The 180-600mm is a fairly large and indeed long lens at 12.5 x 4.4 in / 315.5 x 110mm.

This isn’t a deal breaker, but a dedicated set of controls would have been extremely useful.

However, this does mean a reduction in the maximum aperture.

Close up photos of the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR mounted on a tripod with foliage in the background

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Its just what you want from a lens thats designed for shooting often fast-moving and distant subjects.

This does allow for capturing small subjects closeup, but whats achievable is far from a macro reproduction ratio.

Theyre certainly not as sharp as more expensive lenses, but overall sharpness is beyond adequate.

Close up photos of the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR mounted on a tripod with foliage in the background

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Should I buy the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR?

Subjects covered also included static and moving subjects to test autofocus performance.

Close up photos of the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR mounted on a tripod with foliage in the background

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm…

NIKON NIKKOR Z 180-600mm…

Prime

Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm…

Adorama

Close up photos of the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR mounted on a tripod with foliage in the background

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Close up photos of the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR mounted on a tripod with foliage in the background

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Close up photos of the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR mounted on a tripod with foliage in the background

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Close up photos of the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR mounted on a tripod with foliage in the background

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo of a grebe taken with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo of a coot taken with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo of a robin taken with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo of a heron taken with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

(Image credit: James Abbott)

woodland photo taken with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Woodland photo taken with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Close up photo of bracken taken with the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR mounted on a tripod