Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens: I have been searching for this lens for about 2 months. I’ve even written Nikon but they would not say when it might be available. Any of...

Razz

I have been searching for this lens for about 2 months. I’ve even written Nikon but they would not say when it might be available. Any of you out there that do business with local reputable camera shops give me a heads up and I’ll give them a call. I want to purchase new. Thank you in advance.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Razz wrote:

I have been searching for this lens for about 2 months. I’ve even written Nikon but they would not say when it might be available. Any of you out there that do business with local reputable camera shops give me a heads up and I’ll give them a call. I want to purchase new. Thank you in advance.

Check B&H and Adorama.

Razz

They are my go to places. They have been out since before Christmas.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Razz wrote:

They are my go to places. They have been out since before Christmas.

Ask to be put on their reserve list when they come in.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

It's one of the reasons I went with the Tamron.

Razz

How’s that working for you?

Razz

I’m on them.

Razz

Abe’s of Maine has them in stock but that place....lousy reviews.

Quixdraw Loc: x

When you get one, if you can afford it get a TC-14 E II (I have that-bought used) or III, the newer model. Works brilliantly!

Razz

I’m looking for that too! 😊

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Razz wrote:

Abe’s of Maine has them in stock but that place....lousy reviews.

The issue of Abes is they usually buy through a non USA distributor.So, in the event you need service Nikon will not warrant it.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I know you said new, but used is a good option. I checked KEH.com and they are out of stock as well, but you might want to call them. Talk to a sales rep, tell him what quality level you will accept and they will call you when they get one in. That's how I got my 600mm f/4G.

As far as the Tamron G2 goes, that was my first birding lens and I still have it. It is a bit soft in the corners, which is not a problem when using it on a DX body. I generally don't recommend 3rd party glass unless you are willing to check AF and tune if necessary. Right now for birding, I take a D500 the 200-500mm f/5.6 and 600mm f/4G. I am getting very good results with that gear.

The really hot Nikon lens for wildlife / birding right now is the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF ED VR. It's a bit pricey, but everyone who has one retires their 200-500mm f/5.6. They are also hard to find right now.

Razz

Thanks, good info!

JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

https://www.nycv.com/shop/nikon-af-s-nikkor-200-500mm-f5-6e-ed-vr/99a29450-1cee-0133-6dba-00163e9110c0?variation=1750746&query=Nikkor%20200-500mm

New York Camera and Video doesn't say anything about being out of stock as far as I can tell but I once ordered a camera from them that was out of stock without them showing that.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Razz wrote:

I have been searching for this lens for about 2 months. I’ve even written Nikon but they would not say when it might be available. Any of you out there that do business with local reputable camera shops give me a heads up and I’ll give them a call. I want to purchase new. Thank you in advance.

I might be partially the cause of that. I have a D850 and a D500. I bought a Nikon 200-500 for use with my D7100 a few years ago. I liked it so much I moved the lens to my D850. When I bought the D500 I bought the Tamron 150-600 for it. I didn't like it but wanted a long lens for both cameras so traded the Tamron for another Nikon 200-500. Never been happier and won't buy another Tamron. It's the second Tamron long lens that I haven't liked. Not again. And the second Nikon long lens that I have loved.

So I now have two great Nikon Cameras and two great Nikon long lenses and a passel of shorter Nikon lenses that I love. Oh, and a couple of Tokina Wides that I love. Full frame and dx.