NIKON AF-S 200-500MM F/5.6E ED VR
Unique in this group, Nikon’s latest super-tele zoom is a constant-aperture lens and it comes with a competitive price tag
There’s still no sign of the premium Z 100-400mm S-line zoom or the rumoured Z 200-600mm for
Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras. However, the F-mount AF-S 200-500mm that was developed for the company’s DSLRs is fully compatible, via an FTZ mount adapter. It beats the older AF-S 80-400mm VR for maximum focal length while undercutting it for price, as well as adding some useful additional features.
Typical of most super-tele zooms, the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm has an extending inner barrel, which stretches out as you sweep from the shortest to longest focal length. However, unusually, the aperture rating remains fixed at f/5.6 throughout.
Unlike many Nikon F-mount lenses, but as featured in the other zooms on test here, this one has an electronically controlled aperture diaphragm, which enables greater accuracy and consistency in exposures during rapid bursts of shooting in fast continuous drive mode. The 4.5-stop optical stabiliser has a switchable ‘Sport’ VR mode which, like the Canon lens’s third mode, only applies stabilisation during exposures. This not only makes it easier to track erratically moving objects but also enables faster shooting rates.
The conventional ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system is fast and whisper-quiet but, unlike the
Canon lens we tested, it doesn’t allow for smooth autofocus transitions when shooting video. It also lacks switchable options for giving priority to autofocus or manual override, as featured in some of Nikon’s upmarket lenses. The optical path includes three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and Super Integrated Coating but lacks Nikon’s more advanced Nano Crystal Coat. The build quality is good overall, but only the mounting plate is weather-sealed.
The image quality is convincing with good sharpness and contrast. Colour fringing is generally wellcontrolled but can be slightly noticeable towards the long end of the zoom range.
Mostly simple but effective
THE NIKON LENS LACKS SOME OF THE FINER POINTS OF ITS COMPETITORS BUT STILL COVERS ALL THE BASES IN FINE STYLE