The age of the relatively affordable super telephoto zoom lens is upon us. Nikon's entry into the foray, the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR ($1,339.95), combines crisp optics with a narrow aperture that helps to keep its weight manageable and its price down to earth. It is, after all, a bargain compared with the shorter, but faster, AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. The 200-500mm's development and release is no doubt in response to a spate of third-party zooms that are cut from the same cloth. Our favorite of those, and the reigning Editors' Choice for this class of lens, is the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary, which outguns the Nikon, while undercutting its cost. DesignThe 200-500mm is a hefty lens, which is not surprising given its range of coverage. It measures 10.5 by 4.25 inches (HD), has a huge front element that accepts 95mm filters, and weighs 5.1 pounds. It's heavier than some of the competition—the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary is lighter at 4.3 poun...
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.
Sharp optics; Long telephoto reach; Fixed f/5.6 maximum aperture; Optical stabilization; Includes removable tripod collar
Competing lenses zoom further; Edges soft at 200mm; Not compatible with some older D-SLRs