Lenses last a lifetime, one of the best value lenses Nikon produced and the f5.6 plus the 200-500 range makes it a great tool. On DSLR or even new Z mount with FTZ, very good condition used comes at great discount. To many people over invest in gear when you can get great value lenses and bodies that produce fantastic results
The 200-500mm is a really nice lens. I've had it for almost two years; shooting on my D780, Z6 and now, Z8 to take solar/lunar eclipses, moon shots, sun shots, bird and hopefully in the near future, safari pictures. Depsite the weight, it helps me get the job done.
Thank for the review. Your points confirm my assessment. I have this lens and it performs very well on on my Nikon Z bodies with the FTZ adapter. The new 100-600 has better auto-focusing, is sharper (especially at the limit), and lighter (though no by much), but still longer with the FTZ adapter for the Z cameras. For me, it is not worth the upgrade at this time.
TBF any lens is a constant aperture if you change it the f stop to its smallest open aperture throughout the zoom range. I set my 200-600mm to f6.3 (usually I set it to f8 anyways)
Hi Terence, if you were to pick another lens for bird/wildlife photography after using the Nikon 200-500 as an “upgrade”, always staying in the F mount world, what would you go for? Thanks
Bro I have a Nikon D 810 full frame 36 megapixel, so could I purchase this lense for wildlife photography. Please suggest me. I can't buy any expensive mirror less camera now.
Just my personal opinion for what it is worth: for me, it is not worth it for me to spend thousands more for slower auto-focus with Z bodies and heavier weight (3500g vs 2300g), for one extra f-stop in speed. But your situation might be different than mine.
@@Den_Furqon i'm not sure about sports since i don't cover that, but for wildlife it will work fine - perhaps limited with smaller birds in flight and very fast moving subjects
I first started shooting wildlife with this lens. For the price point it is hard to beat, even today. That said, I only lasted a year with it before selling it and moving to the 500 PF. The reasons being: 1 - Its image quality in perfect conditions is decent, but it just doesn't cut through heat haze as well. Not sure why, maybe one of the coatings but I found as soon as conditions were imperfect, my image quality took a hit that I don't experience with other teles 2- Its focus performance is just really slow. I've never had a lens hunt back and fourth as much as the 200-500. 3- I never used it at shorter than 500mm anyway so the zoom feature wasn't really useful to me. I also found it really front heavy when at 500mm which made it annoying to handhold. 4- Having to constantly worry about sucking moisture into the lens because of how it is designed just isn't something I wanted to worry about. 5- The 500PF's used price is just too good over the last few years. I think at MSRP its a tough sell but I found as soon as the 600 6.3 arrived, everyone and their dog was selling off 500s which meant I could get one for like 60% off retail. 6 - It sucks with a TC. While the 500 PF can take a 1.4 TC and still retain decent image quality, the 200-500 looks terrible with a TC on it.
Thanks for video! I bought few days ago this lens in mint condition (as new) for 600 USD, and also the Nikon D800e for 450 USD (also in "as new" condition). I think, its hard to find anytheng better then this combination for this price - 1050 USD for camera and lens.
I use a D810 and recently borrowed a friend’s Tamron 150-600 for a trip. I got some pretty good results with it, images were clear and the focus was pretty fast. Though if I buy a similar lens it’ll probably be the Nikon 200-500.
@@vladislavkesler146 there are more than 2 options out there but personally think the extra 100mm reach isn’t worth the fixed aperture of the Nikon lens.
Having shot the 200-500 mm extensively in Tanzania, agree that this lens is really capable. But if you have a newer Z body and currently choosing a long lens, I would definitely recommend to invest in the 180-600 mm if you can afford it. Although the 180-600 mm is variable aperture, it only goes to f/6 at 300mm and f/6.3 at focal lengths after 480mm. That’s manageable with newer Z bodies (Z6III/Z8/Z9) which have improved low light capabilities and great as it contributes to weight savings. The other thing is that the newer 180-600 is virtually silent, which is very important to me for videos. You won’t hear the mechanical sounds of the motor like in the older F lenses, especially when it hunts focus.
@@beloved-nature This lens works well, I've used it with a D7500 as well last time. Before that I used the Tamron 150-600mm Generation 1, which is cheaper, but you'll need to get it on the second hand market
I have owned this lens for over five years, still works as when I first bought it. And no fungus issues at all. If you live in a high humidity area I suggest you get a safe designed for camera and electronics gear, they have a dehumidifier built into the safe.
Lenses last a lifetime, one of the best value lenses Nikon produced and the f5.6 plus the 200-500 range makes it a great tool. On DSLR or even new Z mount with FTZ, very good condition used comes at great discount. To many people over invest in gear when you can get great value lenses and bodies that produce fantastic results
absolutely agreed!
Used this lens on half a dozen safaris, heat, dust… I love this one. Will never trade it in
yes it's such a beast
I'm thinking of pairing this with my D500 and then adding the 300 f4, I photograph Wading birds so I generally show at between 400-600mm
sounds awesome!
D500 is crop sensor isn't it?
@@jawaperanakan yes it is
The 200-500mm is a really nice lens. I've had it for almost two years; shooting on my D780, Z6 and now, Z8 to take solar/lunar eclipses, moon shots, sun shots, bird and hopefully in the near future, safari pictures. Depsite the weight, it helps me get the job done.
yes i agree!
What attachment do I need to use it for the nikon z50
@jacksheps92 , use either an FTZ, or FTZ II adapter.
I plan to keep this lens..got an z8 yesterday..along with ftz ii adaptor
How did you like it when it was paired with a Z6?
Thank for the review. Your points confirm my assessment. I have this lens and it performs very well on on my Nikon Z bodies with the FTZ adapter. The new 100-600 has better auto-focusing, is sharper (especially at the limit), and lighter (though no by much), but still longer with the FTZ adapter for the Z cameras. For me, it is not worth the upgrade at this time.
TBF any lens is a constant aperture if you change it the f stop to its smallest open aperture throughout the zoom range. I set my 200-600mm to f6.3 (usually I set it to f8 anyways)
@@mrwashur1991 fair enough!
Hi Terence, if you were to pick another lens for bird/wildlife photography after using the Nikon 200-500 as an “upgrade”, always staying in the F mount world, what would you go for? Thanks
@@Christian_BG probably one of the primes - though i've heard the tamron 150-600 g2 might be a little better than the 200-500, though not by much
I took your advice and I bought one. ❤❤❤ Top notch video. ❤❤❤ Thanks for sharing your story. ❤❤❤
@@tomgodzik8951 awesome!
Great video. Might buy this lens. Subscribed to your channel!
it's a fantastic lens - thanks for the sub!
Bro I have a Nikon D 810 full frame 36 megapixel, so could I purchase this lense for wildlife photography. Please suggest me. I can't buy any expensive mirror less camera now.
Yes of course, i highly recommend this for you
The Nikon AF-S 180-400 f4 TC1.4 . Have you tried it? Used around 4k. I'm really debating on that or the newer 180-600.
I haven't personally used that to be honest - not so sure about it - but I believe the 180-600 should be faster in terms of autofocus
Just my personal opinion for what it is worth: for me, it is not worth it for me to spend thousands more for slower auto-focus with Z bodies and heavier weight (3500g vs 2300g), for one extra f-stop in speed. But your situation might be different than mine.
How does the autofocus look when paired with the Nikon Z6ii for sports photography?
@@Den_Furqon i'm not sure about sports since i don't cover that, but for wildlife it will work fine - perhaps limited with smaller birds in flight and very fast moving subjects
Great review! the extended range of the 180-600mm is nice but im not ready to make the investment yet. Maybe someday...
How much money should I prepare for a second hand nikon 200-500 lens in china? Which is 95 percent new. Thanks
I think anything under 900 USD (6500 Yuan) should be okay
@@TerenceSzeto thank you so much
I first started shooting wildlife with this lens. For the price point it is hard to beat, even today. That said, I only lasted a year with it before selling it and moving to the 500 PF.
The reasons being:
1 - Its image quality in perfect conditions is decent, but it just doesn't cut through heat haze as well. Not sure why, maybe one of the coatings but I found as soon as conditions were imperfect, my image quality took a hit that I don't experience with other teles
2- Its focus performance is just really slow. I've never had a lens hunt back and fourth as much as the 200-500.
3- I never used it at shorter than 500mm anyway so the zoom feature wasn't really useful to me. I also found it really front heavy when at 500mm which made it annoying to handhold.
4- Having to constantly worry about sucking moisture into the lens because of how it is designed just isn't something I wanted to worry about.
5- The 500PF's used price is just too good over the last few years. I think at MSRP its a tough sell but I found as soon as the 600 6.3 arrived, everyone and their dog was selling off 500s which meant I could get one for like 60% off retail.
6 - It sucks with a TC. While the 500 PF can take a 1.4 TC and still retain decent image quality, the 200-500 looks terrible with a TC on it.
@@ryancooper3629 great points! I have moved on to the 180-600 myself, but the 200-500 served me well for a few years
Thanks for video! I bought few days ago this lens in mint condition (as new) for 600 USD, and also the Nikon D800e for 450 USD (also in "as new" condition). I think, its hard to find anytheng better then this combination for this price - 1050 USD for camera and lens.
@@kobakakhidze-x4g cheers!
This lens is a keeper. Heavy but very good. Viltrox adapter works well wil this on Z mount body.
Nice just bought the Viltrox adapter and sent in my old camera to MPB for a trade in and am getting a Z6. Nice to know the Viltrox will be okay!
Good video.
Honestly I can't decide what to take NIKON 200-500 or SIGMA 150-600 C, I shoot on NIKON D780. What do you think about SIGMA?
I haven't personally tried the Sigma, but if you do plan to upgrade your camera in the future, the 200-500 makes better sense
@@TerenceSzeto Thank you.
I use a D810 and recently borrowed a friend’s Tamron 150-600 for a trip. I got some pretty good results with it, images were clear and the focus was pretty fast. Though if I buy a similar lens it’ll probably be the Nikon 200-500.
@@TheGersh18 Bro, I'm struggling to choose between two lenses, but you decided to throw a Tamron into my misery?🙂
@@vladislavkesler146 there are more than 2 options out there but personally think the extra 100mm reach isn’t worth the fixed aperture of the Nikon lens.
What about using this on a canon 5D or Sony A73? Any insight on performance or type of adapter needed?
oooh i've never heard of an adapter that can be used for nikon f lenses on a sony body, but i know you can't use it on canon dslr
Having shot the 200-500 mm extensively in Tanzania, agree that this lens is really capable. But if you have a newer Z body and currently choosing a long lens, I would definitely recommend to invest in the 180-600 mm if you can afford it.
Although the 180-600 mm is variable aperture, it only goes to f/6 at 300mm and f/6.3 at focal lengths after 480mm. That’s manageable with newer Z bodies (Z6III/Z8/Z9) which have improved low light capabilities and great as it contributes to weight savings.
The other thing is that the newer 180-600 is virtually silent, which is very important to me for videos. You won’t hear the mechanical sounds of the motor like in the older F lenses, especially when it hunts focus.
Buying one!
great choice!
What monopod do you use?
IFootage Cobra 3
Great review. Many thanks. 👍👍👍
cheers
Awesome lens.. Still going strong 💪
@@blackmamba3427 for sure!
It's a very good and viable lens. Great optics for the price
Absolutely!
Nikon should recall these lens to address the screws running loose inside the lens housing
@@shamsahadeo3537 never had an issue with it - is it a common problem?
Nutze diese geniale Linse an der D500 (ideal für Tiere in der Wildnis), Z6 und D6. Sie produziert mit den Kameras einfach geniale Bilder.
Hi Terence, nice review. However I think you forgot to mention how unbelievably sharp this lens is.
yes of course - amazing image quality :)
My one is sharp when the subject is close (not more than 15 metres away ) and the light is descent. Otherwise it is very average.
I traded my Nikon 200-500 for the new TAMRON 150-500. Zero regrets.
I've yet to try that out - but I see it's alot lighter!
Nikon is heavier but sharper!
Do you feel the same about the Tamron lens to this day? I’m in a dilemma between the two lenses. 200-500 Nikon or the 150-500 Tamron. Thanks
Good job sir 👏
Thank you
@@TerenceSzeto sir which one should be the best for Nikon d7500 for wildlife photography!?
@@beloved-nature This lens works well, I've used it with a D7500 as well last time. Before that I used the Tamron 150-600mm Generation 1, which is cheaper, but you'll need to get it on the second hand market
Finally it is better than sigma n tamron surely go for Nikon 200-500 sir ?
Millimeter. Please say millimeter! Great video though, thanks!
Nice shqrp lense but .dont buy it becoz no aftet sell service and it very attractive to fungus..
I've had no issues with this lens - if you keep it in a dry box it should work well
I have owned this lens for over five years, still works as when I first bought it. And no fungus issues at all. If you live in a high humidity area I suggest you get a safe designed for camera and electronics gear, they have a dehumidifier built into the safe.
Its millimetres, not MM 😂😂
Pretty sure many people around the world spell out "mm" for short when they say it out loud too
Its a simple google search "abbreviation for millimeters" youll be surprised😂
Putting your mic on your shirt looks weird man lol would suggest placing it differently so you aren’t showing a bunch of cleavage 😂
LMAO i realized only after filming - it's just V neck shirts man - cant be wearing those with this mic
@@TerenceSzeto all good man hahah