Want Nikon's new 180-600mm lens? Even before its release, Nikon Japan warns that it's already in short supply
(Image credit: Nikon)
UPDATE: It now appears that we have a release date for the Nikon Z 180-600mm lens, which as outlined below is already being affected by shortage issues.
While this information comes a week before Nikon said it would announce a shipping date, the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is being listed by both Nikon Japan and Adorama in the US as starting to ship on August 31. So if you've placed a pre-order, hang tight as the first batches should be on their way soon!
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ORIGINAL STORY (08 Aug 2023): We all know that camera products are in incredibly short supply these days – but it's unusual for them to be in short supply before they're even released. That's the case, however, with the much-anticipated Nikon 180-600mm Z lens.
While it was announced back in June, no release date was given for the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. But Nikon Japan has warned that the lens is already in short supply, even before it reveals an actual release date later this month.
"Due to the large number of orders for the Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR, it may take some time to deliver. So thank you in advance for your understanding," read a note on the official product page.
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This was followed by an official notice, stating that a release date would be announced on August 17 – again making clear that demand has exceeded planned supply.
"The 'Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR', which is scheduled to be released in August 2023, has received a large number of reservations, exceeding our expectations. Therefore, it will take time to adjust the release date, and we plan to announce the release date around August 17th. We will do our best to deliver it as soon as possible, so we appreciate your understanding."
The 180-600mm is a dream optic for many, and it was always destined to be one of the most popular Z lenses – especially among owners of the recently released Nikon Z8.
It's an ongoing frustration, though, that new products are constantly in such short supply – even before they hit the shelves. It will be interesting to see what the ultimate release date is, when Nikon reveals it in just over two weeks…
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
