The AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 E ED lens is an FX format powerful telephoto zoom, ideally aimed at sports and wildlife photographers. It has a constant but modest f/5.6 maximum aperture, which enables a fairly compact design for its focal length.

Big microcorrugated cardboard box.

Exactly what I expected from a Nikkor lens. I made the mistake of buying a Sigma 150 to 600, and even after lots of study and practice to get it as sharp as it could be. it was still unacceptable. The Nikkor 200-500 is sharp right out of the box even at maximum aperture.

Very happy to purchased the Nikon 200-500mm f5.6 VR lens. It is very sharp in 500mm too. (Muy contento en haber comprado el lente Nikon 200-500mm f5.6 VR. Es muy nítido en 500mm también)

Great in 500mm and Excellent VR

Heavy Weight

If you want to do serious wildlife photography, "big glass" is inevitable. But the price of a 500mm or 600mm prime lens can set you back half the price of a new car! The Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 E ED VR is a serious prosumer "budget" solution for those who can't justify such a massive cash setback -...

A big lens that is actually easy to handhold with beautiful results.

Handling and Features Performance Verdict Specification The AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 E ED lens is an FX format powerful telephoto zoom, ideally aimed at sports and wildlife photographers.

Quality of manufacture; Hand-holdable; Excellent even results; Excellent ergonomic design; Constant f/5.6 aperture

Weight

I use the 200-500 exclusively on my D7200, which I have for the 1.5x reach. Originally, I was on the 200-500 pre-order list and received one of the early ones. I wasn't able to get images as sharp as I had hoped and convinced myself I didn't need to spend that much money for a lens, since I am only...

This lens has now been used for a while before reviewing. It has produced some impressively sharp photos even wide open at f5.6 at all focal lengths. The VR is good (but not perfect) and useful in lower light conditions.

Nikon managed to create a very good Lens at a lower than expected price point. This lens would still be good value even if the price was 50% higher

Constant Aperture Sharp and Contrasty; even wide open Removable Tripod Foot Excellent VR; allowing hand held shots at speeds one think not possible Reasonable AF speed Excellent build for a consumer grade lens

Needs very large (expensive) front filters No drop-in filter system Lens hood needs a better securing system