Nikon
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — 180–600mm f/5.6-6.3 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$1,699
Launch priceReleased Aug 2023
Sony
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Sony E Mount
The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.
$2,299
Launch priceReleased Apr 2022
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is 1.3 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Wins
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
TL;DR — Key differences
- ANIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Weight (695 g vs 2140 g)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Length (120 mm vs 280 mm)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/2.8 vs f/6.3)
- BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/2.8 vs f/5.6)
Key specs at a glance
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
- ✓
Special elements
Adds Aspherical
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR supports it
- ✓
Diameter
81 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
- ✓
Special elements
Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…
- ✓
Weight
695 g vs 2140 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
120 mm vs 280 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/2.8 vs f/6.3 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/2.8 vs f/5.6 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
21 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
- ✓
Max magnification
0.32 × vs 0.25 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Weather sealing
Both support weather sealing
Control ring
Both support control ring
Custom function button
Both support custom function button
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
- –Slower maximum aperture limits low-light performance
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Pros
- ✓Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
- ✓Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
- ✓Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
- ✓Excellent close-up magnification
- ✓De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons
Cons
- –No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
- –High launch price
- –Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.