The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 and the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 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. Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 is the longer of the two lenses at 346mm. The Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR with a length of 316mm, is 30mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 also has a larger diameter of 120mm compared to the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR's 110mm diameter.
Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 and Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
Comparison image of the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 and the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR Size and Weight 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 Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR weighs 2140g, 13% (335g) lighter than the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8's weight of 2475g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 has a filter size of 105mm whereas the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has a 95mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 105mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8:
And these are the 95mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Nikon Z 180-600mm F5.6-6.3 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount . Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony FX5 , Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Nikon ZR , Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount.
Focal Range
Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 has a focal range of 400-800mm and
2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
600 - 1200mm .
On the other hand, the 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 .
