Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon F-Mount Cameras

Overview

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR brings 500mm of reach to any F-mount DSLR without the price or the bulk of an exotic prime. A constant f/5.6 aperture across the whole zoom range, three ED glass elements and 4.5 stops of Vibration Reduction have made it the reference choice for wildlife, birds in flight and outdoor sport.

Key features

Reach without compromise

• 200-500mm focal range: covers everything from full-body animal portraits to distant subjects. Mounted on a DX body the equivalent field of view becomes 300-750mm.
• Constant f/5.6 aperture: exposure stays consistent from 200 to 500mm, so shutter speeds hold up as the light drops at dawn and dusk.

Optical design

• 19 elements in 12 groups, three of them ED glass: extra-low dispersion glass controls the chromatic aberration that normally appears at extreme focal lengths.
• 9 rounded diaphragm blades: out-of-focus backgrounds stay smooth, separating the subject from cluttered scenery.

Vibration Reduction

• 4.5 stops of VR: handheld shooting at 500mm becomes realistic rather than a gamble.
• SPORT mode: stabilises the viewfinder image while tracking fast, erratic movement, keeping panning predictable.

Handling and control

• Silent Wave Motor (SWM): fast, near-silent autofocus with permanent manual override.
• Electromagnetic diaphragm (E): consistent exposure throughout high-speed burst sequences.
• Focus limiter and zoom lock: a FULL / ∞-6m limiter speeds up AF acquisition, and the barrel locks at 200mm for transport.
• Rotating tripod collar: switch between horizontal and vertical framing without rebalancing the head.

Specifications

• Model: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
• Mount: Nikon F (FX / full frame)
• Focal length: 200-500mm
• Maximum aperture: f/5.6, constant
• Minimum aperture: f/32
• Lens construction: 19 elements in 12 groups, including 3 ED elements
• Angle of view: 12°20' - 5°00' (FX) / 8°00' - 3°10' (DX)
• Diaphragm blades: 9, rounded
• Minimum focus distance: 2.2 m
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 0.22x
• Filter thread: 95 mm
• Dimensions: 108 mm diameter x 267.5 mm length
• Weight: 2300 g with tripod collar (2090 g without)
• Image stabilisation: VR, 4.5 stops, with SPORT mode
• Autofocus motor: SWM (Silent Wave Motor)
• Teleconverter compatibility: TC-14E / II / III, TC-17E II, TC-20E / II / III
• Supplied accessories: HB-71 lens hood, LC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, CL-1434 soft case

What it is good for

• Wildlife and birding: the 500mm end plus a 2.2 m minimum focus distance covers distant animals and closer subjects alike.
• Outdoor and motor sport: SPORT VR mode and the focus limiter keep fast action locked on.
• Aviation and marine photography: reach and constant aperture for subjects you simply cannot get closer to.
• Moon and distant landscape detail: long-focal compression for astrophotography and compressed landscape work.