People complaining about the 600mm pf having the same aperture as the 180-600mm, as if the 500mm pf didnt also have the same aperture as the 200-500mm. The point of the pf is size, weight, speed, iq, build, and probably a few other minor things. Also, its nice to just have options. If the difference in performance isnt worth it to you, just get the zoom. The people who this lens is for already know why they want it
I agree. Very few people seem concerned about the sealing, and if they are happy to pack it up when it starts to rain .. good for them. The build quality, sealing and lighter weight are what I will be buying, price be damned.
I used to roll my eyes at weight, now, I'll pay every penny to shave weight off. Makes a huge difference for me with how long I can be out in the field before fatigue sets in.
Every niche product is more expensive. No other manufacturer had these (exact) lenses (yet), so price will be higher. €5200 for a very lightweight lens is still a lot of money. Sigma 500mm similar lens is €3200. Not compared to the €17.500 for a 600 f/4 tc, but that's a really wrong comparison. 26 elements 3 ED glass elements, 1 Super ED glass element, 2 fluorite lens elements, 2 SR lens elements 7lbs. Vs 21 elements 2 ED elements, 1 SR element, 1 PF 3lbs. Only because of the way smaller lenses, less special glass (with the exception of the PF) the lenses should cost a whole lot less. Not to mention the TC. Compare the 600 PF with the zoom, the 2,5 times price increase is quite steep. A better aperture isn't a strange remark in my view. If Sigma would ever decide to make such a lens the price would drop 25%.
And besides that, the zoom vs the prime didn't have factor 2,5 times in price difference. Now it has. The 600 mm is €2000 more than the 500mm, while having a slower aperture. That's a very expensive 100mm.
for anyone curious, nikons jerky VR is the sensor and floating lens element resetting to dead center after your shot so they have the maximum room to move on all their axis for your new shot.
The only I don’t like is when ever I have all my composition right exactly where I want it after you click the shutter it shifted a little bit so I have to make sure I’m framing for a little room to adjust . Or I ll just change it to sport mode and move on .
It's not great when trying to get your composition correct. Canon and Sony do not do this and it's an issue when taking photos with a Nikon/. It's annoying, it's distracting and it messes up your composition.
@@codebunnies My 200-500 VR re-centers the element on every shot in normal mode, that was especially noticeable on my D810, but is still quite there with my Z6 (a bit less noticeable since the sensor re-centers as well), so it is not only on stacked sensors.
Looks like Nikon might be able to take over the non pro wildlife shooter market, the 400 f4.5, this 600 and the 180-600. Crazy performance for crazy non bank breaking prices compared to the F4's !!!! I do want the 180-600 though for myself.
Or even the pro wildlife shooter market as well? Their 400 f/2.8 TC, 600 f/4 TC and 800 f/6.3 lenses are unparalleled and significantly cheaper than the competition.
and the 800! So practically, You have 400, 600 and 800 phase fresnel lenses that can compete in resolution but not in terms of depth of field with more expensive TC versions. Very clever NIKON. The expensive ones have a TC so you can buy the 400mm and can have 600mm, or the 600 and can have 800mm.
Was in Africa this year with my father, spent 8 days in the Okavango Delta shooting, bringing the 600mm f/4 was the best decision I could have made, absolutely spectacular shots, 90% of my shots were with it, worth every penny
@@michael-4k4000 Only hunting with a camera :). No actual hunting allowed where we were on safari @janwedek Yeah it was a hell of an expense, but for the amazing photos and memories captured that I’ll treasure forever plus getting to use such an amazing piece of technology for the rest of my life wherever I want, well worth the spend
As a Sony user, very much agreed. The Sony 200-600 is an amazing lens (as is the Nikkor 180-600), but the option of the 600/6.3 and 800/6.3....incredible.
@@PhotographybyTimWMoore i work in the us film industry for the last 30 yrs and we have lights with fresnel lenses and the pronunciation has always been "fruh-NELL"
I've had the Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 since Day 2 of the preorder period. I'll stick with that lens and its versatility for now, although I'll admit the 3lb of the new Z 600mm f6.3 sounds luscious for hiking in National Parks, etc.
You have to keep in mind this isn’t a direct 1:1 comparison shot. The axis was different on the prime resulting in what appears to be a softer image but all-in-all most shots taken w/ the 600 prime in general appeared sharper to our eye. It was the only “close” comparison shot that Jared had with both lenses to show the audience
If it were me, I'd get the 180-600mm and maybe save my money for the 800mm f6.3 to supplement it. The difference between the zoom and the prime at 600mm isn't so dramatic to justify the extra cost. That's not saying the 600mm prime is bad, just that the 180-600mm is really good and still gets you f6.3 at 600mm!
Absolutely! I hope canon can compete. I'm just not excited by their 200-800 zoom. But I don't see how this 600mm lens has any advantages over the 800mm Z.
I had the 180-600mm … very sharp but too heavy for daily walks which is what I want. So I returned it and await the light and no doubt magnificent 600 pf. I don’t need a zoom either for my use and so that also influenced me. But on sharpness alone the 180-600 looks excellent. I’m expecting it late October in UK.
@@myketripp3838 Yes mine arrived on October 30th and has taken some fabulous pictures of visiting waxwings! Such a delight to maneouvre and hold all day. Super quick AF, sharp and beautiful colour contrast. Also performs very well with 1.4 TC
My 105MM MC Nikon Z does the herky jerky thing all the time! I thought there was something wrong with my lens. Feels better to know its just the VR Mode.
That comparison with the 180-600 was brutal. If you get this option, it's because that extra pound is very, very important to you. Because it ain't a question of image quality.
the testing technique was brutal and not even worth showing. Different angles under different light. The prime photo didn't even look legit, coudln't have picked a worse example. The 600mm prime offers better image quality.
As I said when Canon came out that expensive 100 300 2.8, I know Canon only care about pros and fan boys. Nice job Nikon, another lens makes Canon user wants to switch brands. This 180-600 is going to destroy Canon 100 500 by both speed and price.
I like this 600 prime a lot. The 600 f/4 TC might be better performance wise but it weighs a ton and costs a fortune, this new 600 mm balanced budgets and capabilities extremely well. If compared against the 180-600 It becomes a choice between versatility and durability and portability. The 180-600 being heavier bigger, no S line but versatile. Since I already own the 100-400 which offers plenty of versatility I prefer the 600 prime (which I ordered yesterday)
Thank you for the great review. Yeah 200-500 was mostly for bird enthusiasts shooting stationary animals with a pretty slow AF whereas 500 way lighter/smaller with twice as fast AF speed. Similar appears to be the case with 600 vs 180-600. Image quality will not necessarily be that different, but depending on what you need having many options is great.
Clicks on the lens-collar just get into the way when you have to do fine-tunings around that position. I prefer not having them but if you do more sports than landscape I see the point. Anyway, a minor point in my book.
Wow didn't see this coming! But, I am very happy with the 180-600 and don't see myself buying this lens. In regards to the clicky lens collar, while I get your point, there is a benefit to a smooth lens collar. If you slightly unlock it and mount it on a gimbal head your range of motion is amazing and very fluid. But, I could definitely see benefits in it being clicky as well.
Between the two, the prime. I'm a hard core birder and any extra sharpness means I can crop a bit more and still have great sharpness and more importantly when i use extenders it will be sharper. Plus the lighter weight and faster AF will be nice. If I didn't more landscapes stuff or if budget was a constriction, then the 180-600mm would be a great option.
The click on the tripod collar can be quite annoying if your tripod foot base is just slightly off the horizontal and you need to fix the collar at a 0.5° angle.
Given the horizons built in the new cameras it's very easy to control it and I also think that it could even be a "problem" when you are just slightly of the center point.
The 500 pf will be more and more tempting as it still holds up brilliantly and getting cheaper on the used market. But really the 180-600 is a good choice for anyone for versatility, pro or not.
I just wish the zooming was all internal on the 180-600, that's what killed it for me. In some ways I'm glad they killed it for me, because I'll get this instead. So my bag will be 40mm 2.0, 85mm 1.2, 105mm macro, 135mm Plena, 400mm 4.5 and this 600mm. I have zero zooms and I love life. But.... I think I need 2 additional bodies, and carrying 4 is going to be a handful (pun intended).
I will get the 600mm 6.3 prime Lens, because it is so compact and light. I had the Sony 200-600mm which I sold, because it was too big and heavy carrying when hiking for a day. So Nikkor 400mm 4.5 and Nikkor 600mm 6.3 are great Lenses ! (Really, my heart beats more for the Nikkor 400mm 4.5 !).
Or, get the 1,045g Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, with the 207g 2x teleconvertor. 400mm at f/5.6. Total weight: 1,252g vs. 1,390g for the Nikkor 600mm F/6.3.
Being a weekend warrior I think I would go for the 180-600. I travel a lot and often take my camera with me just in case, so versatility is something important to me
How I wish Sony also make long prime lenses like this. The f2.8 and f4 are too expensive and heavy and big for so many people. Especially if 1 dont make money from those photo or dont want to spend that much money.
I came here once I got the email. I am confused. They just released the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3. What's the point of point a prime if the aperture isn't any better than the equivalent zoom lens? Is this lens cheaper? This makes no sense to me. edit: apparently it's $4,800... wow
@@aliendroneservices6621 the difference comes when looking at sharpness across the frame rather than just the centre. Both are great in the centre but this new 600PF is sharp right into the corners where the zoom takes a slight hit. The main difference is the size and weight, just like the 500PF years ago once you start using it regularly you realise the benefits. Both the zoom and this PF are fantastic offerings though, well done Nikon.
Hmm this is interesting. 600 6.3 prime. Isnt their 180-600 also 6.3 at the long end. Please do a comparsion of both lenses at 600 6.3. It would be interesting
... also the subject's eye seems near center of the frame where both lenses are probably similar, we would probably need to see something at the edges of the frame to see if the prime had a clear advantage.
@@swordz2330 need more in dept testing of this lens against the 180-600 to know if this 600 prime is worth it over the zoom. Currently only know its lighter. . But its more expensive and you lose all the flexibility from 180-599mm. Got to check if the af is alot faster at 600… the sharpness.. color? Etc.
soooo, this weekend I got to play with ALL the big telephoto lenses at the Photo Days 2023 Expo in Brussels, Belgium. As well as the Noct and the Plena. I decided a day after the expo that I would get this one. Of course, the 600/4 TC was even better but that one is also 3 times as expensive here in Europe. I might keep saving for that one tho. What I do like is the weight of this one and indeed the overall portability. Image quality is top notch and undoubfully good, but I can assess that even better when it finally arrives. I purchased it directly from Nikon but there is a fairly (probably) large waiting list. We'll see. It eventually will get here. Hopefully in time for my Antarctica trip in March 2024.
I'm not sure why this is f6.3. 400mm prime is f4.5 compared to the 100-400mm zoom which is f5.6, so I thought it should be 600mm f5.6 or something like that compared to the 180-600mm f6.3. I know it is lighter and mayber sharper than 180-600mm zoom but still.
Right. Its even lighter than 1500gram. Which is the weight of the old and usually 70-200/70-400 kind of telephoto zooms we used to have. At just 1.4kg and you have prime 600mm. It is pretty sick. Yes its 6.3. But when sun is up. This lens will have no problem. But now the question is comparing this 600 6.3 to 180-600 6.3. At 600. Is the prime af alot faster? Is it alot sharper?
it is hard to pick the 600 pf over the 180-600 due to the 3x price and only so slight more sharpness which is quite negligible. if the 600 pf is f5.6 then maybe yes, but with the same f6.3 as the 180-600, really hard pill to swallow. I will definitely go for 180-600 and the remaining price difference will be used towards a z8.
I think as an amateur I would prefer using a 400 f4.5 with a 1.4x TC. It should be something around the same 600mm f6.3 and is a lot more versatile and cheaper.
Just had a week safari in Africa using the 400 4.5 with TC 1.4 for 560mm. Was not impressed at all very very soft images at a distance and only sharp when subject was very close consuming the entire frame. Will def look into the 600mm PF w/o TC.
Nice to hear the Z600/6.3 is not that extremely better than the Z180-600/5.6-6.3. I got my 180-600 on the 30th of september 2023 and tried it in several occasions. Eventing (horsebackriding) and birds. And I really do like the lens! If the Z600/6.3 would be very much better I would have been very frustrated. But not in this case! Imho the picture of your eagle tells the whole story.
Z180-600 is not a prime with optimum quality corner to corner ... and the Z600 size and weight alone makes it worth it. I've had it a month and it just feels perfect. At the end of the day people can tell themselves it's the same ... but the pros are telling us it's not. The Z600pf is the "sweet spot" ... while the Z180-600 has a sweet spot. If it weren't about money, the majority would want a 3 lbs prime lens any day.
The click thing on the collar might be an annoying from an OCD perspective but in real use you may not fall exactly on it from a composition standpoint. So it's not really an issue....
I think this lens sounds great and looks like an amazing lens but I feel the price point will hold it back. Asking almost $5000 for a 600 6.3 prime is really steep. I think this will struggle to differentiate itself from a 400 4.5 + TC which is cheaper and just as light or if you are already spending this much money, might as well spend a few extra dollars and move to the 800PF. It sits in this weird middle ground where, yes, the 600mm focal length is amazing but they priced it like it was faster than it is. Like imagine this was a 600 5.0 at this price point. Even if a bit bigger, it would be an insanely good option. But at 6.3, I feel there are better options already. Also that 4m min focusing distance is pretty rough. Anyone shooting small birds will def run into this wall. Imo they really should have sacrificed a few extra g so this could be closer to the 2.4m of the 180-600 or 2.5 of the 400 4.5.
Probably 180-600 for me. I like the birds and it gives me more flexibility in tighter quarters with their movement. 600 PF would, for me, be better for larger animals in open areas…
I've had mine for a month now and love it. It's top quality and the weight is why it's been worth it to me. When I'm in the Jeep (on the trail), I can pick it up off the passenger seat, spin, and shoot out my side with no issues.
I am not 100% sure about the lens. As much as I like that they came out with a „affordable“ option, I think they have to many lenses in their own setup that compete with this one. I don’t know if it is possible but a f/5.6 for that lens would lift it out a bit more.
This is kind of an oddball for me. I wish they would have made it a 600 f/5.6 with a built-in TC. That way, you stay at f/8 when you use the TC which means you get PDAF on all cameras. In that realm it absolutely would have been worth the $4,800 price tag. As is, seems way overpriced.
Here's what I wonder. I bought the Z8 and am using my Nikkor 500mm pf lens with the FTZ converter. Does it make sense to upgrade to the z600mm 6.3 in your opinion?
Sony needs to step up there telezoom game! Nikon is crushing it with the medium budget lenses and pro lenses, canon is crushing the super budget game and pro lenses aswel while sony is still depending on there amazing 200-600 but we need some of nikons budget primes in sony’s line up real quick
A Z 600mm f5.6 S PF should be a game changer. 100-400mm/f4.5-5.6 weighs 3.2lbs and 400mm/f4.5m weighs 2.7lbs. Both of these lenses are the S version. I would think Nikon wants to have a new prime 600mm which is much lighter than 180-600mm to meet Nikon owners’ wish but I cannot figure out why Nikon does not want to design a 600mm/f5.6 PF instead. Would 400mm/f4.5 + 1.4x TC be better off in terms of pricing even though there might be a little sacrifice in sharpness?
@michael-masi-2021 that is not how it works unfortunately. dx crop is just a crop of your full frame image. You don't gain reach without losing megapixels.
@@deviantMystro add a TC and lose IQ, or DX crop for less megapixels.... I know which sacrifice I'd rather make. Unless you're printing, and printing big, MP are overrated. I'll take my ~20mp DX crop on a Z9 any day over a TC.
oaky mr polin. i will hand hold Nikon Z9 Gen 2 FTZ Sigma Sport 120-300mm for sports that is 10lb in weight. i got so used to weight does not bug me and so well balanced. some how i hand held it for over 2hrs with not putting down. even when open gatorade bottle for drink. its feels so great. also i can not pick up heavy weights. my backpack that is 23lb is super heavy in both hands. but 10lb combo does not fell heavy. if had that lens on Z9 will feel to light. just like the Sigma C 150-600mm fells when i have on Z9
I just traded my 500PF for the 600PF. I think it was worth the upgrade. I did not like the loose feel of the FTZ2 adapter between the Z8 and 500pf. The 600 feels more solid and seems to balance better. It seems to focus faster. The build feels more robust. The 600 has an extra set of function buttons. So far, image quality seems to be at least as good. The background renders better and it has 20% longer range.
@@dicekolev5360 He is comparing the 200-500 5.6 to the 180-600 6.3 and this 600 6.3 to the 500 5.6. Nikon is opting for more reach but a slower open aperture. (and much higher price tag)
@@MTBD80 Right, but what is the benefit of this over a 400 4.5 + TC? Similar weight, similar optical performance, better close focusing. More versaility. $1000 less. 560mm vs 600mm is trivial.
600mm zoom lenses have always been F/6.3 or dimmer on the long end. Only cannon makes "black hole lenses" with F/11 aperture, or F/7.1 (which is not awful in itself, but sucks for a 3000€ 500mm lens)
If you are a wildlife photographer you would not buy a mirrorless camera that you can shoot silently as to not spook wildlife only to have your lens make a clicking sound to scare them off.
And with Tamron adding their 150-500 to the mount, Nikon has the sport / wildlife range well covered. I’d be curious how this lens compares to the 180-600 in other aspects other than sharpness - flare control, CA, bokeh, etc.
People complaining about the 600mm pf having the same aperture as the 180-600mm, as if the 500mm pf didnt also have the same aperture as the 200-500mm.
The point of the pf is size, weight, speed, iq, build, and probably a few other minor things.
Also, its nice to just have options.
If the difference in performance isnt worth it to you, just get the zoom.
The people who this lens is for already know why they want it
Gotta love when people complain about something that is good for them
I agree. Very few people seem concerned about the sealing, and if they are happy to pack it up when it starts to rain .. good for them. The build quality, sealing and lighter weight are what I will be buying, price be damned.
I used to roll my eyes at weight, now, I'll pay every penny to shave weight off. Makes a huge difference for me with how long I can be out in the field before fatigue sets in.
Every niche product is more expensive.
No other manufacturer had these (exact) lenses (yet), so price will be higher. €5200 for a very lightweight lens is still a lot of money. Sigma 500mm similar lens is €3200.
Not compared to the €17.500 for a 600 f/4 tc, but that's a really wrong comparison. 26 elements 3 ED glass elements, 1 Super ED glass element, 2 fluorite lens elements, 2 SR lens elements 7lbs. Vs 21 elements 2 ED elements, 1 SR element, 1 PF 3lbs.
Only because of the way smaller lenses, less special glass (with the exception of the PF) the lenses should cost a whole lot less. Not to mention the TC.
Compare the 600 PF with the zoom, the 2,5 times price increase is quite steep. A better aperture isn't a strange remark in my view. If Sigma would ever decide to make such a lens the price would drop 25%.
And besides that, the zoom vs the prime didn't have factor 2,5 times in price difference. Now it has. The 600 mm is €2000 more than the 500mm, while having a slower aperture. That's a very expensive 100mm.
for anyone curious, nikons jerky VR is the sensor and floating lens element resetting to dead center after your shot so they have the maximum room to move on all their axis for your new shot.
The only I don’t like is when ever I have all my composition right exactly where I want it after you click the shutter it shifted a little bit so I have to make sure I’m framing for a little room to adjust . Or I ll just change it to sport mode and move on .
It's not great when trying to get your composition correct. Canon and Sony do not do this and it's an issue when taking photos with a Nikon/. It's annoying, it's distracting and it messes up your composition.
Thats why you have 45.7 Megapixels! To crop into a composition!@@froknowsphoto
@@codebunnies My 200-500 VR re-centers the element on every shot in normal mode, that was especially noticeable on my D810, but is still quite there with my Z6 (a bit less noticeable since the sensor re-centers as well), so it is not only on stacked sensors.
@@froknowsphotobut Jared, not sure if u mentioned enough about how bad Nikons Auto focus is..... "Nikons auto focus is the worst"- Jared Polin
Nikons lens lineup is incredible
Looks like Nikon might be able to take over the non pro wildlife shooter market, the 400 f4.5, this 600 and the 180-600. Crazy performance for crazy non bank breaking prices compared to the F4's !!!! I do want the 180-600 though for myself.
Or even the pro wildlife shooter market as well? Their 400 f/2.8 TC, 600 f/4 TC and 800 f/6.3 lenses are unparalleled and significantly cheaper than the competition.
and the 800! So practically, You have 400, 600 and 800 phase fresnel lenses that can compete in resolution but not in terms of depth of field with more expensive TC versions. Very clever NIKON. The expensive ones have a TC so you can buy the 400mm and can have 600mm, or the 600 and can have 800mm.
"Non pro"? This is a $4800 lens!
Sure, it's cheaper than $15k but it's not exactly "entry level" :)
Yes "non pro". It's an enthusiast lens, for hobbyists with money. There's lots of those!
Well. Somebody earns 10 grand a month some earns 2 grand a month.. so. Good that there are options so consumer can choose.
Was in Africa this year with my father, spent 8 days in the Okavango Delta shooting, bringing the 600mm f/4 was the best decision I could have made, absolutely spectacular shots, 90% of my shots were with it, worth every penny
Lots of pennies too! :)
Sounds like a great trip with a great lens to match for sure
Did u do any hunting for wild animals????
@@michael-4k4000 Only hunting with a camera :). No actual hunting allowed where we were on safari
@janwedek Yeah it was a hell of an expense, but for the amazing photos and memories captured that I’ll treasure forever plus getting to use such an amazing piece of technology for the rest of my life wherever I want, well worth the spend
Excelent !!! Did you can take some pictures hand hold?
@@davblec I mostly used a monopod but there were definitely times I was moving quickly and switching subjects where it was pretty much hand held
I'm a Canon user, but the Nikon PF series is what Canon and Sony needs to make. PS - It's Fre-nel, not Freznel.
As a Sony user, very much agreed. The Sony 200-600 is an amazing lens (as is the Nikkor 180-600), but the option of the 600/6.3 and 800/6.3....incredible.
It’s America….Feznel!!!
@@PhotographybyTimWMoore i work in the us film industry for the last 30 yrs and we have lights with fresnel lenses and the pronunciation has always been "fruh-NELL"
@@PhotographybyTimWMoore USA is not a country to look up to.
@@codebunniesdoes the new bird Af actually work? I hope so because I’m in the Nikon camp but haven’t gone mirrorless yet!
I've had the Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 since Day 2 of the preorder period. I'll stick with that lens and its versatility for now, although I'll admit the 3lb of the new Z 600mm f6.3 sounds luscious for hiking in National Parks, etc.
I walked around the entire Phoenix Zoo yesterday and handheld my Z600pf and never tired of shooting with it. And I'm 64. I love this lens.
Agree 110% about the VR, Jared. It took me a bit to make the same adjustment on my 180-600 strapped to my Z6ii.
It might just be me, but I think the eagle with the zoom is sharper than the prime.
Same observation over here
10:41
First I thought the same.
But as YT compress the videos a lot, RAWs would be the right way to compare the two lenses.
You have to keep in mind this isn’t a direct 1:1 comparison shot. The axis was different on the prime resulting in what appears to be a softer image but all-in-all most shots taken w/ the 600 prime in general appeared sharper to our eye. It was the only “close” comparison shot that Jared had with both lenses to show the audience
Nah
If it were me, I'd get the 180-600mm and maybe save my money for the 800mm f6.3 to supplement it. The difference between the zoom and the prime at 600mm isn't so dramatic to justify the extra cost. That's not saying the 600mm prime is bad, just that the 180-600mm is really good and still gets you f6.3 at 600mm!
Nikon are killing lately with their new glass! In the past the whizz bang glass was usually the L series from Canon…not so much of late though.
Absolutely! I hope canon can compete. I'm just not excited by their 200-800 zoom. But I don't see how this 600mm lens has any advantages over the 800mm Z.
I had the 180-600mm … very sharp but too heavy for daily walks which is what I want. So I returned it and await the light and no doubt magnificent 600 pf. I don’t need a zoom either for my use and so that also influenced me. But on sharpness alone the 180-600 looks excellent. I’m expecting it late October in UK.
Got my z600pf just a day ago ... I love it. Canceled my pre-order for the z180-600 and am glad I did. (but Nikon did a good job with the telephoto)
@@myketripp3838 Yes mine arrived on October 30th and has taken some fabulous pictures of visiting waxwings! Such a delight to maneouvre and hold all day. Super quick AF, sharp and beautiful colour contrast. Also performs very well with 1.4 TC
You can drop shutter speed to 1/100 or even lower on a perched bird, get that ISO way down with modern VR and 20 fps.
My 105MM MC Nikon Z does the herky jerky thing all the time! I thought there was something wrong with my lens. Feels better to know its just the VR Mode.
That comparison with the 180-600 was brutal. If you get this option, it's because that extra pound is very, very important to you. Because it ain't a question of image quality.
Agreed. This review cemented the zoom as my choice... IF I ever step over to the Z-mount, at my advanced age.
There is also quite a big difference in price
the testing technique was brutal and not even worth showing. Different angles under different light. The prime photo didn't even look legit, coudln't have picked a worse example.
The 600mm prime offers better image quality.
For versatility, i'll go with the 180-600 on my Z8. 🙂
As I said when Canon came out that expensive 100 300 2.8, I know Canon only care about pros and fan boys. Nice job Nikon, another lens makes Canon user wants to switch brands. This 180-600 is going to destroy Canon 100 500 by both speed and price.
I like this 600 prime a lot. The 600 f/4 TC might be better performance wise but it weighs a ton and costs a fortune, this new 600 mm balanced budgets and capabilities extremely well.
If compared against the 180-600 It becomes a choice between versatility and durability and portability. The 180-600 being heavier bigger, no S line but versatile.
Since I already own the 100-400 which offers plenty of versatility I prefer the 600 prime (which I ordered yesterday)
Thank you for the great review. Yeah 200-500 was mostly for bird enthusiasts shooting stationary animals with a pretty slow AF whereas 500 way lighter/smaller with twice as fast AF speed. Similar appears to be the case with 600 vs 180-600. Image quality will not necessarily be that different, but depending on what you need having many options is great.
Clicks on the lens-collar just get into the way when you have to do fine-tunings around that position. I prefer not having them but if you do more sports than landscape I see the point. Anyway, a minor point in my book.
How the tables have turned. A few years ago I couldn't have imagined this video title, on this channel :)
Wow didn't see this coming! But, I am very happy with the 180-600 and don't see myself buying this lens. In regards to the clicky lens collar, while I get your point, there is a benefit to a smooth lens collar. If you slightly unlock it and mount it on a gimbal head your range of motion is amazing and very fluid. But, I could definitely see benefits in it being clicky as well.
Between the two, the prime. I'm a hard core birder and any extra sharpness means I can crop a bit more and still have great sharpness and more importantly when i use extenders it will be sharper. Plus the lighter weight and faster AF will be nice. If I didn't more landscapes stuff or if budget was a constriction, then the 180-600mm would be a great option.
The click on the tripod collar can be quite annoying if your tripod foot base is just slightly off the horizontal and you need to fix the collar at a 0.5° angle.
Given the horizons built in the new cameras it's very easy to control it and I also think that it could even be a "problem" when you are just slightly of the center point.
The 500 pf will be more and more tempting as it still holds up brilliantly and getting cheaper on the used market. But really the 180-600 is a good choice for anyone for versatility, pro or not.
The 500pf is fantastic on a Z9. These two new telephoto lenses are exciting.
I just wish the zooming was all internal on the 180-600, that's what killed it for me. In some ways I'm glad they killed it for me, because I'll get this instead. So my bag will be 40mm 2.0, 85mm 1.2, 105mm macro, 135mm Plena, 400mm 4.5 and this 600mm. I have zero zooms and I love life. But.... I think I need 2 additional bodies, and carrying 4 is going to be a handful (pun intended).
@@Michael-Masi-911 why is the external zoom bad for you?
@@Michael-Masi-911 it is an internal zoom isn’t it on the 180-600?
I really didn't know that 180-600 was less than $2k.
I might have to try to budget it next year
I will get the 600mm 6.3 prime Lens, because it is so compact and light. I had the Sony 200-600mm which I sold, because it was too big and heavy carrying when hiking for a day. So Nikkor 400mm 4.5 and Nikkor 600mm 6.3 are great Lenses ! (Really, my heart beats more for the Nikkor 400mm 4.5 !).
Or, get the 1,045g Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, with the 207g 2x teleconvertor. 400mm at f/5.6. Total weight: 1,252g vs. 1,390g for the Nikkor 600mm F/6.3.
@@aliendroneservices6621 Why would you do that, when the Nikon 400 f4.5 is almost a whole stop faster and the same weight
@@aliendroneservices6621 I just picked up the new 70-200 f4, depending on your subject matter the macro capabilities on the f4 is a worthy tradeoff
@@romanpul versatility and depth of field
@@taylorhickman84 The 70-200 with a TC will give you worse depth of field than a 400 f4.5 as it has a shorter focal length and a smaller aperture
Seeing those comparison images side by side, considering the price and versatility of the zoom...I'd go zoom all the way!
That’s a nice lens.
Waiting for my 135mm f/1.8 Plena lens to arrive.
If I had to choose between 600 and 800 pf, I would go with 800. This 600 is too expensive being a 6.3 PF lens.
I hope everyone agrees. This will increase my odds of getting it sooner.
How much is the 600mm TC? Just saying.
Being a weekend warrior I think I would go for the 180-600. I travel a lot and often take my camera with me just in case, so versatility is something important to me
I have the 400mm; with a TC it would make a 580mm f/6.3. That being said, I might still opt for the 180-600...
400mm with 1.4x make it to 560mm 6.3
How does it compare with Nikon Z 400mm F4.5 with 1.4TC? Do you have any thoughts on it?
How I wish Sony also make long prime lenses like this. The f2.8 and f4 are too expensive and heavy and big for so many people. Especially if 1 dont make money from those photo or dont want to spend that much money.
Buy the 200-600. $1,500 used.
@@aliendroneservices6621 Too big and heavy, I had the Sony 200-600 and sold it !
Yes, please Sony ! Make 300mm 4.0, 400mm 4.5 and 500mm 5.6 prime Lenses !!!
I came here once I got the email. I am confused. They just released the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3. What's the point of point a prime if the aperture isn't any better than the equivalent zoom lens? Is this lens cheaper? This makes no sense to me.
edit: apparently it's $4,800... wow
Thought the same. My best guess is that it's the Z-mount answer to the 500/PF.
Superior imagine quality, handling, af speed versus the zoom. That's why. This is an S class lens. The zoom is just regular.
@@cmdrls212IQ looks the same: 10:41
It is really for people like me who have the 100-400mm and want a longer prime to go with it.
@@aliendroneservices6621 the difference comes when looking at sharpness across the frame rather than just the centre. Both are great in the centre but this new 600PF is sharp right into the corners where the zoom takes a slight hit. The main difference is the size and weight, just like the 500PF years ago once you start using it regularly you realise the benefits. Both the zoom and this PF are fantastic offerings though, well done Nikon.
Hmm this is interesting. 600 6.3 prime. Isnt their 180-600 also 6.3 at the long end.
Please do a comparsion of both lenses at 600 6.3. It would be interesting
He does just that at 10:45. Images taken different times though.
... also the subject's eye seems near center of the frame where both lenses are probably similar, we would probably need to see something at the edges of the frame to see if the prime had a clear advantage.
You also have to remember that the prime is a kilogram lighter which is its main point
@@swordz2330 need more in dept testing of this lens against the 180-600 to know if this 600 prime is worth it over the zoom. Currently only know its lighter. .
But its more expensive and you lose all the flexibility from 180-599mm.
Got to check if the af is alot faster at 600… the sharpness.. color? Etc.
This will be my next lens. The price seems to be an affordable option. Thank you.
I wish ALL S-line lenses would have had that gold ring...the lenses up to now looked mehhh!
soooo, this weekend I got to play with ALL the big telephoto lenses at the Photo Days 2023 Expo in Brussels, Belgium. As well as the Noct and the Plena. I decided a day after the expo that I would get this one. Of course, the 600/4 TC was even better but that one is also 3 times as expensive here in Europe. I might keep saving for that one tho. What I do like is the weight of this one and indeed the overall portability. Image quality is top notch and undoubfully good, but I can assess that even better when it finally arrives. I purchased it directly from Nikon but there is a fairly (probably) large waiting list. We'll see. It eventually will get here. Hopefully in time for my Antarctica trip in March 2024.
I'm not sure why this is f6.3. 400mm prime is f4.5 compared to the 100-400mm zoom which is f5.6, so I thought it should be 600mm f5.6 or something like that compared to the 180-600mm f6.3. I know it is lighter and mayber sharper than 180-600mm zoom but still.
6.3 probably to keep it smaller/lighter and cheaper. If its 5.6 it will be bigger heavier and more expensive? Likewise if its f4…
Only 1390g is a huge selling point for some people
Right. Its even lighter than 1500gram. Which is the weight of the old and usually 70-200/70-400 kind of telephoto zooms we used to have.
At just 1.4kg and you have prime 600mm. It is pretty sick. Yes its 6.3. But when sun is up. This lens will have no problem.
But now the question is comparing this 600 6.3 to 180-600 6.3. At 600. Is the prime af alot faster? Is it alot sharper?
it is hard to pick the 600 pf over the 180-600 due to the 3x price and only so slight more sharpness which is quite negligible. if the 600 pf is f5.6 then maybe yes, but with the same f6.3 as the 180-600, really hard pill to swallow. I will definitely go for 180-600 and the remaining price difference will be used towards a z8.
the good news is, they gave people options.
The size and weight differences are huge for me
The price ratio between the 200-500 f5.6 and the 500pf is about the same and they had no trouble selling the prime!
Someone with big muscles should tell Nikon about Arca Swiss!
PS: now I wanna see the movie "Planes in the Zoo"
If you buy a 600 PF to put it on a tripod, get the 180-600 instead.
I think as an amateur I would prefer using a 400 f4.5 with a 1.4x TC. It should be something around the same 600mm f6.3 and is a lot more versatile and cheaper.
that's the way I went and more than happy with the decision
My thoughts also, but waiting for a direct comparison.
Just had a week safari in Africa using the 400 4.5 with TC 1.4 for 560mm. Was not impressed at all very very soft images at a distance and only sharp when subject was very close consuming the entire frame. Will def look into the 600mm PF w/o TC.
6:30 6:31 6:34 6:35 F/13
Tripod collar click: How often do you get your tripod actually level. Without the detent it’s easier to use the in-camer level indicator
Nice to hear the Z600/6.3 is not that extremely better than the Z180-600/5.6-6.3. I got my 180-600 on the 30th of september 2023 and tried it in several occasions. Eventing (horsebackriding) and birds. And I really do like the lens! If the Z600/6.3 would be very much better I would have been very frustrated. But not in this case! Imho the picture of your eagle tells the whole story.
Actually the 600 f/6.3 pf is a lot better when you move away from centre. If that doesn’t bother you get the zoom
Z180-600 is not a prime with optimum quality corner to corner ... and the Z600 size and weight alone makes it worth it. I've had it a month and it just feels perfect. At the end of the day people can tell themselves it's the same ... but the pros are telling us it's not. The Z600pf is the "sweet spot" ... while the Z180-600 has a sweet spot. If it weren't about money, the majority would want a 3 lbs prime lens any day.
At 5 mins Your shirt is orange, your notepad is yellow and the lens ring is Gold! Just so you know.
The click thing on the collar might be an annoying from an OCD perspective but in real use you may not fall exactly on it from a composition standpoint. So it's not really an issue....
would love the prime... just can't fit it into my workflow. So I would probably get the180-600mm for now.
24-120 f/4 and 600 PF ... good travel combo for Outer Space?
I think this lens sounds great and looks like an amazing lens but I feel the price point will hold it back. Asking almost $5000 for a 600 6.3 prime is really steep. I think this will struggle to differentiate itself from a 400 4.5 + TC which is cheaper and just as light or if you are already spending this much money, might as well spend a few extra dollars and move to the 800PF. It sits in this weird middle ground where, yes, the 600mm focal length is amazing but they priced it like it was faster than it is. Like imagine this was a 600 5.0 at this price point. Even if a bit bigger, it would be an insanely good option. But at 6.3, I feel there are better options already.
Also that 4m min focusing distance is pretty rough. Anyone shooting small birds will def run into this wall. Imo they really should have sacrificed a few extra g so this could be closer to the 2.4m of the 180-600 or 2.5 of the 400 4.5.
Any tips on getting that close to birds?
@@taylorhickman84 let them come to you and be camouflaged. (blind, ghillie, etc)
Ryan cooper spot on mate! Better off getting versatility of 400 4.5 with TC at much cheaper price
Great job from Nikon and you!
Probably 180-600 for me. I like the birds and it gives me more flexibility in tighter quarters with their movement.
600 PF would, for me, be better for larger animals in open areas…
The 600 Pf is defintely sharper and must faster AF!
I've had mine for a month now and love it. It's top quality and the weight is why it's been worth it to me. When I'm in the Jeep (on the trail), I can pick it up off the passenger seat, spin, and shoot out my side with no issues.
IS THE GOLD RING BACK!!!!???
I don't like the click sometimes I need that Itty bitty turn and I don't want it clicking when I don't want it..
I am not 100% sure about the lens. As much as I like that they came out with a „affordable“ option, I think they have to many lenses in their own setup that compete with this one.
I don’t know if it is possible but a f/5.6 for that lens would lift it out a bit more.
This is kind of an oddball for me. I wish they would have made it a 600 f/5.6 with a built-in TC. That way, you stay at f/8 when you use the TC which means you get PDAF on all cameras. In that realm it absolutely would have been worth the $4,800 price tag. As is, seems way overpriced.
Here's what I wonder. I bought the Z8 and am using my Nikkor 500mm pf lens with the FTZ converter. Does it make sense to upgrade to the z600mm 6.3 in your opinion?
Fantástico. Ahora solo falta una D500 en versión Z mirrorless.
No matter how much I would love the 600mm either one, unless I win the lottery It’s a struggle to afford the 180-600.
Sony needs to step up there telezoom game! Nikon is crushing it with the medium budget lenses and pro lenses, canon is crushing the super budget game and pro lenses aswel while sony is still depending on there amazing 200-600 but we need some of nikons budget primes in sony’s line up real quick
I sold the "amazing" Sony 200-600mm, I want Sony (Tamron/Sigma) to make prime tele Lenses, like 300mm 4.0, 400mm 4.5 and 500mm 5.6
the new 70-200 shoots at 1:2, I'd say their are chugging along just fine
@@cameraprepper7938 I hope sigma will make a sony e mount 500mm f4 there canon/nikon mount was really good for a affordable price
Are you doing a review on canon 10-20mm? I need your input
180-600 is what I’ll be buying used a few years from now 😂
super,určitě je lepší 600,to je Number one👍👍👍
Luckily not back focusing this time? Or just a Z8 problem?
I think that the screen is for zoom lenses. Not primes. and it has been useful to me a few times especially at night.
The 105mm Macro has a screen. Useless to me.
Just seen you on tv in the Phillies win against the Braves !
That Eagle zoom photo is exceptional for the price. If you’re printing at a reasonable size, the prime looks like an un-versatile waste of money.
A Z 600mm f5.6 S PF should be a game changer.
100-400mm/f4.5-5.6 weighs 3.2lbs and 400mm/f4.5m weighs 2.7lbs. Both of these lenses are the S version.
I would think Nikon wants to have a new prime 600mm which is much lighter than 180-600mm to meet Nikon owners’ wish but I cannot figure out why Nikon does not want to design a 600mm/f5.6 PF instead.
Would 400mm/f4.5 + 1.4x TC be better off in terms of pricing even though there might be a little sacrifice in sharpness?
Go 400mm and drop into DX crop for instant 600mm with no drop in IQ or light gathering.
@michael-masi-2021 that is not how it works unfortunately. dx crop is just a crop of your full frame image. You don't gain reach without losing megapixels.
@@deviantMystro add a TC and lose IQ, or DX crop for less megapixels.... I know which sacrifice I'd rather make. Unless you're printing, and printing big, MP are overrated. I'll take my ~20mp DX crop on a Z9 any day over a TC.
Had the 180-600 on pre order in the UK since July, no sign of it yet, was told could be the New Year 😢
Would love a good VR lens but my old heavy Sigma 500mm APO is so sharp it crops equal to 800mm
I think Mark Cruz said they were done doing the lcd on the lenses.
The 180-600 is far sharper in the eagle comparison, as seen quite clearly by the feathers close to the beak etc.
Nice “guns” Jared however I’m sure Arnie would say, “more work required”. Cheers
I like that the rotating collar doesn’t have clicks. I often want to leave it just past the neutral mark.
You can still do that with the clicks. They are just there to tell you where center is. Or flush .
And here I just rely on the camera's display to indicate if I'm level, stupid me.
@@taylorhickman84 that that that has much to do with my point, but the camera’s sensor isn’t accurate enough a lot of times.
@@hautehussey the only time mine has faulted has been in moving vehicles
Maybe 100-400 + 600 pf is a good choice
I have a used 500 of and the 100-400. Great combo. I’m not likely to upgrade very soon but will in the future
Is tamron making all of Nikons Z glass still?
Wow a positive review for Nikon gear lol what’s the world coming too 😂
1 Gibbon is not called a Gibbons. Many Gibbons are refered to as Gibbons.
oaky mr polin. i will hand hold Nikon Z9 Gen 2 FTZ Sigma Sport 120-300mm for sports that is 10lb in weight. i got so used to weight does not bug me and so well balanced. some how i hand held it for over 2hrs with not putting down. even when open gatorade bottle for drink. its feels so great. also i can not pick up heavy weights. my backpack that is 23lb is super heavy in both hands. but 10lb combo does not fell heavy. if had that lens on Z9 will feel to light. just like the Sigma C 150-600mm fells when i have on Z9
I bought the Z 180-600 instead of the Z 600 and the cost savings paid for half of my Z 800.
Even Pentax has clicking Tripod collar GEEZ
I'll take the 180-600 please...
Is it worth changing from 500pf to the 600pf ? I just ordered the z8 so I don’t know yet how the 500pf works with it
I just traded my 500PF for the 600PF. I think it was worth the upgrade.
I did not like the loose feel of the FTZ2 adapter between the Z8 and 500pf.
The 600 feels more solid and seems to balance better. It seems to focus faster. The build feels more robust. The 600 has an extra set of function buttons. So far, image quality seems to be at least as good. The background renders better and it has 20% longer range.
@@tc6912 thanks man. Appreciate it :)
I find it so strange the new higher zoom lenses for the new Mirrorless camera's keep having higher F stops?
Umm, no?! What do you mean man 😅
@@dicekolev5360 He is comparing the 200-500 5.6 to the 180-600 6.3 and this 600 6.3 to the 500 5.6. Nikon is opting for more reach but a slower open aperture. (and much higher price tag)
Lower F stops makes it larger/heavier/expensive. They are striking a nice balance with more advanced stabilization of mirrorless system.
@@MTBD80 Right, but what is the benefit of this over a 400 4.5 + TC?
Similar weight, similar optical performance, better close focusing. More versaility. $1000 less. 560mm vs 600mm is trivial.
600mm zoom lenses have always been F/6.3 or dimmer on the long end. Only cannon makes "black hole lenses" with F/11 aperture, or F/7.1 (which is not awful in itself, but sucks for a 3000€ 500mm lens)
If you are a wildlife photographer you would not buy a mirrorless camera that you can shoot silently as to not spook wildlife only to have your lens make a clicking sound to scare them off.
Yess! Nice one! 🤩🤩
And with Tamron adding their 150-500 to the mount, Nikon has the sport / wildlife range well covered. I’d be curious how this lens compares to the 180-600 in other aspects other than sharpness - flare control, CA, bokeh, etc.
One has to assume it'll be better in all those areas, but by how much? The 180-600mm seems to perform very well.
I setup the ring with EV compensation
i call this the Charlie Brown Shirt. If you know, you know.
It's still cheaper than the other brand's 600mm lens.
Just need a Z6iii to knock it out of the park. Canon and Sony guys wishing they had more girth with their lens mounts.
Easy Compensation control +/- on the Lens Ring while looking at the Histogram. works great for me.
Just remember on your Africa trip to take a basting brush and a nice sauce.... so when the lion gets you you don't get stuck on the way down lol
Sony should have had clicks on the 200-600.
HEY CANON, MAKE THIS
No. I prefer the Nikkor Z 600mm 4.0 TC. The price is a hell but so is the performance.
Gibbon.....Gibbons is the pleural :-)