Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6 E ED VR Autofocus IF Lens {95}

Nikon's 200-500mm f/5.6E: the wildlife zoom that punches above its price class.

A constant f/5.6 aperture across the full 200-500mm range is the defining feature here. Most competing zooms throttle down as you push toward the long end, but this lens holds f/5.6 at 500mm, keeping autofocus reliable and exposure consistent when you're tracking a bird in flight or a sprinting athlete. The 19-element, 12-group optical design includes three ED glass elements to keep chromatic aberration in check at extreme focal lengths, where fringing can otherwise erode subject edges. Super Integrated Coating handles the contrast side, cutting flare in backlit situations.

The Silent Wave Motor drives fast, near-silent autofocus well-suited to both action shooting and video work. VR image stabilization compensates up to approximately 4.5 stops of camera shake, a number that matters significantly at 500mm, where handheld shooting would otherwise demand very fast shutter speeds. A Sports VR mode accommodates panning movements during action sequences. The electromagnetic diaphragm (E-type) keeps aperture control synchronized with high frame rates, which becomes relevant when pairing the lens with a teleconverter for additional reach. At 4.60 lb and 267.5mm long, this is a real telephoto that requires a confident grip, but it remains manageable without a monopod for shorter sessions. The 95mm filter thread and 7.2-foot minimum focusing distance round out a spec sheet that holds up well against glass costing considerably more.

Who It's For

Bird and wildlife photographers working from fixed or moving positions get immediate value from the constant f/5.6 aperture and 4.5-stop VR, which together extend the shooting window into lower light and support handheld work at 500mm. Sports photographers tracking fast subjects benefit from the electromagnetic diaphragm staying in sync at high frame rates. Travel photographers shooting distant architecture or wildlife from accessible locations will appreciate the 200mm minimum focal length giving room to work at closer distances. DX-format shooters gain an angle of view equivalent to 750mm, making this a compelling entry into serious super-telephoto range without a corresponding step up in price.

Key Features

• Constant f/5.6 maximum aperture from 200-500mm
• 19 elements across 12 optical groups with three ED glass elements
• Silent Wave Motor autofocus with near-silent operation
• VR image stabilization up to 4.5 stops of compensation
• Electromagnetic diaphragm synchronized with teleconverters
• 95mm filter thread, 7.2 ft minimum focusing distance

FAQ

Does this lens maintain f/5.6 all the way to 500mm?

Yes. The constant f/5.6 aperture across the full zoom range is the core design-most competing 200-500mm zooms stop down at the long end, but this one doesn't, which means faster autofocus and consistent exposure from 200mm to 500mm.

How much vibration reduction does it have?

VR compensates approximately 4.5 stops of camera shake, which is significant at 500mm where handheld work would otherwise require very fast shutter speeds. There's also a Sports VR mode for panning.

What's the autofocus like for wildlife and sports?

The Silent Wave Motor drives fast, near-silent autofocus and pairs well with the constant f/5.6 aperture to keep tracking reliable. The electromagnetic diaphragm stays synchronized with high frame rates, even when you're using a teleconverter for additional reach.

Can you use teleconverters with this lens?

Yes. The E-type electromagnetic diaphragm operates in sync with teleconverters, and Nikon makes 1.4x, 1.7x, and 2x options compatible with this lens.

How close can you focus with a 500mm telephoto?

Minimum focusing distance is 7.2 feet, which is closer than most super telephotos and lets you capture detail-rich close-ups without backing away from a subject.

Is this lens manageable handheld?

At 4.60 lb and 267.5mm long, it's a real telephoto that demands a confident grip, but it remains handholdable for shorter sessions without a monopod.

What does the optical design do for image quality at extreme focal lengths?

Three ED glass elements control chromatic aberration where fringing would otherwise erode subject edges at 500mm. Super Integrated Coating handles flare and ghosting in backlit situations.