Will Nikon respond to the long tele-zoom from Sony and Canon?

rgs_45 · Feb 27, 2025

Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back? If so, what do you think will be the focal range and aperture?

I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

Would it be great if and only if, Nikon will announce this type of lens with the actual replacement to the D500 in the next couple of years? I can only wish. At least wishing is still free.

- Rich -

Leonard Shepherd · Feb 28, 2025

rgs_45 said:
Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back?

Probably.

Whether they will go for something optically better than the low price point Sony is for the future.

I have not seen any "test chart" reviews of the 200-800.

MJ_Photo38 · Feb 28, 2025

Leonard Shepherd said:
rgs_45 said:

Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back?

Click to expand...

Probably.

Whether they will go for something optically better than the low price point Sony is for the future.

I have not seen any "test chart" reviews of the 200-800.

Yeah the Sony 400-800 is not exceptional optically.

Mind you, the Canon 200-800 is not an L lens and the f/9.0 maximum aperture at 800mm is rather limiting. I know it's not bad optically though, just tight aperture.

Imho, Nikon already has the best super telephoto range of any lens mount (short maybe of micro four thirds). I don't think they have to worry too much about it, or rush a new lens out.

The 180-600 is good enough and if people really want to match the canon 200-800, they just have to get a 1.4x TC to basically get a similar lens (as it turns the 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 into a 252-840mm f/8-9)

Leonard Shepherd · Feb 28, 2025

MJ_Photo38 said:
The 180-600 is good enough

While the 180-600 is not the equal of the Nikon 400 mm f4.5 or 600 mm f6 .3 primes (I use all 3) the Nikon 180–600 is widely regarded as optically the best lens in the 200–600 zoom range - and ahead of the Sony.

MJ_Photo38 said:
and if people really want to match the canon 200-800, they just have to get a 1.4x TC to basically get a similar lens (as it turns the 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 into a 252-840mm f/8-9)

Your point on using a Nikon TC - it costs distinctly less than the new Canon or Sony lenses - to get a similar zoom and aperture range is a good one.

The initial test I have seen suggests the new Sony is optically not as good as the Sony 200-600 - implying that with a starting point better performing Nikon 180-600 with TC should be optically usefully in front.

The financial attraction of the new Canon and Sony options is that they enable those on a budget without existing longer focal length lenses to get to 800 mm at a relatively affordable price.

The Nikon 180-600 + 800 PF combination should be optically and operationally better (faster aperture wide open etc) than the new Canon and Sony lenses though with their faster aperture the Nikon cost more money.

--
Leonard Shepherd
In lots of ways good photography is similar to learning to play a piano - it takes practice to develop skill in either activity.

MJ_Photo38 · Feb 28, 2025

Leonard Shepherd said:
MJ_Photo38 said:

The 180-600 is good enough

Click to expand...

While the 180-600 is not the equal of the Nikon 400 mm f4.5 or 600 mm f6 .3 primes (I use all 3) the Nikon 180–600 is widely regarded as optically the best lens in the 200–600 zoom range - and ahead of the Sony.

Leonard Shepherd said:

and if people really want to match the canon 200-800, they just have to get a 1.4x TC to basically get a similar lens (as it turns the 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 into a 252-840mm f/8-9)

Click to expand...

Your point on using a Nikon TC - it costs distinctly less than the new Canon or Sony lenses - to get a similar zoom and aperture range is a good one.

The initial test I have seen suggests the new Sony is optically not as good as the Sony 200-600 - implying that with a starting point better performing Nikon 180-600 with TC should be optically usefully in front.

The financial attraction of the new Canon and Sony options is that they enable those on a budget without existing longer focal length lenses to get to 800 mm at a relatively affordable price.

The Nikon 180-600 + 800 PF combination should be optically and operationally better (faster aperture wide open etc) than the new Canon and Sony lenses though with their faster aperture the Nikon cost more money.

I'm waiting to see how the Sigma 300-600 f/4 performs too. It's higher price than the other 600mm lenses here, but is wider aperture, and still much less expensive than similar 600mm f/4 lenses.

Could be a nice sweetspot for people with relatively deep pockets. The f/4 aperture could mean a better handling with TCs as well (if Sigma makes one for it, or makes it compatible with its current TCs)

LTheWafflePWN · Feb 28, 2025

rgs_45 said:
Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back? If so, what do you think will be the focal range and aperture?

Will they respond back with something eventually? I think so, personally. Maybe they end up doing something like 300-800mm f/6.3-f/8, but who knows.

I think Nikon already has some really truly great options on the super telephoto end, so I don't think this is a priority for them. As mentioned by others, you can slap a 1.4x TC on the 180-600mm and get most of the way there to one of these lenses.

I personally think there's a lot of other areas Nikon could flesh out before introducing another super-telephoto option, anyway. Primes wider than 20mm? How about a 70-300mm? Etc. etc., but I understand everyone has different priorities depending what they shoot.

rgs_45 said:
I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

Hmm... the 600mm f/6.3 S is $4800, so something that's also S-line that does 750mm at f/6.3 (within spitting distance of the 800mm f/6.3 at $6500), I think it would be higher than $5k. I would guess it would be around $6k, right under the 800mm f/6.3

rgs_45 said:
Would it be great if and only if, Nikon will announce this type of lens with the actual replacement to the D500 in the next couple of years? I can only wish. At least wishing is still free.

Shoot, even a proper D7200 successor would be welcomed. To me the D7500 was more of a lateral move than a step up to the D7200, as with the original Z50. I would think that a Z70 or something might fulfill a lot of people's desires too.

Barleyman · Feb 28, 2025

MJ_Photo38 said:
The 180-600 is good enough and if people really want to match the canon 200-800, they just have to get a 1.4x TC to basically get a similar lens (as it turns the 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 into a 252-840mm f/8-9)

That would be a good comparison.

chambeshi · Feb 28, 2025

Nikon registered a patent for a 400-800mm in 2021 together with a 200-500mm and 300-600mm

WIPO - Search International and National Patent Collections

chambeshi · Feb 28, 2025

タムロン「200-800mm F6.7」「200-600mm F5.6」を想定したような特許出願

2025年2月6日付けでタムロンの気になる特許出願が公開。「200-800mm F6.7」「200-600mm…

asobinet.com

sirhawkeye64 · Feb 28, 2025

rgs_45 said:
Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back? If so, what do you think will be the focal range and aperture?

I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

Would it be great if and only if, Nikon will announce this type of lens with the actual replacement to the D500 in the next couple of years? I can only wish. At least wishing is still free.

- Rich -

I doubt it since we already have the 180-600 which is good, and you can put a teleconverter on it (1.4x) for more reach if you want to and come out roughly where the 200-800 comes out at (although a slower aperture obviously).

If anything they'll contract Tamron to make something (either with a Tamron badge or a Nikon badge) to maybe compete with Canon and Sony, so Nikon doesn't dilute their reputation for image quality. If Tamron could make a version for the Z for say $1800, it might be a good seller and Nikon wouldn't have to do much.

Now it is possible they could do something better like a 400-800 f/4.5-5.6 S to go along with the Z 100-400, but that would probably be a premium, more expensive, heavier lens.

--
PLEASE NOTE: I usually unsubscribe from forums and comments after a period of time, so if I do not respond, that is likely the reason. Feel free to PM me if you have a questions or need clarification about a comment I made.

MKenna · Feb 28, 2025

rgs_45 said:
Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back? If so, what do you think will be the focal range and aperture?

I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

Would it be great if and only if, Nikon will announce this type of lens with the actual replacement to the D500 in the next couple of years? I can only wish. At least wishing is still free.

- Rich -

I hope NOT Nikon jump on the hype train with these slow, long and heavy zoom lenses.

Pretty unusable in low light and AF suffers as well, f/8 already at 590mm is not very exciting.

What I would like to see is

a SHARP prime Nikkor 400mm f/4 with built in 1.4x TC (not a PF lens).

Extrapolating from the 400/4.5 specs could be

Weight: 2000 grams.

Price: $4500.

Add me to the waiting list.

vbuhay · Feb 28, 2025

MJ_Photo38 said:
Leonard Shepherd said:

rgs_45 said:

Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back?

Click to expand...

Probably.

Whether they will go for something optically better than the low price point Sony is for the future.

I have not seen any "test chart" reviews of the 200-800.

Click to expand...

Yeah the Sony 400-800 is not exceptional optically.

Mind you, the Canon 200-800 is not an L lens and the f/9.0 maximum aperture at 800mm is rather limiting. I know it's not bad optically though, just tight aperture.

Imho, Nikon already has the best super telephoto range of any lens mount (short maybe of micro four thirds). I don't think they have to worry too much about it, or rush a new lens out.

The 180-600 is good enough and if people really want to match the canon 200-800, they just have to get a 1.4x TC to basically get a similar lens (as it turns the 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 into a 252-840mm f/8-9)

rather than developing an Ultra- Tele lens for the Z system why not just develop the Z90 or z500 - a Dx Body with a higher resolution (33mpx) sensor which like myself have been clamoring for and use the current long zooms and prime that is already available now.... I actually finally did that by buying the Z50II which I am using with my 500 PF+FTZII giving me and equivalent 750mm at f5.6 which is giving me great results so far;

I have also tested the Z50II with my 100-400mm (150-600mm f 5.6 equivalent) with good results

I have yet to test the Z50II with my 180--600 (270-900mm f6.3 equivalent) or my 800mm (1200mm f6.3 equivalent)

BasilG · Feb 28, 2025

rgs_45 said:
I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

750/6.3 is a 120 mm entrance pupil. The 600/6.3 is already almost 5k, and it is 600, not 750, and it does not zoom. So... not sure about that one. This would not be a response to the f/8 and f/9 zooms but a different class of lens.

SethG · Feb 28, 2025

MKenna said:
rgs_45 said:

Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back? If so, what do you think will be the focal range and aperture?

I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

Would it be great if and only if, Nikon will announce this type of lens with the actual replacement to the D500 in the next couple of years? I can only wish. At least wishing is still free.

- Rich -

Click to expand...

I hope NOT Nikon jump on the hype train with these slow, long and heavy zoom lenses.

Pretty unusable in low light and AF suffers as well, f/8 already at 590mm is not very exciting.

What I would like to see is

a SHARP prime Nikkor 400mm f/4 with built in 1.4x TC (not a PF lens).

Extrapolating from the 400/4.5 specs could be

Weight: 2000 grams.

Price: $4500.

Add me to the waiting list.

with the 400mm f/4.5 at $3000, and the TC at $14,000, I would think a TC f/4 would sell in the $6000-7000 range. At that price, they still wouldn’t be able to keep them in stock

MKenna · Feb 28, 2025

SethG said:
MKenna said:

rgs_45 said:

Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back? If so, what do you think will be the focal range and aperture?

I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

Would it be great if and only if, Nikon will announce this type of lens with the actual replacement to the D500 in the next couple of years? I can only wish. At least wishing is still free.

- Rich -

Click to expand...

I hope NOT Nikon jump on the hype train with these slow, long and heavy zoom lenses.

Pretty unusable in low light and AF suffers as well, f/8 already at 590mm is not very exciting.

What I would like to see is

a SHARP prime Nikkor 400mm f/4 with built in 1.4x TC (not a PF lens).

Extrapolating from the 400/4.5 specs could be

Weight: 2000 grams.

Price: $4500.

Add me to the waiting list.

Click to expand...

with the 400mm f/4.5 at $3000, and the TC at $14,000, I would think a TC f/4 would sell in the $6000-7000 range. At that price, they still wouldn’t be able to keep them in stock

Yes, $4500 would be too cheap, a bit of wishful thinking, but I would be ok with $6000.

Bill Ferris · Feb 28, 2025

sirhawkeye64 said:
Now it is possible they could do something better like a 400-800 f/4.5-5.6 S to go along with the Z 100-400, but that would probably be a premium, more expensive, heavier lens.

That would be massive and priced well north of $10K.

Bill Ferris · Feb 28, 2025

BasilG said:
rgs_45 said:

I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

Click to expand...

750/6.3 is a 120 mm entrance pupil. The 600/6.3 is already almost 5k, and it is 600, not 750, and it does not zoom. So... not sure about that one. This would not be a response to the f/8 and f/9 zooms but a different class of lens.

They already make an 800mm f/6.3.

Bill Ferris · Feb 28, 2025

It depends on what's in the current lineup that isn't selling and what's in their competitors's lineups that is.

The Sigma 300-600 is massive...nearly twice the weight of the 800 PF. Nikon should wait at least 6 months to see how many early orders end up on the used market due to collecting dust in closets.

The 400-800 is more interesting. The early reviews by Steve Perry, Jan Wegener, and Duade Paton are positive. It focuses nimbly and has good optical quality. It's also among a small number of lens designs with a 100mm or larger entrance pupil. It's very good in low light.

A Nikkor 400-800 would complement the 180-600 and, priced at $3K, would slot nicely between the shorter consumer zoom and 600 & 800mm PFs. Also, that focal length range is a sweet spot for bird and wildlife photogs.

Another option would be an internal zooming 200-500mm f/4-4.5. If small & light enough to be comfortably handholdable, that's a lens Nikon could price at $5K to $6K and move like hotcakes.

MKenna · Mar 1, 2025

rgs_45 said:
Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back? If so, what do you think will be the focal range and aperture?

I would love to see Nikon come up with a 3X zoom, 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 in S line. Also ompatible with both teleconverters. I don't mind the 50mm shorter in the long end but it will be 1 or 3/4 stop brighter. Price? Maybe in the 5K range.

Would it be great if and only if, Nikon will announce this type of lens with the actual replacement to the D500 in the next couple of years? I can only wish. At least wishing is still free.

- Rich -

A 250-750mm / 4.5-6.3 will be massive, front lens: 750mm divided by 6.3 = 119mm, and the 3x zoom range will be tricky.

It's no problem for Nikon to make a 400-800/6.3-8 but they already have excellent and more lightweight alternatives in the range so I'm not sure they want to, or even need to.

And I'm not sure how many that in reality will prefer a 400-800mm to a 180-600mm.

One of the nice things with a 180-600 is that you can get some environmental shots as well, with a 400-800, that will be quite limited and you might need a shorter lens as well.

MJ_Photo38 · Mar 1, 2025

vbuhay said:
MJ_Photo38 said:

Leonard Shepherd said:

rgs_45 said:

Canon have the 200-800/6.3-9.0 and now Sony came out with the 400-800/6.3-8.0.

Will Nikon respond back?

Click to expand...

Probably.

Whether they will go for something optically better than the low price point Sony is for the future.

I have not seen any "test chart" reviews of the 200-800.

Click to expand...

Yeah the Sony 400-800 is not exceptional optically.

Mind you, the Canon 200-800 is not an L lens and the f/9.0 maximum aperture at 800mm is rather limiting. I know it's not bad optically though, just tight aperture.

Imho, Nikon already has the best super telephoto range of any lens mount (short maybe of micro four thirds). I don't think they have to worry too much about it, or rush a new lens out.

The 180-600 is good enough and if people really want to match the canon 200-800, they just have to get a 1.4x TC to basically get a similar lens (as it turns the 180-600 f/5.6-6.3 into a 252-840mm f/8-9)

Click to expand...

rather than developing an Ultra- Tele lens for the Z system why not just develop the Z90 or z500 - a Dx Body with a higher resolution (33mpx) sensor which like myself have been clamoring for and use the current long zooms and prime that is already available now.... I actually finally did that by buying the Z50II which I am using with my 500 PF+FTZII giving me and equivalent 750mm at f5.6 which is giving me great results so far;

I have also tested the Z50II with my 100-400mm (150-600mm f 5.6 equivalent) with good results

I have yet to test the Z50II with my 180--600 (270-900mm f6.3 equivalent) or my 800mm (1200mm f6.3 equivalent)

High res stacked sensor APS-C is a fantasy. No one produces a sensor like that at the moment, and Nikon has said several times that their aim for APS-C was entry level and maybe mid-range, but not high end.

Besides, you can get more money if you push people to full frame cameras and full frame lenses. There are other systems if you want a fast crop sensor camera for wildlife (Fujifilm, OM System being the leaders there)

--
(G.A.S. and collectionnite will get my skin one day)

Will Nikon respond to the long tele-zoom from Sony and Canon?

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