Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

I'm considering purchasing the Nikon 200-500 lens. I know that many of them had a quality control/ focus issue when they first came out and was wondering if that issue has ben cleared up. I have heard and read of people sending them back two or three times before getting a good one.

Dolph

All I know is that two of my friends have recently bought 200-500 mm Nikon lenses and are very satisfied. I think the original problem is gone.

Bill_de Loc: US

I've had mine for (IIRC) about a year. Sharp pictures, pretty fast focus, no problems.

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Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Thanks, that's the kind of news I was hoping for.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Thanks Bill.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

I purchased mine two years ago from B&H. No Problems and pictures are sharp. No issue with fast focusing. I have suggested it to friends who have bout it also with no issues.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

I had to go through 3 copies before I found a sharp one (I later found that the folks at Photography Life has similar problems). However, this was all when the lens first came out. I really don't see too much anymore about sample variation, it seems like it's pretty safe to buy now. Of course, always test any new lens and make sure it's satisfactory.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Thanks Steve, your input in particular is much appreciatted.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I've had mine for almost two years now and not a single problem.

Valsmere Loc: New Jersey

I picked up my copy mid '17 roughly. No issues at all, and from a Best Buy near me.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I've had no problem, love it and have used it to get some really great bird shots in particular.

Keldon Loc: Yukon, B.C.

Thanks everyone for your input, it's much appreciated.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio

I have this lens as well and no problems. Excellent lens.

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

GOOD COPY? BAD COPY? All of this is simply a myth. But that is for another post.
Yes, I got an early 200-500 and my problem was not related to focusing. It was related to something else. Nikon worked with me every step of the way and even sent me pre-paid shipping labels. They did fix the problem and now it works great. I have owned the Nikon 300 2.8 and the 200-400 f4 and sold them both because my new 200-500 was just as sharp in most cases and the 200-500 was MUCH easier to hand hold and carry around in the Florida Wetlands.
Please take the time to read the reviews on this lens, you will not find a better lens for the money, I didn't.
And about folks sending lenses back because they didn't like the focusing on it, that applies to many, many lenses. You see, the problem is usually the photographer, not the lens. Most people who return the lens actually get an identical lens, not a good or bad copy, with today's manufacturing practices, MOST all lenses are identical. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference in lenses manufactured today. And yes, it happens, but it is very, very rare. Regardless what some supposed EXPERTS claim here.

phatzen

Mine was recalled and fixed. Have had no problems whatsoever with it since then. Focus is 'spot on' even if 'hand held' using VR.