Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Super telephoto zoom lens in FX format, black [Nital Card: -

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While it's suitable for capturing subjects that aren't moving quickly, it may struggle with acquiring focus on fast-moving subjects, leading to missed moments you may have gotten with other lenses.

Even though only 9 sensors of my D810 are rated to work at f/8, it works fine when I select any of the D810 sensors manually — but the AF-Area Auto Select mode seems missing.Normal Mode is full on VR which will try and make the image in the viewfinder and therefore at the sensor as stable as possible. While you can mount the TC-17E or TC-20E converters on the lens, you won’t get reliable autofocus, if any autofocus at all. Having used both, albeit one only briefly, I tend to think that the biggest difference for most real-world application is the weight, then AF speed, then image quality (particularly on a 24 MP camera). What you loose for paying only half as much is that this 200-500 doesn't focus as close or as fast as the 80-400mm — but the 200-500 goes to 500mm at a generous f/5.

Therefore, the superzoom will continue live in my kit bag and be my go to lens for long range sniping. This extra weight is very noticeable when panning handheld and was one of the reasons I used a monopod.

aperture provides reliable and smooth speed and control throughout the depth of field across the whole zoom range. Similar to the zoom ring, the focus ring is also nice and thick, which can be particularly useful when manually overriding focus. Nikon D810, Nikon 200-500mm VR at 500mm and Nikon TC-14E III, wide-open at f/8 at 1/1,000 hand-held at Auto ISO 1,100. Coupled with a competent body, we’re talking something near seven pounds, so you’ll need a really good carrying system lest the weight quickly fatigue you. If you’re on a tripod, the situation is better, but going from 200 to 500mm is still a very long turn of the ring, and if you don’t grab the ring just right you’ll be doing the two-step, too.

However, hiking with this lens can be hard due to its weight, especially carrying it up the mountains. Note: While lens sharpness is important for wildlife photography, your technique often plays a more significant role in achieving sharp results.

During low-light conditions, autofocus performance of the lens along with TC-14E III is satisfactory and usable. We also offer product videos, reviews and image samples to help you to choose which camera or lens is right for you. This is because primes have larger glass areas, have better quality glass and wider apertures, therefore letting in more light helping with the auto focus amongst other things.

Moving from 200mm to 500mm is a large nearly half turn (160°) of the very wide zoom ring, and pretty much will force you to take your hand out of optimal shooting position to make that much of a change all at once. So this was an ideal opportunity to take a closer look at this type of lens and why most of us use a superzoom.While this might not be a deal-breaker for some, it's worth considering when evaluating the overall user experience. In this article, we will review the Nikon 200-500mm lens from the perspective of a wildlife photographer.