Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens Review

The trinity of lenses is now complete – the Nikkor Z 17-28mm, 28-75mm and now 70-180mm – all with an f/2.8 maximum aperture and matching 67mm filter threads. We have already seen this of course, as the Tamron set of the same specification lenses has been around for a while. However, the design and fine tuning of the Nikkor Z versions may be similar but not necessarily identical. The differences may well be interesting, but the main focus here is that we have a new, interesting choice within the repertoire of Nikkor Z full frame optics. Why 70-180mm, and why not 70-200mm? That is just one of the questions to seek an answer to as we delve deep and see how the new lens performs in the studio and on location, using the 45.7MP Nikon Z9 full frame camera body.

Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 – Handling and Features

There is a provided petal lens hood that clips smoothly into place, and shows no sign of being likely to detach in use. Within the bayonet fit for the hood is a 67mm filter thread.

The wide and easy to grip zoom ring is marked clearly at 70mm, 85mm, 105mm, 135mm and 180mm. These settings are accurate, as indicated by the EXIF data. There is a zoom lock at the 70mm setting to prevent lens creep when carried, but certainly when the lens is new there is no tendency for this to happen. In any event, the zoom would only extend 30mm, so it may not be much of a problem anyway.

The thin focusing ring has just enough resistance to avoid accidental operation, but perhaps slightly more would be advantageous. It is however a minor point. Focusing is an area where clearly the lens has been redesigned for the Nikkor Z system, as the closest focus is the same in both AF and MF. The closest focus point varies with focal length and the maximum magnification of 0.48x is at the 70mm setting. This is almost half life size. Greater magnifications can be obtained by using the Nikkor Z teleconverters, the 2x converter resulting in an almost life size magnification of 0.96x. Both Z TCs are compatible, with Z TC-1.4x giving a focal length range of 98-252mm and the Z TC-2.0x giving 140-360mm.

Closest focus table

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The greatest magnification may well be at the widest setting, but the price we pay is a huge amount of field curvature, so if the centre is sharp the edges might not be and if the edges are sharp the centre may be out of focus. Stopping down helps, and to be fair, the effect can be used in a creative way.

Optical construction comproises 19 elements in 14 groups, including 5 ED (Extra Low Dispersion), 1 Super-ED and 3 Aspherical. There is an anti-fouling coating on the front element to protect against dirt, moisture and grease. The whole lens is sealed against dust and water droplets. The diaphragm comprises 9 blades for a rounded aperture, always with smooth bokeh in mind. Focus breathing is suppressed, something especially useful for videographers.

The AF is fast, accurate and virtually silent and really no need was felt for switching to MF during the review period. There is of course no VR (Vibration Reduction) in the lens itself, but this can be effectively handled by the camera body.

The lens is very easy to get along with and the loss of 20mm focal length at the longest end is not really felt. What is felt is the reduction of weight and bulk whilst at the same time enjoying the fast, bright f/2.8 aperture. In terms of handling, a lovely lens indeed, so now let’s see if the performance matches the high standard that the Nikon Z9 camera will demand.

Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 – Performance

CA (Chromatic Aberration) is also well under control, particularly in the centre of the field. The edges also show excellent results, although as we zoom in the fugures do creep upwards. Most images will not show up any colour fringing, but if necessary then further correction can always be applied in software. However, even at 180mm, the edge figure is held at under one half of a pixel, so there is unlikely to be a problem.

Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Chromatic Aberration Charts

Distortion is clearly being helped along by the camera body, something that results in amazingly low figures. There is -0.03% barrel distortion at 70mm and -0.01% at 105mm. At 135mm, this lens achieves the remarkable result of 0.00% distortion and this means literally none, not even to as many decimal points as we could wish. The lens at this point is perfectly rectilinear. At 180mm, a tiny bit of pincushion distortion can be measured at +0.02%.

Bokeh is beautifully smooth and this is ideal for portraits, flower studies and any shots that will be enhanced by gorgeously smooth out of focus backgrounds. The close up field curvature also lends itself to different effects and these could be well worth exploring.

Flare control is extremely impressive and it is difficult to induce any sign of artefacts. In the most challenging situations there may be some minor signs of flare, but nothing unduly significant.

Vignetting is well controlled throughout the range and the results are:

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Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Sample Photos

Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Aperture range

You can view additional images of the Nikon Z 70-180mm on our equipment database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

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Value For Money

The Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens is priced at £1299.

Other options for the Nikon Z system might be:

• [AMUK]Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S|nikon+70-200mm[/AMUK], £2339
• [AMUK]Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3|nikon+24-200mm[/AMUK], £854
• [AMUK]Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD|tamron+70-300mm[/AMUK], £699

If we want the f/2.8 aperture and can happily sacrifice 20mm at the telephoto end of the lens, the new lens looks to be an extremely sound VFM choice.

Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 – Verdict

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