Photo: Alex P. Kok (CC BY-SA 4.0)
AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR
- 200-500mm
- f/5.6
- Telephoto Zoom
- Stabilized
- 2300 g
- Min focus 2.2 m
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Quick answer
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
Verdict
A popular wildlife lens for Nikon DSLRs.
About this lens
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR is a telephoto zoom lens covering 200-500mm at f/5.6 for Nikon F mount cameras, with Vibration Reduction, Silent Wave Motor autofocus and extra-low dispersion glass. A long telephoto zoom with a constant f/5.6 aperture and Vibration Reduction, popular for wildlife and sports.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR specifications
- Brand
- Nikon
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Focal length
- 200-500mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/5.6
- Lens type
- Telephoto Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2015
- Optical construction
- 19 elements in 12 groups
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- SWM
- Minimum focus distance
- 2.2 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.22x
- Filter thread
- 95 mm
- Weight
- 2300 g
- Length
- 256.5 mm
- Diameter
- 108 mm
Specification source: imaging.nikon.com
What can you shoot with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR?
- Wildlife
- Birds
- Sports
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 200–500mm | 4.1–10.3° | 5–12.3° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 300–750mm | 2.7–6.9° | 3.3–8.2° |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E have VR?
Yes. It has vibration reduction with Normal and Sport modes. Sport mode suits fast-moving subjects.
Is the AF-S 200-500mm a full-frame lens?
Yes. It is an FX lens and works on DX as a 300-750mm-equivalent lens. On FX bodies you get its full field of view; DX bodies apply a 1.5x crop factor.
AF-S 200-500mm vs 80-400mm: which should I buy?
The 200-500 has more reach and a constant aperture. The 80-400 is lighter and more flexible.
Alternatives for Nikon F from other brands
All Nikon F lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
More Nikon lenses for Nikon F
All Nikon lenses
Other 200-500mm lenses
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