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

"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."