A Loveable Lens

The Nikkor Z 70-180 mm F/2.8 was introduced in India on 21st June 2023. Nikon already has a Z mount 70-200 mm f/2.8 S lens.

- Rohinton Mehta

Nikkor Z 70-180 mm F/2.8 ₹1,19,995

Inside the Box

✓ Lens ✓ Lens hood HB-113 ✓ Lens cap (front) LC-67B ✓ Lens cap (rear) LF-N1 ✓ Lens case CL-C2

So why did they introduce a similar lens just shy of 20 mm at the longer end? The new 70-180 mm lens is an entry-level lens and not an ‘S’ lens (the letter ‘S’ denotes ‘Super Resolution’), It is smaller, lighter and less expensive. So let’s see how the Nikkor 70-180 mm f/2.8 lens fares on our test bench.

Design & Build Quality

Like all Nikkor lenses, the new Z 70-180 mm f/2.8 lens is well built and the finish looks good. The outer body seems to be made of polycarbonate and the lens mount is made of metal for strength and durability. A rubber ring at the lens mount prevents water splashes from entering the lens. The lens is dust and water resistant and weighs 795 g. The filter diameter is 67 mm and the lens is made in China.

Key Features

The Nikkor Z 70-180 mm f/2.8 is smaller and 40-percent lighter than the Nikkor 70-200 mm f/2.8 S. Like its bigger brother, the Z 70-180 mm also offers an f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range. The new lens is constructed with 19 elements in 14 groups that include 5 ED elements, 1 Super ED and 3 aspherical elements that control optical defects inherent in all lenses. The front element has a special coating which makes it easier to clean moisture or finger prints on it. Eleven CPU contacts on the lens mount transfer data to and fro from the camera.