Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 VR Unboxing and Sniff Test

Nikon pretty much surprised the photography world when they announced the 200-500mm F5.6 VR Lens. I don't think anyone including myself saw this mega zoom coming.

Before I jump into my impressions and sample images let's talk about what is currently on the market. Sigma makes two lenses in the 150-600 range and Tamron has one as well. The difference is each of those lenses is a variable aperture lens going to F6.3. The Nikon on the other hand is a fixed F5.6 which means at 200 it's 5.6 as well as zoomed all the way out to 500.

This is a pretty heavy lens weighing in at 4.6 pounds but for those who would like to use a monopod or tripod you can use the included lens collar. I personally would not shoot this lens with a monopod or tripod for still images. The VR is so fantastic in this lens that the only thing you have to worry about are your biceps getting tired.

The lens is priced at $1,396.95 which is reasonable considering the range you're getting. The Sigma Contemporary 150-600 is $1000 and the Sport is $2000 which puts this lens not to far away from the lower end sigma offering.

I have said in the past I am not a huge fan of mega zoom lenses. Most of that sentiment comes from variable aperture lenses which this is not one. Knowing that you are at a fixed F5.6 means less thinking as you zoom. Whereas with variable aperture lenses you always have to watch as you zoom that you're not losing light.

From the few samples images I took this lens looks extremely sharp wide open. If you're one of those people who think you can't blow out the background with a 5.6 let the image below prove otherwise. The focus seems to be quick and accurate and the VR is pure insanity.

Who is this lens for? If you are someone who does a lot of shooting outdoors and long distances but you don't want to spend 10k this lens is for you. Nature shooters, sports shooters and even portrait photographers could use this lens. When I say this lens is inexpensive I am referring to it in comparison to big long glass.

I fully will recommend this lens to anyone who primary shoots outdoors during the day. The reach you get are worth the tradeoffs you may face by having a 5.6. I could honestly see keeping one of these in my house for the times where I need extra reach in a smaller package.

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[ShaneMatthews]

That guy in the background I just can't even..

[billmoran]

Thanks for showing the test shots, and the VR demo. That was amazing. I received the shipping notice on mine today. Can't wait to test it out myself.

[reynaldoalamo]

I thought you were arrogant in the beginning, but I was wrong, you really know your gear and I have picked up many tips from your demos, thank you, keep up your OUTSTANDING demos.

[PatriotSteve]

The wind tunnel test convinced me to get the Nikon. Thanks for the scientific testing!

[mas]

excited to finally see this on YouTube ...but man, that guy in the back is hilarious... lol at when he misfired the final pose xD

[GiuseppePipia]

Wow, for less than 1500 dollars, that's a steal! If I were a Nikon shooter, I'd seriously take this in consideration as for my next lens!

[namnification]

Nice. Can you do a test with Sigma 150-600 sport vs 150-600 C vs Tamron 150-600 vs Nikon 200-500 F5.6 VR. Have been so nice to see. I have pre-orderd the nikon but it´s fun too see. Keep up the god worke.

[CarlyWaarly]

Your contribution is always worth a listen.

[theskatebort]

The sniff test is always the best part.

[marike]

The samples look great, this lens is a beauty.

[depellerinluc]

Great review of a lens only having shot stationary subjects with it. You the man.

[OrmondBeachSkatepark]

Yo Jared, some people may be putting you down and such but you have taught me more about cameras and lenses to where I am taking better photos and have a better knowledge than i have ever thought possible!!

[Lastman]

Dang, Its pretty sharp. Usually these lenses get soft at 500mm. I like that its 5.6 consistently.

[Callibree]

Great video and review Jared! Loved your presentation!

[dombower]

500mm is such a huge length! you have to be a very dedicated photographer to use it as much as it is worth

[JaminTaylor]

I just purchased this lens (should arrive next week) and I'm very much looking forward to shooting with it. I have a Tamron 150-600mm lens on my Nikon D7200 currently, so this is an upgrade. I would still like to see the 200-500 compared with the New Tamron 150-600mm G2 that just came out. Interested to see how it does in comparison.

[Yvenn]

Jared, thanks! Was really looking forward to some reviews of this lens. I'm looking for some more range to do some trackside shooting. I think this lens would be it.

[allthephotostoday]

Looks like an awesome lens, Finally nikon has some budget telephoto lenses toe compete with cannon, sigma, and tameron.

[berto]

Excellent lens, affordable price, I expect a fair comparison between this Nikon 200-500mm 5.6 VR and the Sigma 150-600mm 5.6/6.3 DG OS sport. These two lenses are the BEST today, considering image quality and price! The old lenses are too obsolete for many dense sensors of today. The new lenses are the best, many NEW lenses of Sigma and Nikon are designed for dense sensors. The Nikon 200-500mm 5.6 VR and the Sigma 150-600mm 5.6/6.3 DG OS sport are VERY GOOD even in front of dense sensors as the Nikon D750 sensor, the Nikon D810 sensor, the Nikon D7200 sensor.

[njrivetelite]

If I shot Nikon and wanted a super zoom, I would get that over the sigma or tamron.
It looks like a really good lens.. That VR was pretty damn impressive.
I really like it, they did a great job with it.. Canon should update their 100-400 which is a great lens. But would be great to have something like Nikon did with a constant aperture. It is a great compliment if you have 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 and then the 200-500. I mean other than having a couple primes for specific things. You pretty much have all of your bases covered.