Nikon announces Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8

Nikon has announced two new telephoto zoom lenses, the Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR and the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8. Both lenses are very reasonably priced when compared to similar lenses from Canon and Sony.

The first, the Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR, is made up of 25 elements in 17 groups, including six ED glass elements. It weighs 1955g, or 2140g with the supplied tripod foot.

The lens is built around an internal zoom mechanism, which should help deliver a quiet AF experience when paired with the stepping motor. In addition, for video use there's a click-less control ring and a nine-bladed aperture.

The lens supports up to 5.5 stops of vibration reduction and has a minimum focus distance of 1.3m at the wide end. The lens is compatible with Nikon's TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters, and is also dust and drip resistant.

Next up is the Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8. It's optical formula is made up of 19 elements in 14 groups, including five ED elements, one Super ED element, and three aspherical elements.

Nikon says it's about 40% smaller than its Z 70-200mm F2.8 zoom, and at 795g, about half the weight, although it does lose 20mm of reach.

Like the 180-600mm, AF comes from a stepping motor, and a number of features aimed at video shooters, including a customisable control ring and 'suppressed' focus breathing.

The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.27m at the wide end and 0.85m at the telephoto end. Nikon says it is also dust and drip-resistant.

The Nikkor Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR will retail for $2,999, although Nikon hasn't confirmed when it will be available. The Nikkor Z 70-180mm F2.8 will set you back $2,099.