Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

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NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 compared with NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
NikonNIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8NikonNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2023August 2020
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–180 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionNineteen elements in fourteen groupsTwenty-one elements in eighteen groups
Special elementsFive ED elements, one Super ED element and three aspherical elementsSix ED elements, two aspherical elements, one fluorite element and one SR element
CoatingsAntifouling coating on the front-most surfaceNano Crystal Coat and ARNEO coat; fluorine-coated front element, as Nikon UK specifies
Aperture detail–Constant f/2.8 maximum; f/22 minimum
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 34°20′–13°40′; DX 22°50′–9°FX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; FX and DX camerasNikon Z mount; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 105–300 mm zoom on full frame
Teleconverter supportZ TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× extends reach to 252 mm; TC-2.0× to 360 mm and maximum reproduction ratio to 0.96×. Nikon cautions that autofocus or electronic rangefinding may be unreliable depending on subject, lighting and focus pointNikon Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x, as listed by Nikon UK
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.27 m (autofocus)0.5 m
Maximum magnification0.48× (autofocus)0.2×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailStepping-motor autofocus; Nikon Japan identifies a multi-focus systemMulti-focus design, as Nikon Japan describes; Digital Camera World identifies two synchronised stepping-motor drives
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.27 m at 70 mm, 0.33 m at 85 mm, 0.42 m at 105 mm, 0.58 m at 135 mm and 0.85 m at 180 mm. Nikon Japan explicitly confirms autofocus at minimum distance. CameraLabs measured 0.26 m at 70 mm in manual focus; that measured value does not replace Nikon's autofocus figureInternal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.5 m at 70 mm, 0.63 m at 85 mm, 0.68 m at 105 mm, 0.8 m at 135 mm and 1 m at 200 mm
Magnification detailNikon's maximum reproduction ratio is 0.48×, with autofocus at minimum distance. CameraLabs' manual-focus test at 70 mm reached 1:1.9; its closest-focus image quality was weaker outside the centreMaximum reproduction ratio 0.2×
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR; stabilisation depends on a compatible camera body's sensor-shift systemLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; Nikon states 5.5 stops in Normal mode on a full-frame mirrorless body at the longest focal length, according to CIPA conditions
Video featuresNikon describes quiet focusing and reduced breathing, but warns that breathing can remain visible depending on distance. Digital Camera World and CameraLabs both observed breathingNikon describes reduced focus breathing, quiet focusing and smooth aperture changes through the control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83.5 mm89 mm
Length151 mm220 mm
Weight795 g (better)1,360 g
ControlsZoom ring, programmable focus/control ring and zoom lock at 70 mm; no AF/MF switch, function buttons or display. Digital Camera World describes aperture, ISO and exposure-compensation assignmentsZoom ring, focus ring, programmable control ring, L-Fn1, four repeated L-Fn2 buttons, A/M switch and DISP; OLED shows aperture, focal length, focus distance and depth of field
Zoom designExtending zoom barrel; no detachable tripod collar, as CameraLabs describesInternal zoom keeps the external length fixed, as Digital Camera World describes
Filter detail67 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch77 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon describes dust and drip resistance; complete protection is not guaranteed in all conditionsNikon describes extensive weather sealing; no waterproof rating stated
Dimensions detailApproximately 83.5 × 151 mm; length from lens mount flangeApproximately 89 × 220 mm, length measured from camera lens mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 795 gApproximately 1,360 g without tripod collar; approximately 1,440 g with tripod collar, as Nikon UK states
Tripod mount–Rotating tripod collar with removable foot and two attachment threads, as both reviews describe
Lens hoodHB-113 hood includedHB-92 bayonet hood included
In the boxLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-113 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-92 hood and CL-C3 case
Release detailNikon Japan gives 14 July 2023 as the on-sale date; the US announcement stated mid-July 2023Nikon Japan gives 28 August 2020 as the on-sale date, following the January announcement and delayed initial availability

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