Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6e ED VR

£1249/$1400 Nikon’s constant-aperture contender

It’s not often you find an own-brand Nikon that’s packed with sophisticated, late-gen technology for about the same price as competitors. Sturdily built with a weather-seal ring on its mounting plate and supplied with tripod mounting ring, this Nikon has a lot going for it. Optical highlights include three ED elements.

The ring-type AF system is typically quick and quiet, and the dual-mode VR (Vibration Reduction) system is rated at 4.5-stops. Normal mode includes automatic panning detection, whereas Sport mode applies stabilization only during exposures. This leaves the viewfinder image untouched, making it easier to track erratically moving sporty action. Like the Sigma and Tamron lenses on test, the aperture is electromagnetically controlled.

Performance

Sharpness and contrast remain good, even when shooting wide-open, across the zoom range. AF is rapid and the VR system lives up to its 4.5-stop billing. It falls short in max tele reach, compared to some of the Sigma and Tamron competitors, but not by much.