Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
The Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a 200–500mm f/5.6 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $817.85 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
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Lens Overview — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Key Features — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
200–500mm Zoom Range: Covers a versatile super-telephoto range in a single lens, well-suited for wildlife, sports, and aviation subjects at varying distances.
Constant f/5.6 Aperture: Maintains the same maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, keeping exposure settings consistent as you zoom in or out.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with the full range of Nikon F-mount DSLR bodies, including both full-frame and APS-C cameras.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover a full-frame image circle, ensuring corner-to-corner performance on FX-format bodies and offering an effective 300–750mm equivalent on DX-format cameras.
Optical Image Stabilization: Built-in VR (Vibration Reduction) helps counteract camera shake for sharper handheld results at extended focal lengths.
ED Glass Elements: Extra-low dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration and color fringing, contributing to sharper, higher-contrast images at long focal lengths.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Birding, Sports, Travel |
| Lens Type | Super Telephoto |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Zoom |
| Focal Length | 200–500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto Focus, Manual Focus |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 95mm |
Description — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
The Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E is a super-telephoto zoom lens built around the Nikon F mount, designed specifically for DSLR cameras and engineered to cover the full-frame sensor format. It spans a 200mm to 500mm focal length range with a constant f/5.6 maximum aperture, meaning your exposure settings stay predictable no matter where you are in the zoom range — a practical advantage in fast-moving shooting environments. Optical image stabilization is integrated into the lens, offering a degree of compensation for camera shake during handheld telephoto work. The lens supports both autofocus and manual focus, giving you the option to let the camera drive focus or take control yourself.
On the practical side, the 95mm filter thread is one of the larger sizes you'll encounter, so budgeting for filters is worth doing upfront. The lens weighs 2,300g, which places real demands on your support system and stamina in the field. This is a lens built for photographers who need serious reach and a reliable aperture on the Nikon F platform.
Pros — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
- ✓Constant f/5.6 maximum aperture across the full 200–500mm zoom range maintains exposure consistency throughout the focal length spectrum
- ✓Full-frame lens format ensures compatibility with both full-frame and APS-C Nikon F-mount DSLR bodies
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization helps reduce camera shake when shooting handheld at long focal lengths
Cons — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
- ✗At 2,300g, the lens is very heavy and will demand robust tripod support or considerable physical endurance for extended handheld use
- ✗The 95mm filter thread size means front filters — polarizers, ND filters — are large, scarce, and significantly more expensive than smaller sizes
- ✗The f/5.6 maximum aperture, while constant, is relatively modest for low-light or fast-action shooting at long focal lengths
Reviews — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Videos — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Ludicrous Telephoto Zoom! Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Review — Leigh & Raymond Photography
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount and is designed for Nikon DSLR cameras. It is not a native mirrorless mount lens.
What is the zoom range of this lens?+
The lens covers a focal length range from 200mm to 500mm, classifying it as a super-telephoto zoom.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
Yes, the lens includes optical image stabilization, which can help reduce blur from camera shake when shooting handheld at longer focal lengths.
What filter size does this lens require?+
The lens has a 95mm front filter thread. This is a large filter size, so compatible filters tend to be less common and more costly than standard sizes.
Is this lens compatible with full-frame Nikon cameras?+
Yes, the lens is designed for the full-frame format, meaning it produces an image circle sufficient to cover a full-frame sensor. It will also work on APS-C Nikon F-mount DSLRs.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 2,300g, making it a heavy and sizeable piece of equipment. Photographers should consider using a tripod or monopod for extended shooting sessions.