David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I just received a message offering the subject lens for $999.95 and I'm wondering what the folks here think of it. I'm going to Kenya, Africa in September for about 2 weeks and my current lens is a DX 18-200VR2; my camera is a D7100. I have been considering renting a longer lens for this trip. I can afford to purchase this lens, but wonder how good it is and how much use I'd get out of it (I'm not a "Birder").

I'm open to suggestions.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

It also has considerable size and weight to be managed.
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warrenvon Loc: Ellicott City, MD

If as noted . . you can handle the weight . . .then buy it use it and then sell it when you are back. Far cheaper than renting one for two weeks.
The D7100 will handle it nicely and it is a very good lens for shooting wildlife in Africa.

David in Dallas Loc: Dallas, Texas, USA

I suspect I would only put that lens on my camera when the group would be going out in the sticks in 4WD vehicles, so walking with its weight would probably not be an issue. I hadn't thought about just reselling it when I get back--that is a good option!

I read Ken's review of the lens and he seemed ecstatic about it, even though its made in plastic in China. Has anyone bought a refurbished lens from Nikon?

I think I'll order one. (Just did.)

cvoleti

The lens at a little over 5 pounds will be difficult if you are part of a safari or traveling in the bush planes.I have this lens since August 2017, bought it expressly to shoot the total solar eclipse and I’m so glad I got it and if you are not a “Birder” you should look at some other longer lighter lenses in the 300-400 mm range.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Great lens. I have it. Super sharp through the range. If my hands get tired, I use a monopod. My suggestion is to buy iy it. You won't look back. Make sure it is a USA model. Have a great trip.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Buy it! Great deal! I saw the ad too. If I didn't already have one I would have bought it, almost did anyway. After you use it, I doubt you will want to sell it. It's a great lens.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

For $257 dollars more you can get a brand new one with a five year warranty if that's of any importance.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

David, it's a pretty good lens, but less so with a 1.4XTC. So although you didn't mention the possibiity of buying one, when you get it you are essentially buying a 500mm F5.6 lens. I believe the refurb offers a 90 day warranty, but they are selling at $1249 on the Nikon website.

The alternative, a Tamron 150-600, is .6 lbs lighter, nice and sharp at 600 without a TC, has a better build quality and is weather sealed, and comes with a 6 yr warranty. With the $100 rebate it sells for $1300.

https://photographylife.com/reviews/tamron-sp-150-600mm-f5-6-3-g2
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr

My experience with these superzooms includes the Sigma Contemporary, 200-500, Tamron G1, Sigma Sport - I ended up getting a used Sport for $1100 in 2016. If I were to do it over again, I'd get the G2, which is every bit as sharp as the Sport and 2 lbs lighter. I use a D810, sometimes with a battery pack, and do not use a tripod.

If price is an important consideration, the 200-500 is not going to disappoint you. But if you are looking for the best optical and build quality in this category, and if you will be using it with an FX camera, then the Tamron G2 would be how I'd spend my money.

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

You are referring to the current sale on Nikonusa.com that has the refurbished Nikon 200-500 on sale for $999.99.
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-store/refurbished-cameras.page
Many here have been very happy with Nikon refurbished products. Keep in mind that they also have a new Nikon 200-500 on sale for $1256.95 with a 5 YEAR WARRANTY vs. 30 DAY WARRANTY for a refurbished 200-500.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=nikon%20200-500&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=
So, this is the question, is $256.96 worth an extra 59 months of warranty?
Only you can answer that question.
As for the lens, it is my go to lens for wildlife photography, it is sharp, sharp, sharp throughout it's zoom range. YOUR DECISION. But either the new or refurbished will serve you well.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Ron Magill is the official photographer for the Miami Metro Zoo besides he is a Nikon Ambassador and has published some of his images with National Geographic.
I recently had a conversation with him. He has been using the Nikon 180-400 f4 TC, VR but he tried the 200-500 f5.6 VR for some of his subjects and he told me he was delighted with the quality of the new lens.
Make your own conclusions.

JeffL Loc: New Jersey

Why not just buy the Coolpix P1000? Great zoom, sharp lens, and much less weight.

tomcat

I buy refurbished lenses from Nikon often. The focusing AF and zoom features are restored back to factory specs and cleaned. They look brand new when Nikon finishes with them---no scratches, scuffs, etc

Jerrin1 Loc: Wolverhampton, England

I bought a Nikkor 200 - 500mm f5.6 in preference to the Sigma/Tamron 150 - 600mm offerings and did not regret my decision at all. I used mine with a D500 and it worked beautifully. Though a great deal heavier than my Nikkor 300mm f4 PF ED VR + TC14EIII, I actually prefered it for birds in flight. It is a cracking lens, but it is heavy and quite long. I also used it with the TC14EIII but wasn't over the moon about the resulting quality.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Since you are not into birds a better option for you might be a 100-400 lend. There are several brands available for Nikon. Lighter, smaller, therefore easier to handle and transport, more versatile, and just as sharp, perhaps more so.