Is the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6 Lens still relevant in 2024?

With so many options for telephoto lenses for budding wildlife photographers, is this lens still a good option in 2024?
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Links to gear mentioned below:
Nikon 200-500mm F5.6: amzn.to/43h8NTA
Nikon Z6II: amzn.to/43n0ndd
Instagram @terence_wildlife
Facebook @terenceszetophotography
Website www.terenceszeto.com
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[@jakesdewet3567]

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

[@TerenceSzeto]

absolutely agreed!

[@DarthPrime10]

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.

[@TerenceSzeto]

yes i agree!

[@jacksheps92]

What attachment do I need to use it for the nikon z50

[@DarthPrime10]

@jacksheps92 , use either an FTZ, or FTZ II adapter.

[@TrashPanda-jw8ry]

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.

[@mrwashur1991]

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)

[@TerenceSzeto]

@@mrwashur1991 fair enough!

[@shamsahadeo3537]

Nikon should recall these lens to address the screws running loose inside the lens housing

[@TerenceSzeto]

@@shamsahadeo3537 never had an issue with it - is it a common problem?

[@ajc1482]

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

[@TerenceSzeto]

sounds awesome!

[@jawaperanakan]

D500 is crop sensor isn't it?

[@TerenceSzeto]

@@jawaperanakan yes it is

[@blackmamba3427]

Awesome lens.. Still going strong 💪

[@TerenceSzeto]

@@blackmamba3427 for sure!

[@lumenlarry6197]

Great review! the extended range of the 180-600mm is nice but im not ready to make the investment yet. Maybe someday...

[@Capcity44]

It's a very good and viable lens. Great optics for the price

[@TerenceSzeto]

Absolutely!

[@mattjamil]

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.

[@cloudart4070]

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.

[@TerenceSzeto]

Yes of course, i highly recommend this for you

[@christopherlegan4654]

Nutze diese geniale Linse an der D500 (ideal für Tiere in der Wildnis), Z6 und D6. Sie produziert mit den Kameras einfach geniale Bilder.

[@Christian_BG]

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

[@TerenceSzeto]

@@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

[@thedakotasound]

What about using this on a canon 5D or Sony A73? Any insight on performance or type of adapter needed?

[@TerenceSzeto]

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

[@Den_Furqon]

How does the autofocus look when paired with the Nikon Z6ii for sports photography?

[@TerenceSzeto]

@@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

[@ecobooster8298]

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.

[@TerenceSzeto]

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

[@TrashPanda-jw8ry]

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.

[@michaelkantor4084]

Hi Terence, nice review. However I think you forgot to mention how unbelievably sharp this lens is.

[@TerenceSzeto]

yes of course - amazing image quality :)

[@djayatu]

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.

[@user-dz7zl7fr4w]

How much money should I prepare for a second hand nikon 200-500 lens in china? Which is 95 percent new. Thanks

[@TerenceSzeto]

I think anything under 900 USD (6500 Yuan) should be okay

[@user-dz7zl7fr4w]

@@TerenceSzeto thank you so much

[@waseemhassam]

What monopod do you use?

[@TerenceSzeto]

IFootage Cobra 3

[@beloved-nature]

Good job sir 👏

[@TerenceSzeto]

Thank you

[@beloved-nature]

@@TerenceSzeto sir which one should be the best for Nikon d7500 for wildlife photography!?

[@TerenceSzeto]

@@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

[@beloved-nature]

Finally it is better than sigma n tamron surely go for Nikon 200-500 sir ?

[@blasphemertheseventh]

I traded my Nikon 200-500 for the new TAMRON 150-500. Zero regrets.

[@TerenceSzeto]

I've yet to try that out - but I see it's alot lighter!

[@almanthor4696]

Nikon is heavier but sharper!

[@calebchristensenviolin]

Millimeter. Please say millimeter! Great video though, thanks!

[@Wildlifebydrdharmesh]

Nice shqrp lense but .dont buy it becoz no aftet sell service and it very attractive to fungus..

[@TerenceSzeto]

I've had no issues with this lens - if you keep it in a dry box it should work well

[@jfphotography69]

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.

[@bigbluegaming]

Putting your mic on your shirt looks weird man lol would suggest placing it differently so you aren’t showing a bunch of cleavage 😂

[@TerenceSzeto]

LMAO i realized only after filming - it's just V neck shirts man - cant be wearing those with this mic

[@bigbluegaming]

@@TerenceSzeto all good man hahah

[@markrigg6623]

Its millimetres, not MM 😂😂

[@TerenceSzeto]

Pretty sure many people around the world spell out "mm" for short when they say it out loud too

[@badongtagalog5737]

Its a simple google search "abbreviation for millimeters" youll be surprised😂