The age of the relatively affordable super telephoto zoom lens is upon us. Nikon's entry into the foray, the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR ($1,339.95), combines crisp optics with a narrow aperture that helps to keep its weight manageable and its price down to earth. It is, after all, a bargain compared with the shorter, but faster, AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. The 200-500mm's development and release is no doubt in response to a spate of third-party zooms that are cut from the same cloth. Our favorite of those, and the reigning Editors' Choice for this class of lens, is the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary, which outguns the Nikon, while undercutting its cost. DesignThe 200-500mm is a hefty lens, which is not surprising given its range of coverage. It measures 10.5 by 4.25 inches (HD), has a huge front element that accepts 95mm filters, and weighs 5.1 pounds. It's heavier than some of the competition—the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary is lighter at 4.3 poun...

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a long telezoom lens that nets sharp results, but there are better values available.

Sharp optics; Long telephoto reach; Fixed f/5.6 maximum aperture; Optical stabilization; Includes removable tripod collar

Competing lenses zoom further; Edges soft at 200mm; Not compatible with some older D-SLRs

It's been a tempting couple of years for sports and wildlife photographers, with a flurry of very affordable super-telephoto zoom releases. First Tamron impressed with its game-changing 150-600mm f/5-6.3, then Sigma released its own brace of widely acclaimed 150-600mm f/5-6.3 lenses.

I really can't recall the last time I became so emotionally involved with a lens. This affordable Nikkor telephoto zoom is sharp, easy to hold, and at under $1400 you simply cannot go wrong. If I sound excited, I am!

Nikon managed to create a very good Lens at a lower than expected price point. This lens would still be good value even if the price was 50% higher

Constant Aperture Sharp and Contrasty; even wide open Removable Tripod Foot Excellent VR; allowing hand held shots at speeds one think not possible Reasonable AF speed Excellent build for a consumer grade lens

Needs very large (expensive) front filters No drop-in filter system Lens hood needs a better securing system

A big lens that is actually easy to handhold with beautiful results.

The announcement of the AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens in August 2015 came as a pleasant surprise for Nikon camera owners. Not only is it the only genuine Nikon zoom that goes out to 500mm, but it also costs less than some comparable third-party offerings, at least in certain markets.

The AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 E ED lens is an FX format powerful telephoto zoom, ideally aimed at sports and wildlife photographers. It has a constant but modest f/5.6 maximum aperture, which enables a fairly compact design for its focal length.

Big microcorrugated cardboard box.

This lens takes very clear, spectacular pictures. I was amazed at the picture quality. The lens is also surprisingly very fast. I was a bit reluctant at first, but once I got it and played with it a bit, I was happy to have made this purchase. The lens is a bit heavy, but for a good reason.

Consistent Output; Durable; Easily Interchangeable; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Nice Bokeh; Rugged; Strong Construction

A valuable addition to my photographic equipment. A compact lens exhibiting excellent build quality and well priced.

Compact, Build quality