Nikon AF-S 200-500mm F5.6 E ED VR Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2015.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Nikon

At launch 2015 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S 200-500mm F5.6 E ED VR:

"Astounding views, comfortably in reach.
Wherever your passion lies, this outstanding super telephoto zoom lens can bring it into focus. Capture and share stunning views of birds, wildlife, motorsports, athletes, performers, landmarks and other faraway subjects. A fast f/5.6 constant aperture gives your shots beautifully out-of-focus backgrounds across the entire zoom range. Turn fast-moving action into dazzling photo sequences—the electromagnetic diaphragm operates in sync for the fastest subjects and shutter speeds while Vibration Reduction image stabilization keeps your shots sharp and steady. And in the rare cases when additional reach is needed, you can increase the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR´s zoom power with an optional Nikon 1.4x, 1.7x or 2x teleconverter*.

Conquer distance
Lightweight, compact super telephoto zoom
Whether your subject is far in the distance or close, fast or slow, you can land the shot. On FX-format cameras, 500mm brings distant birds, wildlife, athletes, performers, landmarks and more into tight focus. DX-format cameras add an additional 1.5x zoom effect for an angle of view equivalent to a whopping 750mm! And despite that extreme power, you can also focus on subjects as close as 7.2 feet away for detail rich close-ups.

Sharpen your vision
~4.5 stops of Vibration Reduction
At super telephoto distances, the smallest camera movements can cause image blur. Vibration Reduction image stabilization counteracts camera shake up to ~4.5 stops** for sharp photos and steady videos. You also can shoot at slower shutter speeds in low light—great for those magic moments at dawn and dusk. Sports Mode is optimized for camera pans and other movements common when shooting fast action.

Dazzling performance
Advanced Nikon lens technology
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass cuts through the glare of bright sunlight. Silent Wave Motor (SWM) powers ultra-fast, near-silent autofocusing with seamless manual override. The Electromagnetic diaphragm (E) operates in sync with the fastest shutter speeds and frame rates, even when using an optional teleconverter. Always bring home views that amaze.

The lens incorporates an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism. The following cameras are compatible with this lens:D5, D4 series, D3 series, Df, D850, D810, D810A, D800 series, D750, D700, D610, D600, D500, D300 series, D7500, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5600, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100, Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, J4, Nikon 1 V1, V2, V3 with FT-1, Nikon 1 S1, S2 with FT-1

*Compatible with TC-14E series teleconverters (AF is only available when used with DSLR cameras that offer f/8 support. These include: D4, D4S, Df, D600, D610, D750, D800, D800E, D810, D7100, D7200). Compatible with TC-17E and TC-20E series teleconverters (AF not possible).

**Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when: FX-format compatible lenses are attached to an FX-format digital SLR camera and zoom lenses are set at the maximum telephoto position.



Sports. Nature. Travel. From big vistas to the big game, this versatile FX-format super-telephoto lens captures superb stills and movies.

The 200–500mm focal-length range (DX-format equivalent: 300–750mm) offers exceptional reach—perfect for capturing elusive birds and mammals in crisp detail. The constant f/5.6 aperture enables comfortable speed and smooth control over depth of field across the entire zoom range. And when your subject is close, a minimum focus distance of just 2.2 m ensures rich detail.

Advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) and SPORT VR
Shoot handheld without worrying about the effects of camera shake. Reliably track fast-moving subjects with SPORT VR—even when they’re moving erratically.
Nikon’s impressive Vibration Reduction system dramatically reduces blur—especially when shooting towards the super-telephoto end of the zoom range. You can shoot at shutter speeds up to 4.5 stops slower, great for capturing dramatic shots during the ‘golden hour’.¹ And SPORT VR mode lets you track the action with incredible clarity. This mode delivers a stable viewfinder image, which is helpful when shooting exceptionally fast action, or when panning.

Exceptional optical performance
Expect clear, high-resolution images even when shooting at super-telephoto distances. Benefit from edge-to-edge sharpness with minimal distortion.
Performance is superb thanks to an optical construction featuring three extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements. ED glass counters chromatic aberration for images with vivid colour and perfectly rendered contrast all the way to the edge of the frame.

Built to partner Nikon’s fast DSLRs, this lens responds swiftly and precisely. An electromagnetic diaphragm ensures precise exposures at high frame rates.

Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor offers fast autofocusing with seamless manual override. The fixed maximum aperture of f/5.6 enables AF operation even when using a 1.4x teleconverter (attached to an f/8-compatible camera). The electromagnetic diaphragm operates in sync with the fastest shutter speeds and frame rates, even when using an optional teleconverter.

Good to Go
Portable and manageable when locked, this super-telephoto makes traveling with a long lens a little easier. Travel easily with a long lens that packs up small. The zoom-lock switch keeps the lens secure when not in use. The tripod foot helps to keep the lens stable when using a tripod. And a detachable hood and soft case ensure the lens remains free from scratches, dust, dirt, and the effects of the elements.

FX-format compatible, 2.5x super-telephoto 200-500 mm zoom lens with a fixed maximum aperture of f/5.6. * When attached to a DX-format digital SLR, the angle of view is equivalent to that of a lens with a focal length of 300-750 mm in FX/35mm format.

ED glass elements are employed to achieve high optical performance with minimal chromatic aberration. Vibration Reduction (VR) system with an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.5 stops* faster in NORMAL mode. * Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to an FX-format digital SLR camera, with zoom set at the maximum telephoto position.

VR performance immediately after the power is turned on in NORMAL mode has been improved, providing a more stable viewfinder image and enhanced blur-reduction effect on the resulting images. SPORT mode, especially effective when shooting sports, for example, in which subjects are radically moving, is adopted as a VR mode option. Even during high-speed continuous shooting, stable AE control is achieved with the adoption of an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism. The screw-on type 95 mm Neutral Color NC Filter and 95 mm Circular Polarizing Filter II are optionally available."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is constructed to fit all models of Nikon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 200-500 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 200 mm or at 500 mm the aperture value can be f/5,6.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 95 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "HB-71".

Tripod Mount

This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.

Images of Nikon AF-S 200-500mm F5.6 E ED VR

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • Long focal length with its 500 mm
  • An impressive focal range
  • Works on all sensor types
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • A tripod mount is included
  • The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • Heavy (2300 gr)

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Nikon AF-S 200-500mm F5.6 E ED VR.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 4 of 5

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