Nikon Z5 II with Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens Kit

Key Features

Camera

• Second-generation hybrid full-frame mirrorless camera
• 24.5MP FX-format sensor with EXPEED 7 image processor
• Up to 7.5-stops of VR at the centre, 6-stops at the edges
• Advanced autofocus with 9 subject types and 3D tracking
• 68% faster focusing than the previous model
• Class-leading -10 EV low-light autofocus performance
• 30fps burst mode with Pre-release Capture
• Clean, noise-free stills with ISO 100–64,000
• Upgraded ergonomics with a new 3,000-nit EVF
• Vari-angle 2.1M-dot LCD with auto-rotating vertical menus
• Rugged magnesium alloy body with a deep grip and weather sealing
• Pro-level video with N-RAW, N-Log, 4K 30p, cropped 4K 60p and Full HD 120p
• Custom picture controls and image recipes with dedicated picture button

Lens

• Super telephoto reach with a 180-600mm zoom
• Bright f/5.6-6.3 variable aperture
• Optical VR up to 5.5 stops
• 2.4m minimum focus distance
• High 0.25x max magnification
• 25 elements in 17 groups including 6 ED elements
• 95mm screw-in filter thread
• 1955g weight

Nikon Z5 II with Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens Kit Summary

The Nikon Z5 II with Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens Kit is for photographers who need super telephoto reach for stills and video of subjects like wildlife, birds, aviationand sports. It combines Nikon’s latest full-frame hybrid mirrorless Z camera with a surprisingly lightweight popular super-telephoto zoom to deliver high-quality results from greater distances.

The updated Z5 II features Nikon’s EXPEED 7 processor and an upgraded autofocus system with 3D Tracking and subject detection for animals, birds, and vehicles, which are exactly the types of subjects that benefit from this powerful zoom lens.

With an extremely versatile 180-600mm range, fast and quiet STM focusing, and 5.5 stops of optical VR, the lens is ideal for super telephoto handheld shooting, or for supporting on a tripod or monopod. Z5 II users gain speeds as fast as 30 fps with Pre-Release Capture and impressive -10EV autofocus in low light. This makes it possible to photograph birds in flight or capture key wildlife moments with greater accuracy than previously possible. The lens is also compatible with the Nikon Z 1.4x and Z 2.0x teleconverter, expanding the zoom range even further without ever needing to switch lenses.

Nikon Z5 II with Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens Kit in More Detail

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens Summary

With a focal length that covers a broad telephoto range, the Nikon Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR Lens is perfect for wildlife and sports photographers who want long reach and hand-holdable versatility. It is compatible with Nikon teleconverters for even greater range and offers 5.5 stops of optical VR.

The internal zoom design maintains the length and lens’ balance, and the AF system is driven by a stepping motor for smooth, quiet operation. With a sub-2kg design, the Z 180-600mm is manageable for handheld use or for shooting from a monopod to avoid fatigue. Our Nikon Z 180-600mm F/5.6-6.3 VR review goes into greater detail and is especially useful for anyone interested in photographing birds or wildlife in particular.

Class-leading features in a beginner-friendly design

Despite being an entry-level model, the Z5 II shares many features and technologies found in Nikon’s more advanced and professional cameras. The updated full-frame24.5MP sensor paired with Nikon’s flagship EXPEED 7 processor enable a number of improvements. These include a faster and more comprehensive autofocus system, enhanced stills performance, improved video recording, and better auto and white balance modes.

An expanded native ISO range (100-64,000 for stills and 100-51,200 for video), and improved low-light AF make it easier to shoot in low light lighting conditions. Handheld shooting also benefits from updated focus Point VR stabilisation when using native Nikon Z lenses, which provides up to 7.5 stops vibration reduction (VR) at the centre, and 6.0 stops at the periphery of the frame.

Despite all of this advanced tech, the Z5 II remains beginner-friendly, with intuitive menu navigation and excellent ergonomics, allowing even for those who are new to the Z system to create pro-level content without a steep learning curve.

Advanced and Reliable Autofocus

With subject detection for nine subject types, the Z5 II delivers enhanced autofocus performance shared with cameras like the Z8 and Z9, while also introducing 3D tracking. Deep learning algorithms provide a high level of accuracy, speed, and sharp results, even when subjects move unpredictably across the frame.

Compared to the first-generation model, the Z5 II is 68% faster, adds 3D tracking, and features class-leading -10 EV autofocus performance in near total darkness.

The Z5 II recognises and tracks:

• People (eyes, face, torso)
• Animals (head, eye, whole body)
• Cats
• Dogs
• Birds
• Cars
• Motorbikes
• Bicycles
• Trains
• Airplanes (whole body, front, cockpit)

Even when a subject occupies only 3% of the frame, the camera can detect and track it accurately.

3D tracking is an autofocus mode that analyses colour, contrast, and spatial information to predict and follow a subject’s movement, even as it shifts slightly out of the focus point. This allows photographers to compose shots much more freely, and is ideal for sports, portraiture, wildlife, and bird photography.

Fast frame rates and pre-release capture

The Nikon Z5 II offers a range of high-speed burst shooting options, which helps photographers to capture notoriously difficult subjects such as sports, action, and wildlife with greater accuracy. High-Speed+ shooting enables approximately 30 fps in JPEG, while users can shoot at up to 11 fps when capturing full-resolution 14-bit RAW images.

Pre-Release Capture has also been introduced, which improves your chances of catching the perfect moment. This feature is particularly helpful when dealing with unpredictable action, as it begins recording images before the shutter is fully pressed. It’s a powerful tool that takes some of the guesswork out of your timing, giving you more opportunities to get the shot that you might otherwise miss. These tools help photographers take their images to the next level and ensures that this generation of Z5 II is one step ahead.

Take on any challenge

With features like Focus Point VR, a wide ISO range, and natural, noise-free images across a range of lighting conditions, the Nikon Z5 II is ready to handle any creative challenge. Users gain access to numerous creative tools that support consistent, engaging content creation for their audience. A dedicated Picture Control button has been added to the body, providing instant access to your favourite image profiles.

Picture looks allow you to fine-tune results and develop your own distinctive style using NX Studio, which complement regular effects such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome. By predefining settings like sharpness, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation, it’s easy to achieve a distinct look by simply selecting your preferred profile before beginning shooting.

You can even download ‘recipes’ from other creators and influencers to match your own creative style, with the ability to preview the effect in real-time on the camera’s LCD screen as you compose your shot.

Comfortable body design and ergonomics

A number of usability updates accompany new and upgraded shooting features. There’s a brighter electronic viewfinder (EVF), which is rated at 3,000 nits compared to 1,000 nits on the previous model, bringing the viewing experience in-line with professional Nikon cameras. An updated large vari-angle LCD also offers best-in-class viewing and camera control, with 2.1-million-dot resolution and a 3.2” display area.

Additionally, the menu system now rotates automatically when switching between horizontal and vertical shooting, making it much easier to compose, adjust settings and preview your results. Starlight View has been added, which helps with composing shots in extremely low-light conditions by automatically adjusting LCD brightness. It also supports low-light autofocus performance down to -10 EV, which outperforms even some of Nikon’s most advanced cameras.

The camera’s deep grip offers comfortable handheld shooting with excellent handling, even when simply carrying the camera in your hand. All of the body buttons and controls are also designed for single-handed operation, while also providing a familiar layout for existing Nikon users.

Function buttons on the camera body can be customised to streamline the shooting process and tailor the setup to any workflow, allowing beginners to get started easily while giving more experienced photographers the ability to personalise the controls.

Built tough and ready for expansion

The magnesium alloy front, top, and back panels of the Z5 II offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, protecting internal components while keeping the body weight to around 700g (including battery and memory card). This makes it suitable for extended handheld shooting, with build quality that is ready for harsh environments. Weather sealing is on par with the Z6 III, so it can handle wet and dusty conditions, right down to -10°C.

Connectivity includes microphone and headphone jacks, USB-C, and HDMI ports. Dual SD card slots offer flexibility for multi-format or overflow recording. The camera uses Nikon’s EN-EL15c battery, already familiar to existing users, delivering approximately 380–390 shots per charge depending on whether the EVF or LCD is used. It also supports the Nikon MB-N14 Power Battery Grip, which improves handling, extends battery life, and provides a larger, more comfortable setup that some users prefer.

The Z5 II is also Nikon Imaging Cloud ready, giving users access to download image recipes, cloud storage, firmware notifications, and more.

Video Features for Vlogs to Cinematic work

The Z5 II offers upgraded video capabilities, catering to everything from casual vlogging to professional cinematic productions. Record smooth slow-motion at 4K 60p (cropped), Full HD 120p, and everyday 4K 30p without any crop. In-camera N-RAW recording to an SD card is supported for superb image quality, and flexibility in post-production, alongside advanced colour profiles such as N-Log and support for select RED LUTs with distinct colour science.

A variety of tools are included to help creators achieve high-quality productions, including electronic VR for stable handheld shooting and run-and-gun filmmaking. A new Product Review Mode has been added, which enables automated face-to-product autofocus switching for vloggers, while USB streaming allows direct live broadcasting using just the camera and your smartphone.

A high-resolution zoom function adds further versatility to any lens, by enabling zooming even with fixed focal width prime lenses. This can be set to preset speeds for smooth, creative transitions that enhance your visual storytelling, cementing the Z5 II as a great option for video-first and hybrid creators.

Comprehensive Range of Z Mount Lenses

The Nikon Z mount ecosystem has grown steadily, offering a wide choice of lenses for full-frame mirrorless cameras to complement the included kit lens. Nikon produces high-performance primes, compact travel zooms, and specialist optics, with options to suit both photography and filmmaking. Highlights include the recently released Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4, which is an excellent choice for portraits and low-light shooting, and the Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR, which delivers a broad zoom range in a compact, travel-friendly format.

In addition to Nikon’s own line-up, third-party manufacturers including Tamron, TTArtisan, Viltrox, and Voigtländer support the mount. This provides greater flexibility for photographers to find models that suit their shooting style and budget. The Z5 II is also available in a variety of alternate kits, including:

• Z5 II with Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Zoom Lens
• Z5 II with Z 24-70mm f/4 Zoom Lens
• Z5 II with Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 Zoom Lens
• Z5 II with Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Lens
• Z5 II with Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR Lens

Nikon Z5 II Specifications

What's in the Box

• Nikon Z5 II Camera Body
• Body cap
• Content
• Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens
• HB-109 Lens Hood
• LF-N1 Rear Cap
• LC-95B Lens Cap
• CL-C6 Lens Case

Specifications