The Nikkor AF‐S 200‐500mm f5.6E ED VR, has a fast autofocus, and excellent VR, I was able to get sharp im‐
ages handheld as low as 1/6 second on a stationary subject indoors. I’ve tested the lens both with an FX
D800 full frame and a DX D7200 crop sensor bodies yielding impressive results. See samples on next page
of my test indoor and at airport (location YYZ) all hand held with VR on “sport” mode. When at 500mm the
lens is extended quite a bit and in a windy condition there is a considerable wind sheer on the lens.
Of course no lens is perfect, and when comp aring the 200‐500mm lens against the competitors from Sigma
and Tamron it gives up 50mm on the wider side, and 100mm on the telephoto side. However, it is a con‐
stant f5.6 versus a variable one, which comes into play when focusing as not all, especially older, cameras
can focus beyond f5.6 accurately. While f5.6 may sounds slow, with modern cameras with good ISO, it truly
makes little difference outdoors, and it is viable option even indoors for a budget conscious person., who
cannot afford a professional grade and sharper 300mm f2.8 at $6,949.95 or a 400mm f2.8 at $13,999.95,
lens!
When used with a DX format camera it gives an equivalent focal length of a 300‐750mm lens, which can
come in very handy without using a teleconverter at air shows or nature photography. Below is the size
comparison between the older 200‐400mm f4 VR (Red) zoom lens on the left and the new 200‐500mm
f5.6E ED VR on the right when mounted on camera bodies. This lens is compatible with all current Nikon
digital bodies that work with the electromagnetic diaphragm.
In the fall of 2015, Nikon finally introduced a lens that is relatively affordable and with an excellent range for
those who enjoy aviation photography at air shows and spotting at airports the Nikkor AF‐S 200‐500mm f5.6E
ED VR.
In Canada it lists currently at $1649.95, which is quite below their AF‐S NIKKOR 80‐400mm f/4.5‐5.6G ED VR II
at $3,149.95, and also within the price range of other lens suppliers such as the Sigma 150‐600mm "Sports"
and the Tamron SP 150‐600mm f/5.0‐6.3 Di VC USD.
The Nikkor AF‐S 200‐500mm f5.6E ED VR is considerably larger 108 x 267.5mm (Diameter x Length) than the
80‐400mm 95.5 x 203mm (Diameter x Length) however, it is smaller than the AF‐S NIKKOR 200‐400mm f/4G
ED VR II 124 x 365 mm (Diameter x Length). While it is heavier at 2300g than the 80‐400mm at 1570g it is
much lighter than the 200‐400mm at 3360g.
The performance of the Nikkor AF‐S 200‐500mm f5.6E ED VR is excellent when compared to the similar focal
length lenses from Sigma, Tamron or even the Nikon’s own 80‐400mm f/4.5‐5.6G ED VR II, in fact it is equiva‐
lent of the older 200‐400mm f4 VR (Red) lens in my own opinion based upon owning these lenses. While
newer AF‐S NIKKOR 200‐400mm f/4G ED VR II with Nano coating is slightly sharper it is also considerably more
expensive at $8195.95 Cdn., which has better weather sealing, faster f4 aperture and is considered to be a
“professional” lens as indicated by the gold ring, one can over look these factors when it comes to cost of
these lenses. The lens feels solid and balanced well with my D3S, D800, and D7200 bodies.