 'optically superior' heavy super telephoto or 2.8 70-200 in most occasions. Walking around with a bag full of glass can be really annoying, you could have this lens around your neck or on a holster and it would be feasible.
Thanks!!
I found the weight, and the lens’ center of weight to be super nice. Really considering selling my 70-200 f mount and getting this. For what I do it’s perfect!
So happy to hear you liked the video, thanks!!!
@@jasonhalaykophotography what do you think about lack of "S" badge? I think a lot of people are probably hesitant to pick this up since it won't be as 'premium'. Personally, I just want to know it has decent weather protection - I won't swim with it but I hope light rain can be handled easily.
@@sBepo7 lack of “S” makes no difference to me if it saves my body when I’m shooting with it AAAAALLLLLLLLL day, haha. Should be ok with a little rain I would think. But picking up a cheap rain cover is never a bad idea.
@@jasonhalaykophotographythis is so great to hear. Been waiting for reviews of this lens!
@@avi_g great!! Happy to hear!! Thanks!
Thanks for this review. I'd love the 70-200 2.8 but I just shot a triathlon over the weekend and I can't imagine lugging that thing around, same as you mentioned. I switched between the 24-120 and the 85 1.8, but if I had the 70-180 it would have been the perfect lens and I could have shot with just that. I'll probably pick this up and save the money and weight.
I think this could be a super lens for triathlon shooting. I hope you can pick one up! Good luck!!
@@jasonhalaykophotography I’ll also be going mountain gorilla trekking and I’d much rather carry this lens than the 2.8 up into the mountains. Hoping it will serve me well there too. Thanks!
@@nickcarneyphotography that would be amazing!! Send me a link when you can so I can check out the pictures.
Agreed - this is totally about use case.
I have the 70-200 2.8 S lens and it is phenomenal. Still, I am tempted by this lens for event work specifically - where I am shooting for long hours and have to lug equipment around all day. I would still use my 70-200 2.8 S lens for just about everything else, but for events, or even just for fun walking around, I could see using this lens. May be picking it up in the future.
Thanks for your insights on this, and confirming some of my thoughts on it.
-PD
Thanks for the comment and checking out the video!! Happy to hear it was useful.
THello and thanks for the great review. I bought the N 70-180 and I'm waiting for the delivery :) On a daily basis, I use the N 24-70 2.8 S and the N 105 1.4. I was looking for a good zoom lens for events, occasionally for a wedding to take a few candid shots, or for traveling. In my backpack, I also carry a DJI mini 2 drone + batteries. I considered buying the Tamron G2 70-200 and the N 70-200 S, but the weight of those large zooms is a bit daunting for me. I do everything to make my backpack as light as possible. Therefore, for my needs and in my opinion, the combination of Z6 II + N 24-70 2.8 + 70-180 2.8 and DJI is perfect. I mainly use the N 105 1.4 for outdoor sessions where I have time to step away from the model, or when I want to showcase a fantastic background blur and the image's depth. Regards.
Thanks for the amazing comment and happy to hear you like the video!!
I’m all for keeping my bag as light as possible. Used to try and take EVERYTHING all the time and ended up just destroying myself, haha. Live and learn.
Good luck with your shooting!
Great review. I shoot mountain bikers in wooded trails. I want subject separation. How would this lens do? (budget is a factor). Thanks.
I think the smaller weight and size of the lens would be a good help for sure when traversing the trails, and it’s 2.8 all the way so zoomed in to 180mm should do pretty good with that. If you are in a budget but still want separation I think this is a good option for you.
How often do you need the long end? Did you consider the 24-120 for a single lens solution?
@@Pdubbcooking that would be a nice focal length for sure, if it was f/2.8 and not f/4. A large part of my shooting is fast action in darker areas so the 2.8 is a nice little boost for sure. Outdoor events…that could be a good little option as well! Thanks for the comment!!
@@jasonhalaykophotography I see, so you shoot wide open for the most part?
@@Pdubbcooking generally the conditions of where I’m shooting dictate that I shoot wide open, darker venue, fast action, and I don’t want to raise my ISO too high because even on the Z9 when you get above 4,000ISO I don’t like the noise. In this video I’m shooting outside, but I just left it at 2.8 because it was looking good and working for what I wanted to do, separate my subject from the busy background.
Of course as needed I do step down my aperture, but having the option of going to 2.8 when needed verses only being able to shoot at f/4 is more important to me as a professional photographer. Hope that helps.
@@jasonhalaykophotography it does! I shoot mostly outdoor wildlife and have a gap to fill between 70-180 so I’ve been going back and forth.
@@Pdubbcooking I see. Getting a new lens is always a tough decision. And the “nice” ones for wildlife can get VERY expensive. Good luck with your search and your shooting!!
May I ask a fast quality comparison with the "old" 70-200 2.8 VRII? Do you recommend to change it and upgrade the lens? 😊
Well I still have an old 70-200 f mount that I am using and still like the quality. I think both lenses are just fine so if you are wanting to improve your image quality only this might not make a massive difference in my opinion.
@@jasonhalaykophotography I see.. but I feel in a difficult position then, because if quality of the new one is fine compared to the "old" one, then it's weight it's just an half.. and I can but the old one and buy the new one with a "small" effort, depending on some factors, but at around 3-400€. So, that's just confusing me.. will I loose something else? Water and dust resistant maybe? Or it can be a pitty to loose the "non-zooming" lens? Today and tomorrow, combining Nital's sale and Amazon prime days, the new 70-180 is going to cost 1099€.. now it's really affordable I think..
@@jasonhalaykophotography Thank's for your reply!
@@070701984 When in this position I tend to try renting the lens for a couple days and seeing how I like it for myself and see if it fits my needs. But that is a pretty good sale price...good luck!!
Hi can it sustain 20fps autofocus?
I had no problems with it with my shooting.
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