Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Nikon

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

Buy on Amazon

Nikon

AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Buy on Amazon

Verdict at a glance

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is faster by 2 stops (f/2.8 vs f/5.6), letting in more light.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR is lighter by 1500g.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR goes wider (200mm vs 400mm).
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR reaches further (500mm vs 400mm).
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR is the newer design (2015 vs 2014).

Specification comparison
Spec	AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR	AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Brand	Nikon	Nikon
Mount	Nikon F	Nikon F
Type	Telephoto Zoom	Prime
Focal length	200-500mm (wider)	400mm
Max aperture	f/5.6	f/2.8 (faster)
Released	2015	2014
Blades	9	9
Format	full-frame	full-frame
Groups	12	12
Af motor	SWM	SWM
Elements	19	16
Weight g	2300.0 (lighter)	3800.0
Filter mm	95	n/a
Length mm	256.5	358.0
Stabilized	Yes	Yes
Diameter mm	108.0	159.5
Min focus m	2.2 (closer focusing)	2.6
Max magnification	0.22	0.17

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

A large telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount DSLRs with a constant f/5.6 aperture and vibration reduction, popular for wildlife.

Pros

Constant f/5.6
500mm reach
Vibration reduction
Electromagnetic diaphragm

Cons

Large and heavy (2.3 kg)
95mm filter thread

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Nikon's flagship 400mm f/2.8 with fluorite elements and an electromagnetic aperture, introduced in 2014. It weighs about 3.8kg, lighter than previous Nikon 400mm lenses.

Pros

f/2.8 with VR
Lighter than earlier Nikon 400mm lenses
Weather-sealed build
Takes teleconverters

Cons

Large
Needs a monopod or gimbal head
About 3.8kg

More comparisons for Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

Compare other lenses or browse our best-of guides.