rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

--Bob

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

You have a Nikon Camera, which one? The D5, D850, and D500 have the best focusing systems, I would further suggest Group Auto Focus.
And yes, the 200-500 is a world ahead in focusing, creating sharp images, and sharper throughout it's zoom range, especially at 500, than the Sigma.
I would also look into getting as close as you can to any wildlife, for wildlife photography, it is all about how to get close, not the length of your lens.

tdozier3 Loc: Northern Illinois

I really love my Sigma 150-600. You'll wish you had the extra reach when you really need it.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

I like my Tameron 150-600 and my 1.4 TC.

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

Looked at both, borrowed 200-500 from Nikon twice. I really wanted to love that lens. When I borrowed a 150-600mm Sport, I totally found what I was looking for - a hand-holdable 600mm lens that produced images as sharp and detailed as my 600mm F4. The 200-500 was very close - I rejected it because it was not a lens that could be used in damp weather, it lacked the superior lens coatings on the front and rear elements, It was not 600mm without an extender, and overall, it felt less substantial than the Sigma. Also, even at 500mm, the Sigma was indisputably sharper on my D800 and D810, especially at the apertures that I normally shoot at- F7.1 - F9, for depth of field considerations. So I bought it. FWIW, the 600mm F4 was sharpest at F4, but was really good to excellent at F7.1-F8.

There is no right or wrong decision. And I am not suggesting that the 200-500 is a bad lens. It is actually quite good. It's just that for me, the Sigma ticked more boxes. My criteria and expectations may be different from yours.

This article supports my own conclusions. There are a few direct comparisons between the Nikon and the Sigma, and some comments that reflect that none of the other candidates came as close to expensive prime-lens performance. I don't care for the AF performance or loss of image quality that happens when you use ANY of these comparatively low-cost zoom lenses with a teleconverter. However, when the distances were great and the light levels were low (twilight, under forest canopy, etc), the 600mmF4 with a 1.4X TC III was really hard to beat. But it did require a tripod, which the Sigmas the Nikon and the Tamrons do not for the most part.

https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-200-500mm-f5-6e-vr

As does the set of 5 images on this page:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-708995-1.html

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

With my 1.4 tc auto focus mostly works. Birds in tree and shadows screw it up sometimes

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Probably not in your price range but my choice is the Nikon 500mm f5.6 PF sharper than the 200-500mm or the Sigma 150-600mm S. I own all 3 and my preference for wildlife is the PF mounted on the D850 or D500 and will take a 1.4 telly extender without a problem.

cambriaman Loc: Central CA Coast

The Nikon 200-500 is far superior to the Sigma 150-500 that I owned before. I am constant pleased with the image the Nikon gives me. I will admit the Sigma 150-600 has excellent reviews but I am sticking with the Nikon, the extra 100mm doesn't make a difference for me.

James May

Hi, I have the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 Lens very sharp and of great color. It is always best to stay with a native lens with a camera. I took that lens and got great photos.

Sidwalkastronomy Loc: New Jersey Shore

Guess everyone who buy 3rd party lens isn't doing photography as good as you. Surprisingly Tameron sigma still in business

rbtree Loc: Shoreline, WA, United States

Good choice. I've owned my Tammy G2 for years. Lighter, cheaper than the Siggy Sport and every bit as good. Canon EF mount.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I normally don’t nitpick little things like typos, but after seeing it in multiple posts by you I’ve determined it’s not a typo. There is no such company as “Tameron”. It’s just simply “Tamron” with no “e”.

rbtree Loc: Shoreline, WA, United States

Third party lenses are always worth considering. Quality is often very good. Personally, I own the Tamron G2 24-70 and 150-600. Both are very very good.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

One of the lenses I would consider is the Nikon 500/5.6 PF. Light, but higher cost. I absolutely love mine! Best of luck.