Nikon 200-500mm f5.6E ED VR review

Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR reviews roundup: should you buy it?

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
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon...
  • 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.com4.3 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.comGOOD | 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.com9.7/10 (‘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

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon...
  • 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

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