Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8: A Versatile and Affordable Medium Telephoto Zoom Lens
Photography enthusiasts and professionals alike understand the importance of a medium telephoto zoom lens. Its versatility allows it to cater to the needs of various types of photographers, from wildlife to wedding photography, landscapes to sports, and more. One of the most popular focal ranges for this type of lens is 70-200mm, but Nikon has decided to offer a slightly different option with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8. This lens provides all the desired features at a more affordable price compared to its counterparts.
Priced at $1,250 / £1,299 / AU £2,099, the 70-180mm f/2.8 is considerably cheaper than the 70-200mm f/2.8. This makes it a great choice for enthusiasts and those on a budget who still want a constant f/2.8 aperture and a relatively lightweight design of just 1lb 12.1oz / 795g. With dimensions of 3.3 x 6in / 83.5 x 151mm, it is also compact and easy to carry around, especially if you don’t require a wide-angle focal length.
While it deviates slightly from the norm with a focal range of 70-180mm, this lens still performs exceptionally well in real-world shooting situations. The slight reduction in focal length at the long end does not significantly hinder its usability. However, it should be noted that although the image quality may not be on par with the more expensive 70-200mm f/2.8, the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 still delivers impressive results.
The Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is part of a trio of Z-series lenses from Nikon, which also includes the Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8. All three lenses have a constant f/2.8 aperture and cover a full-frame focal length range, from a wide-angle 17mm up to 180mm. Additionally, they share the same 67mm filter thread, allowing photographers and videographers to use a single set of filters for all three lenses.
When first handling the 70-180mm f/2.8, one may notice a slightly lower build quality compared to the more professional 70-200mm f/2.8. However, this lens still boasts a solid construction, attractive design, and comfortable feel. Its smaller size and lighter weight make it an excellent option for extended use, especially when paired with a Nikon Z 7II camera.
The lens features minimal controls, with only a zoom lock to prevent zoom creep and hold the lens at 70mm. While it lacks optical Vibration Reduction (VR) or Image Stabilization (IS), it can work with full-frame bodies equipped with In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) to achieve stabilization. Unfortunately, APS-C Z-series cameras do not offer IBIS, so VR is not an option in those cases.
Constructed with 19 elements in 14 groups, including five ED elements, one super-ED element, and three aspherical elements, the 70-180mm f/2.8 delivers pleasing bokeh with its nine-blade circular aperture. The lens offers internal focusing, ensuring that the front element does not rotate during focusing. This is particularly useful when using filters. The zoom ring, located toward the front of the lens, is large and comfortable to use, while the narrow focus ring provides a satisfying level of resistance when manually focusing.
One notable feature of the 70-180mm f/2.8 is its impressive minimum focusing distance. At 70mm, you can focus as close as 0.89ft / 27cm to small subjects. As the focal length increases, the minimum focusing distance changes accordingly but remains useful for close-up shots. Additionally, this lens can be used with Nikon Z 1.4x and 2x teleconverters to extend the focal range, albeit at the expense of the maximum aperture. It is also compatible with APS-C Z-series cameras, offering a focal range of 105-270mm when using the lens with an effective f/2.8.
In terms of image quality, the lens performs best between f/5.6 and f/11, with the sharpest results achieved at these apertures. While f/2.8 and f/4 are still sharp enough for use, diffraction becomes noticeable at f/16 and f/22, resulting in a loss of overall sharpness. Edge sharpness is lowest at wide apertures but improves when the lens is stopped down. Vignetting is present at f/2.8 but reduces significantly at f/4 and disappears at f/5.6. Overall, the lens exhibits minimal optical distortion, which is impressive for a medium-range lens.
In conclusion, the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a solid performer that offers photographers a cost-effective medium telephoto zoom lens with a constant maximum aperture. Its relatively light weight, compact size, and decent image quality make it a highly recommended option for various subjects. Whether you shoot wildlife, weddings, landscapes, or sports, this lens will meet your needs.
To test the lens, multiple shoots were conducted to evaluate its comfort during handheld use over extended periods. Photos were taken at different apertures and focal lengths to assess handling, sharpness, and distortion. Autofocus performance was tested on stationary and moving subjects. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough evaluation of the lens in real-world scenarios, providing insights that are more practical for photographers than pure technical data.
With almost 30 years of photographic experience, including 15 years as a photography journalist, the reviewer has covered a wide range of subjects and used various cameras and lenses. This expertise, combined with a photographer’s perspective, ensures that the lens is tested in a manner relevant to its intended users. The review was first conducted in October 2023.
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