Ultimaxx Professional Dynamic UM-ZL650W4 650-1300mm
Its 650-1300mm focal range on a Nikon Z mount delivers extreme telephoto reach in a remarkably light 142g body, though the constant f/8 aperture and manual focus demand bright conditions and deliberate technique. The push/pull zoom mechanism and included filter kit add practical value for a lens in this price bracket. This lens is best for Nikon Z shooters needing an affordable, portable option for distant static subjects like wildlife or the moon, where its slow aperture and 4.9m minimum focus distance are less limiting.
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Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
A 1300mm lens for under $180 USD that weighs less than a soda can. It's slow, manual focus only, and optically mediocre, but for moon shots on a tripod, it's a cheap thrill.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Absurdly light at 142g, you'll forget it's in your bag 90th
- Gets you to 1300mm for pocket change 79th
- Build quality is better than the price suggests 72nd
- Stabilization is a pleasant surprise
Cons
- f/8 to f/16 means you need bright sunlight or a very still subject
- Manual focus only, good luck tracking anything that moves
- Optical quality is mediocre at best
- No weather sealing, keep it away from rain and dust
What owners think
The Word on the Street
The proof
Performance
The build quality is surprisingly decent for the price, landing in the 89th percentile. It's aluminum alloy and feels solid enough. But the optical performance sits at the 41st percentile, which tells you everything. At f/16, you're fighting diffraction and desperately need light. The stabilization helps a bit, but at 1300mm, any vibration turns your shot into soup. Manual focus at these focal lengths is a patience test. You'll miss more shots than you nail.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 650 |
| Focal Length Max | 1300 |
| Coating | Multi-coated, anti-reflection |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | f/8 |
| Constant | Yes |
Build
| Mount | Nikon Z |
| Weight | 0.1 kg / 0.3 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 95 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 1300 |
vs Competition
The Tamron 28-300mm f/4-7.1 is the obvious alternative if you want actual autofocus and usable apertures, but it costs significantly more and doesn't reach 1300mm. The Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS is another practical choice for everyday reach with stabilization. The Ultimaxx wins on pure focal length per dollar, but loses on everything else. It's a one-trick pony, and the trick is 'stand very still and hope'.
| Spec | Ultimaxx Professional Dynamic UM-ZL650W4 650-1300mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD | Nikon NIKKOR 20059 | Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC | Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 | Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 650-1300mm | 28-300mm | 18-55mm | 17-40mm | 12-35mm | 18-135mm |
| Max Aperture | f/16 | f/4 | f/3.5 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E | Nikon F | Fujifilm X | Micro Four Thirds | Sony E |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | false | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | false | true | true | false |
| Weight (g) | 142 | 590 | 205 | 535 | 306 | 326 |
| AF Type | manual focus only | VXD linear motor | pulse stepping motor | HLA (High-response Linear Actuator) | Autofocus | Linear motor |
| Lens Type | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | AF | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimaxx Professional Dynamic UM-ZL650W4 650-1300mm | 14.8 | 31.3 | 90.2 | 40.5 | 39.5 | 44.6 | 71.7 | 63.4 | 79.4 |
| Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 VXD Compare | 97.7 | 83.6 | 63.1 | 83.2 | 96.3 | 70.9 | 97.9 | 50.8 | 79.4 |
| Nikon NIKKOR 20059 Compare | 84.8 | 81.4 | 83.7 | 95.4 | 54.6 | 82.8 | 82.9 | 86.2 | 92.3 |
| Sigma Art 17-40mm f/1.8 DC Compare | 54 | 97 | 67.1 | 72.3 | 96.7 | 95.3 | 75.8 | 94.1 | 34.4 |
| Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit H-ES12035 Compare | 54 | 86.6 | 83.9 | 49 | 86.2 | 88.3 | 80.5 | 86.2 | 96.4 |
| Sony E 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Compare | 97.7 | 81.4 | 71 | 37.5 | 78 | 82.8 | 95.8 | 90.7 | 79.4 |
Price
Value & Pricing
For $170-180 USD, it's hard to be too angry. You're getting a 1300mm reach for less than a decent dinner for two. But value isn't just price, it's usability. If you want a cheap way to photograph the moon or a stationary bird feeder, this is fine. If you want sharp, reliable telephoto shots, save your money for something with autofocus and a wider aperture.
Read more
Overview
The Ultimaxx 650-1300mm is a weird little lens. It weighs 142 grams, which is basically nothing for a telephoto, and it'll get you to 1300mm for under $180 USD. But here's the thing: it's an f/8 to f/16 lens with manual focus only. That's a recipe for frustration unless you know exactly what you're getting into. This is a novelty lens for moon shots and backyard birding on a tripod, not a serious wildlife tool.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use this lens handheld?
Technically yes, but you'll hate it. At 1300mm, even breathing moves the frame. Use a tripod and a remote shutter or timer.
Q: Does it work with my Nikon camera?
It's listed for a bunch of Nikon F-mount bodies like the D7500, D500, and D850. Check your specific model, but if it's an F-mount DSLR, it should fit.
Q: Is this good for wildlife photography?
Only if the wildlife is very patient and standing in bright sunlight. Manual focus at f/16 makes tracking moving animals nearly impossible.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a practical telephoto for sports, wildlife, or anything that moves, this isn't it. Go get a used Tamron or Sigma zoom with autofocus instead. You'll spend more, but you'll actually get the shot.
Verdict
Buy it if you want a cheap experiment in extreme telephoto and you already own a Nikon F-mount body. Don't buy it if you need reliable shots of moving subjects or anything in low light. It's a fun toy, not a serious lens.
