Used Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens

2024-09-25T05:30:21

I love this lens! It is sharp from corner to corner and weighs almost half of the professional 70-200 f/2.8. I can carry this around all day and never get tired of it. Although it has no VR in it, the in camera stabilization in the full frame Z model Nikon cameras gives a solid stabilized image as you shoot. I gladly give up 20mm in focal length to be able to shoot with a much smaller and much lighter lens than the 70-200 f/2.8. I bought it to give me a fast f/2.8 aperture for inside shooting and nighttime shooting.

Donald A.

2024-09-21T14:47:25

Surprisingly stout and well built for what is considered a "budget" lens with a 2.8 aperture. It feels professional and solid. I wanted to try it because it is more compact and shoulder-friendly than the much more expensive z 70-200 f/2.8 S version at more than double the price, though by all expert reviews it's a fantastic lens. When I am shooting field sports it is much easier to grab the 70-180 for quick and accurate point and click OS shots, action coming closer toward me, than my AFS 70-200 f/2.8 VR when my primary 400mm lens is too much. The Z f/2.8 is considerably longer and nearly twice as heavy than this lens, harder to carry around on your shoulder when you're also carrying a super tele on a monopod.

DOUG H.

2024-06-19T08:06:51

I was able to purchase the budget man's 2.8 trinity in early May along with the Z7ii. It was my first step into mirrorless coming from the D810. I got to use the new outfit on a hiking trip to Valley Forge and the surrounding areas during Memorial Day Weekend. I used this lens for portraits as well as wildlife/birding. It gave me the reach I needed with out alarming the birds. And the 2.8 bokeh was exception. I know everyone says that the budget 2.8s are basically rebranded Tamron lenses. But so what?! Its still a Nikkor lens with the performance you would expect from a 2.8. Excellent (trio) lens at a very affordable price, size, and weight.

CHRISTOPHER C.

2024-03-19T11:36:12

Super sharp and fast lens. Excellent for all kinds of photography. I used it for portrait, closeup, landscape, and event with ease and excellent results. I left it on my Z7ii, and mounted Z24-120mm/f4 on Z8 to cover all events photos. Super happy with both lenses. Saved money and space. Light weight for carrying around.

Artis B.

Originally posted at

2024-03-11T10:07:38

Wow, I'm impressed. I needed a midrange telephoto so I compared the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 with the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S at a lacrosse match in the sleet. I alternated using the lenses on my Z8. My end result was I could see no differences in the quality of the photos between the 2 lenses. I actually found myself using the 70-180 more due to its lightweight and ease of use. And using my Z8 matrix metering with face detection enabled, I found the AF capability to be superb. I was so impressed, I bought the 70-180 yesterday. And I went to the local bike park to try it out. I've attached pics from both events. Nice job Nikon!

Larry D.

Originally posted at

2024-01-12T11:54:49

I am very happy with this lens so far. It is wonderfully light weight, and the f2.8 gives me a nice range of applications. I recommend it especially for other older photographers like me who have to reduce the weight of their gear.

Johanna K.

2023-08-25T19:19:14

I was one of the first to get one of these in the US and just ran it through its paces shooting motorcycle races over a long weekend. I have to say I'm very pleased with the lens build and image quality. The focus speed seems to be very close to some of the faster Nikon lenses out there. Given the price, weight, size, and image quality this is a no brainer for me. Very pleased with this purchase!

Speedbump

Originally posted at

2023-08-13T09:23:32

Replaced my sigma 70-200 f mount with this for wedding ceremony and reception photos. LOVE the lighter weight and length, and the quality of the photos is amazing!

DANA B.

2023-07-29T17:24:16

I was hesitant to buy this lens. The 2.8 and weight were my draws to it. The drawbacks were that it was not an s line lens and I am really picky about image quality. I have only had it about a week and have shot numerous hummingbirds. The color and sharpness are really good. Not as good as my 400 prime but that is to be expected. I hope this lens performs well in low light situations for smaller wildlife or wildlife that is too close for my 400. Love the weight- I could handhold all day. I have a tripod but tripod opportunities are few and far between with Yellowstone wildlife.

Cindy T.