SCChop

I purchased a Nikon D500 some months back along with a Nikon 200-500mm f5.6. I'm a little disappointed in the focus clarity of the Nikon zoom, so I've tried the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary and the Tamron 150-600mm G2. While I thought the Sigma delivered better results optically than my Nikon, the Sigma and the Tamron both struggled to find focus on the D500, the Tamron being worse than the Sigma. The Nikon zoom is much faster at focusing. Is there something Nikon puts on the mount to make sure their lenses focus faster, better than third party lenses--I mean some proprietary pin placement or whatchamacallit to ensure their lenses are a tad better in the focusing department? I'd go with the Sigma for the better results IF it focused as smoothly as the Nikon, but I'm really frustrated at this point. I wouldn't want to have sharper photos with the Sigma at the expense of not being able to catch BIF like my Nikon can fairly effortlessly. Anyone else had these issues?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've a friend who uses the combination of the D500/200~500 and his images are exceptionally sharp. As for faster focusing, perhaps Nikon just makes superior products. At least, that's what I've found.
--Bob

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Have you tried contacting Nikon regarding the focus clarity (not speed) of their 200-500mm lens? That would seem the obvious place to start. Generally begins with a phone call. I seriously doubt that Nikon has included some feature on their camera to 'sabotage' the effectiveness of other maker's lenses. /Ralph

Jim Bob

Interesting observation. I find that the Sigma you referenced usually snaps into focus with minimal "hunting. I have no experience with the Nikon 200-500.

JeffinMass Loc: MA

Generally the name brand lenses (CAF NAF) focus quicker than the off brands. Hence the price. The off brands, though great for the price, tend to be slower. Usually you get what you pay for.
What do you mean "as smoothly"? There are many variables when it comes to focusing. As far as I know the only real way of telling if the Nikon is focusing properly is mount it on a tripod with either a wireless or wired
cable release. Take images at all the various shutter speeds. Go home an analyze them to see how sharp they are. You may see a major increase in clarity.

JPL

It is of course to be expected that Nikon lenses focus faster on Nikon cameras than third party lenses. Nobody know Nikon cameras better than Nikon so it should be easier for them than anyone else to optimize lens focusing speed and accuracy.

Regarding the focus clarity as you call it for the Nikon 200-500 lens it is a surprising statement that you find the other lenses better. Do you have a filter on the 200-500 lens? If so try to remove it and take some pics with the lens without filter. Using cheap filters can reduce sharpness noticeably. And have you fine tuned the lens for your D500? If not you should also do that. Given that your copy of this lens is no better or worse than other 200-500 lenses it should give you results that you would never complain about in comparison with the other 2 lenses you mention.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Have you calibrated & adjusted the microfocus adjustment with the Nikon lens?

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...And have you fine tuned the lens for your D500? If not you should also do that..." QTF

"...Have you calibrated & adjusted the microfocus adjustment with the Nikon lens?" Both JPL & TriX speak with tenured wisdom here...

You should consider this SOP for all your long glass... especially when shooting at wide open...
As for the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens? While it as issues (like virtually every lens) acuity isn't one of them provided you've fine tuned focus on your D500 for this lens...

I have this optic and found it's acuity superb even wide open... and it's VR fabulous... However since I primarly shoot league soccer the 200-500mm was a disappointment owing to focus speed... I no longer use it for active sports instead rely on my AF-S 200-400mm f/4G IF VR in as it focuses lighting fast with incredible accuracy... Since this lens is internally focusing and zooming it doesn't change length so remains perfectly balanced... The 200-500 is a pumper... changing balance when zooming... It's tripod foot/collar is lame... will derail if rotated... Nikon even warns to lock down the collar when in use... My 200-400mm's collar is a joy to use, can spin freely at all times...

Best Advice? Send the 200-500mm to Nikon's Service department for refurbishing if you find it totally unacceptable... I've done this with my 80-200mm and they made it right again (no charge since I had a 5 year warranty)

That said be prepared to upload images which validate your issue, they made me do this and understandable so...
SCChop I own only one Sigma lens... the 17-50mm f/2.8 EX HSM with OS which focuses lighting fast and is razor sharp... In fact it is far superior to the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR Lens which can't match it in either focus speed nor acuity... The Nikkor is only f/2.8 at 16mm and quickly degrades to F/4... The Sigma is a constant f/2.8 throughout it's range...

btw, only my AF 35-70mm f/2.8D Nikkor can match this Sigma 17-50 in IQ within its focal range (with a constant f/2.8 aperture) albeit the 35-70mm is an FX lens...

Hope this helps SCChop or is at least food for thought...
I wish you well on your journey...

Tpharm Loc: Central PA

When I first bought my Nikon D3100 kit, I also thought pics were not as sharp as they could be (it might be me). Went on Nikon service site and they said to take several shots with their kit lens and e-mail to them. In 2 days I received a reply to print ship label and authorized return, just camera body for free service and adjustment. Maybe your camera can be adjusted by you. Since your camera is new I would contact Nikon service. Good Luck

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I have a D500 and a Nikon 200-500. I shoot from a tripod most of the time with no problems. When I hand hold I try very hard to get my shutter speed to match my focal length i.e., 500mm = 1/500. I raise my ISO, open my shutter as much as possible. Good luck.

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

Thank you for posting as I am currently trying to decide which of these three lenses to buy, if any of them. With respect to the Nikkor lens focusing faster, it may be due to it being 1/3 of a stop faster at 500 than the other two (at whichever focal length the f6.3 kicks in). I believe, in general, faster lenses focus faster. There was a post on UHH a few days ago with regard to focus tuning, which may solve one issue.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Quality.

Here are lots of lens comparison sites, including the 200-500mm.

http://lenshero.com/comparison/Nikon-AF-S-80-400mm-f4.5-5.6G-ED-VR-vs-Nikon-AF-S-200-500mm-f5.6E-ED-VR
http://lensvslens.com/
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.diyphotography.net/this-website-helps-you-choose-your-next-lens-based-on-the-photos-you-like/
https://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

I also found this with my Sigma contemporary (on a D7100). In addition, I just got a Sigma TC-1401 for that combo and had no trouble finding focus rapidly even in early morning light.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have been using my D500 and the Nikon 200-500 for over a year now, I shoot everyday BIF. My keep rate is almost 98%. I use GROUP AUTO FOCUS and use the center focusing spot. Continuous auto focus, center weighted metering. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

How soft is the focus? The 200-500 lens may benefit from havinf the AF adjusted in the camera body using the autofocus fine tune.