The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR and the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR is the longer of the two lenses at 316mm. The Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR with a length of 203mm, is 113mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR also has a larger diameter of 110mm compared to the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR's 96mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR weighs 1570g, 26% (570g) lighter than the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR's weight of 2140g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has a filter size of 95mm whereas the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 95mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has a focal range of 180-600mm and
3.3X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
270 - 900mm.
On the other hand, the Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6G ED VR has a focal range of 80-400mm and 5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 120 - 600mm.
