TechRadar Verdict

The Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is undoubtedly a great mid-range medium telephoto zoom.

Controls are virtually non-existent on the lens.

APS-C Z-series cameras do not offer IBIS, so theres no option for VR here.

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a wooden outdoor table

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Focusing is internal, so the front element doesnt rotate during focusing.

This is great when using filters, although the lens barrel does extend when the zoom ring is rotated.

The zoom ring itself, sitting towards the front of the lens, is large and comfortable to use.

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a wooden outdoor table

(Image credit: James Abbott)

The narrow focus ring sits behind and offers a comfortable amount of resistance when turned to manually focus.

Optical distortion is also minimal, which is impressive for a medium-range lens like this.

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 photo samples

Should I buy the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8?

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a wooden outdoor table

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Whats more, while the lens works perfectly with APS-C models, its designed for use with full-frame cameras.

Optical Image Stabilization is absent, and current APS-C models dont, unfortunately, offer IBIS.

Photos were taken at different aperture prefs and focal lengths to test handling, sharpness, and distortion.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8…

Static and moving subjects were shot to test autofocus performance.

Prime

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8…

Adorama

Nikon 20120 NIKKOR Z 70-180mm…

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a wooden outdoor table

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a wooden outdoor table

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a wooden outdoor table

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a wooden outdoor table

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 attached to a Nikon Z 7II on a wooden outdoor table

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Close-up photo of pink flowers taken with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Close-up photo of a dandelion seed head taken with a Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo of backlit leaves taken with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo of a crow on a wall taken with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo of a fairground ride character taken with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Street photo taken with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Photo of a natural harbour taken with the Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

(Image credit: James Abbott)

Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8…

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Nikon - NIKKOR Z 70-180mm…

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