First impression of Nikkor 200-500mm: Received Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR from B&H on Oct. 28, 2015. I did quick test outside my home. The quality is real good for the...

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Received Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR from B&H on Oct. 28, 2015. I did quick test outside my home. The quality is real good for the cost at about $1400. I own Nikkor 800mm (new model), Nikon 200-400mm VRII. These two lenses are fast and they both can be used with Wimberley head because the zoom part does not move. The new 200 - 500mm has zoom part move. But it is much lighter and can be hand held. Actually probably one of the major reasons for me to add this new 200 500mm lens is for hand held for light travel purpose. Overall, I am very impressed with the quality. Hope the following sample photos help to show the quality of the lens. In order to load fast, all photos are resized. Thanks!

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Excellent quality on these Richard.

Redrock51 Loc: Utah

Richard HZ wrote:

Received Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED ... (show quote)

Thanks for posting your demo picts. Excellent quality! The fact you hand-held is a big thing. Often, I find it's just so much more convenient without a tripod (if I can get away without one). I was leaning toward the 200-400mm VRII, but you've now made me less sure of that choice.

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

Richard HZ wrote:

Received Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED ... (show quote)

nice shots in #4 looks like he talking to you :thumbup: :thumbup:

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks!

ebbote wrote:

Excellent quality on these Richard.

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks!

ebbote wrote:

Excellent quality on these Richard.

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks! I still have Nikkor 200-400mm VRII, which is still super with use of Wimberley head.

Redrock51 wrote:

Thanks for posting your demo picts. Excellent quality! The fact you hand-held is a big thing. Often, I find it's just so much more convenient without a tripod (if I can get away without one). I was leaning toward the 200-400mm VRII, but you've now made me less sure of that choice.

Richard HZ Loc: Indiana, US

Thanks!

joe west wrote:

nice shots in #4 looks like he talking to you :thumbup: :thumbup:

woodweasel Loc: bellingham Wa

Fabulous lens, thank you for sharing 👍

gemlenz Loc: Gilbert Arizona

Richard HZ wrote:

Received Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED ... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

MtnMan Loc: ID

Richard HZ wrote:

Received Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED ... (show quote)

Very nice! That deer looks like she's not happy with you.

I just got my 200-500 Saturday and am waiting on some of our local Elk to show up in my back yard. I think they aren't happy with me because I shot one last month. We just got her back from the butcher and into the freezer. They'll come back once they are sure hunting season is over.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Redrock51 wrote:

Thanks for posting your demo picts. Excellent quality! The fact you hand-held is a big thing. Often, I find it's just so much more convenient without a tripod (if I can get away without one). I was leaning toward the 200-400mm VRII, but you've now made me less sure of that choice.

The VR on the 200-500 is awesome. They claim 4.5 stops. Focus is very fast too. Their latest technology.

PS: They suggest you can leave VR on with most tripods and all monopods.