Question on Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR (Page 2): Very happy with it. Find it to be very sharp. Yes a tad heavy and probably should try to use a mono pod but I have shot Han...

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Very happy with it. Find it to be very sharp.
Yes a tad heavy and probably should try to use a mono pod but I have shot Han held with good results.
I have some pictures on my lap top I can post later.
I bought a Tamaron 150-600. Returned it and bought the 200-500. Smart move on my part.

photon-collector Loc: Tampa Bay Area, Florida

Excellent glass. I often use a monopod with the D810 or D500.

Bill_de Loc: US

PSims46 wrote:

I’m thinking about getting this lens. I was wondering if anyone here could tell me how you like or dislike the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. Most of the reviews I have seen mentions how heavy it is. Does the weight bother you? Also are there any other issues with this lens you would like to point out. How do you like the sharpness? Any information about the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

If my situation calls for a long zoom the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm is my go to lens, and has been since it was introduced. If the day only calls for a long lens, the Nikkor 500mm F/5.6 pf is my preference.

The zoom model is heavier and has less, if any, weather protection. Image quality is not an issue and is comparable to more exoensive lenses. IMHO

I also purchased and returned a Tamaron 150-600 based on image quality.

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mrozzoo Loc: Illinois

great photos...

I just SOLD my Nikon 200-500mm lens. ($1000,00) Owned it for 3-4 years... Yes, it is very heavy.
The lens other than a beast was very sharp and fast... but zooming from different focal lengths drove me nuts. The best part of zooming... was most of the time I didn't, it seemed the MAX focal length of 500mm was where I used it most times. SO..... I'm switching over to the 500mm 5.6. Lighter faster sharper... Looking at used ones for $2200-2800.00

My cameras are D500s and D850s.

I'm picking up a Nikon 500mm pF 5.6 lens next. I supposed the size was my major complaint.

Like the TV commercial says "WISH I HAD A V8".

Save up a bit more and get the 500mm PF. In the long run, you'll get most of your investment out of it if you ever resell it. Look how many used Nikon 200-500 lenses and other brands of the same focal length are used. Try finding a used 500mm PF. Good luck.

PS. the 500mm PF lens DOES NOT grow in size as the 200-500mm lens does.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

PSims46 wrote:

I’m thinking about getting this lens. I was wondering if anyone here could tell me how you like or dislike the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. Most of the reviews I have seen mentions how heavy it is. Does the weight bother you? Also are there any other issues with this lens you would like to point out. How do you like the sharpness? Any information about the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Before I comment, What camera will you be using this with ???

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

ELNikkor wrote:

Mark Smith on Youtube uses his in Florida with great results, take a look...

Mark Smith shoots Sony now .....

tiphareth51 Loc: Somewhere near North Pole, Alaska

My Nikon 200-500 f5.6 literally is attached to my Nikon D850 or D810 full time. Yes, it is a bit heavy for my arthritic hands so a tripod is usually used. It is tack sharp, and has produced some amazing wildlife photos. It has been used with a 1.4 teleconverter for 700mm range. The lens hood could be a bit sturdier but that is not a game changer. With any lens that zooms out, there is always the risk of dust. That has not been a problem for me. Rent one to see if you like it. If you look at my posts, the cardinals and hummers were taken with this lens.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

jcboy3 wrote:

It's heavy. It's sharp. The main issue I have with it is the excessive throw on the zoom control ring. It takes me three twists to get from one end to the other.

Which is why Nikon really needs to put out the 200-600 they've been promising since forever.

There has been NO development announcement for said lens. Such a lens in in the FUTURE plans for the Z series, but NONE will be made in the F mount. This is one of several lenses in Nikon's future plans but, not even a hint, of when it might arrive. I owned a 200-500 for a short while, but found it to slow for me. It is a good, and a bit heavy, of a lens. Given its coverage and quality, it is a steal! YMMV. Best of luck.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

jcboy3 wrote:

It's heavy. It's sharp. The main issue I have with it is the excessive throw on the zoom control ring. It takes me three twists to get from one end to the other.

Which is why Nikon really needs to put out the 200-600 they've been promising since forever.

I’ve been eagerly awaiting the 200-600 Z lens. In the meantime I picked up the 100-400 which I love. I’ve decided I can go ahead and sell the 200-500 because with the Z9 I’m getting such good results with the 100-400 and the 1.4x TC. Even with losing 1 1/3 stops of light the Z9 can handle it.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

PSims46 wrote:

I’m thinking about getting this lens. I was wondering if anyone here could tell me how you like or dislike the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. Most of the reviews I have seen mentions how heavy it is. Does the weight bother you? Also are there any other issues with this lens you would like to point out. How do you like the sharpness? Any information about the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I am happy with mine but it is almost always tripod mounted. It's about 82 oz. Take a bag with 82oz of something and hang it around your wrist while manipulating your camera and see how comfortably you can manage the weight.
Weight is the only reason so far that I have considered a 500 mm PF; but have so far resisted that GAS attack:)

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

DaveyDitzer wrote:

I am happy with mine but it is almost always tripod mounted. It's about 82 oz. Take a bag with 82oz of something and hang it around your wrist while manipulating your camera and see how comfortably you can manage the weight.
Weight is the only reason so far that I have considered a 500 mm PF; but have so far resisted that GAS attack:)

I now own, and use on my Z9, the Nikon 500PF. It is 2 lbs lighter than the 200-500 and a much better lens. Well worth the cost. IMHO. YMMV. Best of luck.

downing Loc: Cincinnati

PSims46 wrote:

I’m thinking about getting this lens. I was wondering if anyone here could tell me how you like or dislike the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. Most of the reviews I have seen mentions how heavy it is. Does the weight bother you? Also are there any other issues with this lens you would like to point out. How do you like the sharpness? Any information about the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I only use it with a tripod and it words great. But, then I am 90 years old

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

That lens pretty much lived on my D500. It’s heavy but I never had a problem shooting it handheld. I would occasionally use it with a monopod and the Wimberly monogimbal if I was at a rookery or someplace where I’d want to train it on a nest or something waiting for action. I find tracking any action better handheld. I also shot it on my Z9 with the FTZ which made an even heavier combo and I was ok handheld.

downing Loc: Cincinnati

PSims46 wrote:

I’m thinking about getting this lens. I was wondering if anyone here could tell me how you like or dislike the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR. Most of the reviews I have seen mentions how heavy it is. Does the weight bother you? Also are there any other issues with this lens you would like to point out. How do you like the sharpness? Any information about the Nikkor AF-S FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I only use it with a tripod and it works great But, then I am 90 years old

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

SuperflyTNT wrote:

That lens pretty much lived on my D500. It’s heavy but I never had a problem shooting it handheld. I would occasionally use it with a monopod and the Wimberly monogimbal if I was at a rookery or someplace where I’d want to train it on a nest or something waiting for action. I find tracking any action better handheld. I also shot it on my Z9 with the FTZ which made an even heavier combo and I was ok handheld.

OMG, that FTZ adapter adds 4.5 oz to the total weight!