Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR compared with NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
NikonNIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2023January 2026
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length180–600 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/5.6–6.3f/4–7.1
Minimum aperturef/32–36f/22–40
Optical construction25 elements in 17 groups; internal focusing12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsSix ED elements and one aspherical elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsFluorine coating on the front element–
Aperture detailf/5.6–32 at 180 mm; f/6.3–36 at 600 mm. The displayed minimum aperture can vary with the camera's exposure incrementf/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 13°40′–4°10′; DX 9°–2°40′FX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter supportSupports Z TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×; Nikon cautions that autofocus or the electronic rangefinder may struggle depending on conditions–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.3 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.5×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailStepping motor; automatic or manual focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distances are 1.3 m at 180 mm, 1.36 m at 200 mm, 1.67 m at 300 mm, 1.94 m at 400 mm, 2.19 m at 500 mm and 2.4 m at 600 mm; limiter selects full range or 6 m–infinityDistances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm
Magnification detailNikon publishes maximum 0.25× without separately specifying focal length in its UK tableMaximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailOptical VR rated at 5.5 stops to CIPA standards with an FX camera, Normal mode and maximum telephoto; CameraLabs achieved around four stops in its handheld Z8 test at 600 mmNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body
Video featuresQuiet focusing, clickless control ring and suppressed focus breathing–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter110 mm73.5 mm
Length315.5 mm106.5 mm
Weight1,955 g350 g (better)
ControlsZoom and customisable focus/control rings, four L-Fn buttons, AF/manual switch and focus limiterCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu
Zoom designInternal zooming; Nikon states 70° rotation across the rangeBarrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm
Filter detail95 mm screw-in filters, 1 mm pitch–
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistance, not guaranteed in all conditions; fluorine front coating eases cleaningDesigned for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 110 mm maximum diameter × 315.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1955 g without tripod collar; 2140 g with collarApproximately 350 g
Tripod mountRemovable collar; CameraLabs confirms two mounting threads and no Arca-Swiss dovetail–
Lens hoodHB-109 includedOptional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews
In the boxLC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-109 hood and CL-C6 case; removable tripod collarLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits
Release detailNikon USA states August 2023 availability; exact earliest retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. Nikon describes it as a follow-up to the F-mount 200–500 mm; no cross-mount direct successor link inferredUS maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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