Nikon has announced the Z 70-180mm f/2.8, a fast all-purpose telephoto zoom that’s around half the price of its S-line Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S ‘trinity’ lens.
Like the S-line lens, this one has a fast, constant f/2.8 aperture that’s great for portraits, lifestyle, sports, nature, landscapes, cityscapes, events, and more – even in low light.
Mount: Nikon Z
Full frame: Yes
Image stabilization: No
Autofocus: Yes
Lens construction: 19 elements in 14 groups (inc 5 ED, 1 super-ED and 3 aspherical elements)
Diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded)
Minimum aperture: f/22
Minimum focusing distance: 0.27m (70mm) - 85m (180mm)
Maximum magnification ratio: 0.48x
Filter size: 67mm
Dimensions: 83.5x151mm
Weight: 795g
As it ‘only’ extends to 180mm rather than 200mm, its focal length is 20mm shorter than the pricier lens, and it doesn’t have built-in image stabilization either – although full-frame Nikon Z-series cameras all boast in-body image stabilization anyway. The lens does come with weather-sealing, although Nikon does point out that it’s not as comprehensive as in the more expensive lens. Quiet focusing and suppressed focus breathing make the lens a good option for video shooting too.
It’s very capable when it comes to close-up shooting. Minimum focus distance is just 0.27mm at the short end and 0.85mm at 180mm. But the lens can be combined with Nikon’s teleconverters for near-macro levels of magnification. With the TC-2.0x attached, the focal length extends to 360mm with a reproduction ratio of 0.96x – only a smidgen shy of the 1x ratio of a true macro lens.
The lens is constructed from 19 elements in 14 groups, including five ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, one super-ED element and three aspherical elements. The front element has an antifouling coating to make it easier to clean. The Z 70-180mm f/2.8 weighs just 795g, and is just 151mm long, making it travel-friendly for a telephoto zoom. A zoom lock switch locks the lens at the 70mm position, preventing ‘lens creep’ when on the move.
The lens follows in the footsteps of Nikon’s not-quite-trinity Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lenses, which have slightly unconventional focal ranges compared with classic trinity lenses, while still having the same fast f/2.8 aperture, yet only cost around half as much. It shares the same 67mm filter thread as these two lenses, enabling the sharing of the same set of filters.
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The lens will be available from July 2023 at a launch price of $1,249.95 in the US, £1,299 in the UK and AU$2,099 in Australia.
Pre-order from B&HPhoto (US)
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You might be interested in the best Nikon cameras along with the best Nikon lenses – and particularly the best Nikon Z lenses designed for its mirrorless cameras.
