NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

Reviewers found it sharp through most of the range, with good results at 600mm wide open in the centre and a modest softening at the edges that improves by f/8. Colour fringing is well controlled, and flare is rarely a problem. AF is quick and accurate on Z8, Z9 and Z6III bodies for birds and field sports, though not as fast as Nikon's S-line super-telephotos.

The usual qualifications are f/6.3 at the long end, the weight for long hikes, and image quality with the TC-2.0x, which most testers treat as a last resort. As a value proposition, it is consistently ranked among the best super-telephoto zooms on any mount.

Owners repeatedly call it the best-value lens in the Z lineup for wildlife, and like the internal zoom, short zoom throw and stable VR. Many moved to it from the F-mount 200-500mm and report sharper, faster results.

Complaints focus on the weight, the size of the 95mm filters, f/6.3 in forest light, and the tripod foot, which some replace with third-party feet. Early supply shortages are no longer an issue.