For photographers passionate about capturing distant subjects like wildlife, sports, or performers, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens offers exceptional reach and consistent performance. Its versatile 200-500mm focal range, constant f/5.6 aperture, and advanced Vibration Reduction deliver sharp, detailed images, even at extended distances. While it provides incredible telephoto capabilities, its size and weight require consideration for portability and handheld shooting comfort.
Versatile 200-500mm Zoom Range: Capture faraway subjects with excellent magnification, ideal for wildlife and sports.
Constant f/5.6 Maximum Aperture: Maintains consistent exposure throughout the zoom range and helps create beautifully blurred backgrounds.
Advanced Vibration Reduction (VR): Offers approximately 4.5 stops of image stabilization, significantly reducing blur from camera shake for sharper photos and steadier video.
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Glass Elements: Minimizes chromatic aberrations for superior sharpness and color fidelity across the frame.
Silent Wave Motor (SWM): Ensures fast, accurate, and remarkably quiet autofocusing, crucial for not disturbing subjects.
Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism: Provides highly precise and consistent aperture control, especially beneficial during high-speed continuous shooting.
Close Focusing Capability: Focuses as close as 7.2 feet (2.2m), allowing for detailed shots of nearby subjects even at telephoto settings.
FX and DX Format Compatibility: Optimized for full-frame (FX) sensors, but also provides an equivalent focal length of up to 750mm on DX-format cameras.
Excellent super-telephoto reach for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
Constant f/5.6 aperture for consistent exposure and creative background blur.
Highly effective 4.5 stop Vibration Reduction for sharp handheld shots.
Superb image quality with minimal chromatic aberration thanks to ED glass.
Fast and quiet autofocus provided by the Silent Wave Motor.
Compatible with both FX and DX-format Nikon cameras.
Relatively large and heavy, potentially challenging for extended handheld use.
f/5.6 aperture may be limiting in very dark conditions compared to prime lenses or wider zooms.
Requires a sturdy tripod or monopod for optimal stability, especially at 500mm.
Info needed: Explicit weather sealing details are not provided.
Excellent super-telephoto reach for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
Constant f/5.6 aperture for consistent exposure and creative background blur.
Highly effective 4.5 stop Vibration Reduction for sharp handheld shots.
Superb image quality with minimal chromatic aberration thanks to ED glass.
Fast and quiet autofocus provided by the Silent Wave Motor.
Compatible with both FX and DX-format Nikon cameras.
Relatively large and heavy, potentially challenging for extended handheld use.
f/5.6 aperture may be limiting in very dark conditions compared to prime lenses or wider zooms.
Requires a sturdy tripod or monopod for optimal stability, especially at 500mm.
Info needed: Explicit weather sealing details are not provided.
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens is a powerhouse for photographers needing significant reach.
This lens excels in capturing skittish wildlife from a distance, allowing you to fill the frame with details of birds, mammals, or landscapes. The 500mm end brings distant subjects incredibly close, and the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures that autofocus is fast and quiet, crucial for not disturbing animals. The VR system is invaluable for handheld shots of birds in flight or other moving subjects, giving you a greater chance of sharp results even with slower shutter speeds.
For motorsports, football, or other outdoor sporting events, the 200-500mm range provides the versatility to track players across the field or zoom in on crucial moments. The constant f/5.6 aperture maintains consistent exposure as you zoom, and the electromagnetic diaphragm guarantees accurate aperture control during rapid-fire continuous shooting, preventing exposure variations between frames.
From the stands at a concert or a large event, you can capture performers or key moments without needing to be close. The combination of telephoto reach and effective VR allows for clear, detailed images even when conditions are less than ideal.
The Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements significantly reduce chromatic aberration, leading to images with excellent sharpness, contrast, and color fidelity throughout the zoom range. The constant f/5.6 aperture, while not extremely fast, provides pleasing bokeh (background blur) for subject isolation, especially at longer focal lengths.
Attaching the Lens: Align the white mounting dot on the lens barrel with the corresponding dot on your Nikon DSLR camera body. Twist the lens clockwise until it clicks securely into place.
Lens Hood: For optimal image quality and to reduce flare, attach the included HB-71 lens hood by aligning its dot with the dot on the lens and twisting it securely.
VR Switch: Activate the VR (Vibration Reduction) switch on the lens barrel. For general shooting, use 'Normal' mode. For panning shots, switch to 'Sport' mode.
AF/M Switch: Set the A/M (Autofocus with manual override) or M (Manual focus) switch as desired. A/M is recommended for most situations.
Focus Limiter Switch: For faster autofocus when subjects are very distant, you can use the FULL or INFINITY to 6m focus limiter switch.
Camera Bodies: This lens is fully compatible with Nikon FX-format (full-frame) and DX-format (APS-C) DSLR cameras.
Focal Length Equivalence: On a DX-format camera, the lens provides an equivalent focal length range of approximately 300-750mm, offering even greater reach.
Teleconverters: The lens is compatible with optional Nikon teleconverters for extending its focal length further, though this will affect the effective aperture.
Cleaning: Use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth specifically designed for optics to clean lens elements. For stubborn smudges, use a few drops of lens cleaning solution on the cloth, not directly on the glass.
Storage: Store the lens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use lens caps when not in use to protect the front and rear elements. Consider a moisture-absorbing desiccant in humid environments.
Protection: Use the lens hood to protect the front element from accidental bumps and dust. A protective filter (UV or clear) can add an extra layer of defense.