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Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — Prime/Zoom
Nikon

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

Prime/Zoom

90
/ 100
From $1,699
VS
Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR wins by 2
Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 — Prime/zoom
Samyang

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Prime/zoom

88
/ 100
From $1,799
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR lands at 90 and Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 at 88. That puts Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics

Pick Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

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

Compared on the build sub-score

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR leads on build (94 vs 90).

Sharpness

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

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR leads on sharpness (90 vs 88).

Autofocus

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

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR leads on af (89 vs 84).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR 90
vs
88 Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
90
sharpness 90
af 89
build 94
value 84
Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8
88
sharpness 88
af 84
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR versus Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

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

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

FAQ: Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR vs Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8

Which is better, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR or Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8? +

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR scores 90 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR worth the price? +

At $1,699, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in build.

Is Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 worth the price? +

At $1,799, Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.

Does Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR or Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR or Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8? +

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR or Samyang AF 35-150mm f/2-2.8? +

Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — leads on sharpness (90 vs 88). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.