7 reasons to use the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 for video

1. Minimal focus breathing

Focus breathing is when objects appear to move in relation to each other when you change focus from something in the front of a scene to something in the rear (or vice versa), which is off-putting for viewers. The NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 effectively suppresses focus breathing so you can change focus smoothly without anything getting in the way of how you want to make your viewer feel.

2. Quiet on set

The last thing you need when filming is any noise interference (especially if you’re somewhere like a wedding). The focus stepping motor (or STM) on the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 makes for almost silent operation, meaning you can film how you want to.

3. Light and portable

When you’re filming handheld, the last thing you need is gear that weighs you down over the course of a long day. At just 795g and 151mm long, the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 gives you all the agility you need, allowing you to try different angles in a scene or react quickly to events and fast-moving subjects.

4. Zoom creatively

Zoom lenses are a key tool in the cinematographer’s box. Not only do they let you create drama and tension with slow or fast in-shot zooms, but they also provide a whole range of ways to create a range of different looks in one scene. On a tripod, you can focus in on a subject at a longer focal length and then do the same scene again zoomed out for a wider angle, giving you options when it comes to editing. See our story on using zooms for video work for more tips and tricks.

Read more: Time to get zooming for video creativity

5. Bring the bokeh

The constant f/2.8 aperture of the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 means you can achieve wonderfully smooth background separation in your footage, as well as great results in low light. Open up the aperture and defocus on some moving lights (from moving traffic at night, for example) to create real atmosphere.

Read more: What is bokeh (and how should I use it?) 

6. Don’t miss the moment

When you’re filming unpredictable subjects from a distance, such as birds and animals, the ‘moment’ can pass in an instant, and swapping one prime lens out for another of a different focal length can cause you to miss it. With a telephoto zoom such as the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8, you’re a flick of the wrist away from framing the footage just how you want it, without missing a thing.

7. Use your control ring

The assignable control ring on the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is a really useful tool for video work, where you often need direct access to settings while filming, without having to go into the menu system.