• Members 1640 posts
    June 21, 2023, 6:15 a.m.

    I see Nikon have just released a couple of new lenses. The long lens is of little interest to me, but the 70-180 2.8, looks like an economical fast short to mid range telephoto choice.

    Both lenses seem quite aggressively priced, for what they are. Let us look at what the first serous lens reviews have to say.

  • June 21, 2023, 8:21 a.m.

    The 70-180 might have been of interest to me but I bought the similarly Tamron 35-150/2-2.8. It took a little work to get it to fit the Megadap adapter, but once I did it's excellent and performs well on both my Z6 and Z9. Focus is actually faster than the Nikon lenses I have, and reliable. The 180-600 might be more interesting for sports work, but I already have the 100-400, and I suspect with a 1.4x TC it'll be comparable - if slower.

  • Members 2310 posts
    June 21, 2023, 10:09 a.m.

    it looks like the tamron 70 180. i have the sony version and its first class.

  • Members 1640 posts
    June 21, 2023, 12:32 p.m.

    I thought that this was a result of the Tamron tie-up.

  • Members 243 posts
    June 21, 2023, 5:39 p.m.

    Kinda wish the 70-180 had VR, but I suppose at that price. They say it takes TCs, bot no VR at even longer focal lengths doesn't seem great. the 180-600 seems interesting, at least people can quit complaining now. I already have an F mount Sigma, so not sure what I will do.

  • Members 65 posts
    June 22, 2023, 11:57 a.m.

    The Nikon 70-180 has the advantage of taking Nikon S converters 👍

    It has close focus - with the specification showing covering very close to near half life size at 3.125 inches wide unaided.

    With the 1.4x it seems to act like an f4 252mm covering a 2.19 inch wide subject with a working distance of 2 feet 2 inches

    With the 2x it acts like ad f5.6 360mm at near 1:1 with a 1.5625 wide subject - almost 1:1 at 1.5 inches.

    As of now the close up image quality is not known.

    In my usage the 105 S is a significant improvement on the F mount version, the legendary 200 f4 macro trails somewhat, and the 100-400 at 400mm with the 1.4 is only very slightly behind the 200mm macro.

    It is probable the 100-400 with 1.4x on a 45 MP body helps deliver more resolution than the 200 f4 on a 36 MP body.

    I expect the 70-180 when it arrives will be similarly good for close ups - particularly of insects.

    Brilliant though the 105 S is, the working distance (front element to subject) is only about 6 inches.