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

The announcement of the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens in August 2015 came as a pleasant surprise for Nikon camera owners. Not only is it the only genuine Nikon zoom that goes out to 500mm, but it also costs less than some comparable third-party offerings, at least in certain markets.

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.

This lens takes very clear, spectacular pictures. I was amazed at the picture quality. The lens is also surprisingly very fast. I was a bit reluctant at first, but once I got it and played with it a bit, I was happy to have made this purchase. The lens is a bit heavy, but for a good reason.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Nice Bokeh; Rugged; Strong Construction

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.

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

Very good lens from Nikon. Affordable for wildlife photography. Optical quality is very-very good. VR is the best I've had on any Nikkor. Focusing speed is fine but not a race engine. All in all a home run from Nikon.

I love the lens. I mainly shoot from my back porch looking out to a wooded ravine. In the winter months in WI I love to get close up photos of the birds at my feeders and in the yard. This does the trick for me.

SurpriseI stumbled across this lens while shopping at a pawn shop.

Affordable; Quality Lens; Great Clarity; Wide Range of Zoom

Focus ring position requires getting used to.