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

The longer the focal length, the bigger the lens. And if you need a 500mm lens (800mm equivalent when fitted to a digital SLR), you can't expect it to fit in the average gadget bag. To its credit, the Tamron 200-500mm is pretty compact for a lens of this range.

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.

Along with my 18-200 Canon lens, this now gives me everything from 18-500mm with only 2 lenses. Best to use a good mono or tripod, but in good lighting it can be used without. I love taking it to the Zoo and Wild Animal Park and have taken some great photos.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Quick Focus; Rugged; Sharp Focus; Strong Construction

Heavy

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

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...

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

I bought and shot this lens for 2 weeks in Europe this December of 2015, going after airplanes, trains and birds. I left my 300 2.8 at home because it's slightly smaller in my carry-on and more versatile zoom-wise. Optically very good but not as sharp as my 300.