Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED reviews roundup: is it worth the price?
Released in 2015, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED is a telephoto zoom lens for both amateur and expert photographers: its huge focal range is perfect for wildlife, birds, aircraft photography or sporting events.
It has a constant aperture of f/5.6 which guarantees appreciable brightness and easy control of the depth of field. It also has a vibration reduction system (VR) that minimizes camera shake.
Specs:
- Mount: Nikon F
- Optical stabilization: Yes
- Weather sealed: No
- Weight with tripod collar: 2,3 Kg (5.07 lb / 81.2 oz.)
- Min. aperture: f/5.6
- Max. aperture: f/32
- Minimum focus distance: 2.20 m (86.61″)
- Filter size: 95mm
- Compact super telephoto zoom lens for birding, wildlife, motorsports, events and more
- 500 millimeter of zoom power on fx format DSLR; 750 millimeter equivalent on dx format DSLRs, minimum focus distance: 7.2 feet ( 2.2 meter), focal length range: 200 500 millimeter
- Fast f/5.6 constant aperture for beautiful out of focus backgrounds and low light performance
What do the critics think of the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED?
Despite some minor defects (poor quality sun visor, weight and price), most reviews on the web say that the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED is a great zoom lens for sports fans, ornithology and animal photography, aerial shows and those who need to see far while retaining a certain versatility.
It has an attractive price-performance ratio and offers a great focus range on FX cameras. It’s even more generous on Nikon DX cameras since it turn this lens into a 300-750 mm.
The main negative points that come up most often are its size and weight: it’s quite heavy, so if you use it for several hours, it will require a real effort. You’ll need a suitable photo bag, and maybe a monopod or a tripod.
Alternatives:
A more affordable lens in the same category would be the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary which gives a wider focal range. It’s also lighter and gives similar optical performance. However, if you can find the Nikon 200-500mm for a good price, don’t hesitate and get it!
Most reviews like…
- High power zoom with extended focal range 200-500 mm
- Excellent results, with good sharpness and superb bokeh
- Good quality built
- Constant f/5.6 aperture
- Optical stabilization is very effective with its “sport” mode
- Removable tripod collar included
- Good quality construction
- Excellent value for money
Most reviews don’t like…
- Heavy (a tripod or a monopod might be useful)
- Filter size is quite big (so you’ll have to buy expensive filters)
For more infos about the positive and negatives sides of the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED, check out the selection of reviews below:
Websites Reviews
- Photographyblog.com – ★★★★½ Highly Recommended (‘If your priorities are a longer telephoto reach, superior optical quality and a lower price, the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is the better choice.’)
- Photographylife.com – 4.3 out of 5 (‘Overall, the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E VR looks like a great lens for its price. If you are looking for a relatively lightweight lens to get closer to action, you should definitely look into buying this lens.’)
- Pcmag.com – GOOD | 3½ out of 5 (‘The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a long telezoom lens that nets sharp results, but there are better values available.’)
- Imaging-resource.com – 9.7/10 (‘If you are a Nikon photographer looking for a new telephoto zoom, I highly recommend this lens.‘)
- Ephotozine.com – ★★★★☆ – (‘The Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 VR is an excellent choice for sports and wildlife photographers.’)
Amazon users reviews
- Compact super telephoto zoom lens for birding, wildlife, motorsports, events and more
- 500 millimeter of zoom power on fx format DSLR; 750 millimeter equivalent on dx format DSLRs, minimum focus distance: 7.2 feet ( 2.2 meter), focal length range: 200 500 millimeter
- Fast f/5.6 constant aperture for beautiful out of focus backgrounds and low light performance