Performance
The Nikkor 200-500mm lens is a great performer. We tested the lens on a Nikon D750 body, and the combination focussed fast in low light especially when the subject contrast was good. Nikon claim that the VR has a 5-stop advantage, though we have no means of ascertaining the same. At 500mm, it allowed me to shoot blur-free images even at 1/15 sec. This is quite good, though this shutter speed may not be possible in dark jungle foliage. We did not observe any darkening of corners in the lens, which speaks volumes about the incredibly good optics. We also failed to spot any distortion in the lens. Slight flare was observed at 200mm with the lens wide open, but we did not see any chromatic aberration.
The 200-500 delivered superb sharpness. The sharpest images were obtained from f/5.6 to 11 with the sweet spot at f/8. This is very important because the dark environments in the wild can sometimes force you to use the lens wide-open. In this case, this Nikkor will not disappoint you even a bit.
Value for Money
The Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 lens is priced at an MRP of Rs.94,950. This is superb value for money for a Nikon FX lens in this category. |SP
FINAL SCORE 84%
Design and Build Quality 17/20
Key Features 18/20
Ergonomics 15/20
Performance
Autofocus 4/5
Sharpness 4.5/5
Distortion control 4.5/5
Aberrations 4/5
Darkening of corners 5/5
Extra features 4/5
Sub-Total 26/30
Value for Money 8/10
PLUS
• Excellent sharpness
• Superior VR
• Great value for money
• Brilliant optics
MINUS
• Tripod collar slightly off centre of mass
• Heavy to handhold
VERDICT
With the Nikkor 200-500 f/5.6, Nikon is pumping up the competition, taking the fight right up to the third party lens manufacturers’ backyard. This lens is on the heavier side, but there is absolutely no questions about the quality of images. The lens might not be weather sealed or as sturdy as the more expensive models, but for a person who treats his equipment with respect, this will hardly be of concern. Best Buy indeed.
Sujith Gopinath
