Nikon Z7 Nikkor 200-500
ByThetreemanI pre ordered the lens and got it a few days ago. I was excited from the reviews I had read so when it came I was ready for it.
Like the Z 6’s, the Z 7’s sensor has a BSI (backside-illuminated) design, but its effective pixel count is 45.7MP rather than 24.5MP. This chip is coupled with Nikon’s Expeed 6 processing engine, which enables a native sensitivity range of ISO 64-25,600 and continuous shooting at up to 9fps (frames per second). Spanning a long, versatile zoom range, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens from Nikon is a telephoto zoom characterized by a constant f/5.6 maximum aperture for consistent performance throughout the zoom range. The optical design incorporates three extra-low dispersion glass elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and distortions for increased sharpness and color accuracy.
My first thoughts was ' that's a big lens' but the packaging is a little misleading since the hood is packaged in it's separate cardboard container and set on top of the lens in the main box. So it wasn't quite as large as first thought but when I got it out of the box and it's bubble wrapped bag I thought, 'That's still a big lens' It wasn't as heavy as I was expect. Ing from what other reviewers had said. I had mixed feeling since some said I would need a tripod and others said handheld was fine. I am basically a handheld kind of a guy but after I mounted it on my D800, I grabbed a monopod and headed for the wetlands see how it handled.
I wanted to see how it 'worked' in my shooting style - Handheld and on the move - something that is not set up or in the studio. Since it does extend when you zoom there is a little difference in the balance but not too much and once realized it was a non problem.
It comes with a mounting collar for a tripod or monopod and at first I thought it was a little odd and might be in the way for hand holding but it turned out to be a good handle and a resting point for reaching the focus ring when I wanted to adjust the focus manually. If it bothers you, it does come off. It has a 2 position switch for focus - #M# manual and #M/A# Auto with manual override. That came in real handy when shooting birds that were inside tree branches. The auto focus would want to lock on the branches in front but a slight adjustment with the thumb on the focus ring corrected that.
It is big and after about an hour or more I was thinking 'This thing is heavy'. So I put it on the Monopod for a while. Since it is a 5.6 lens I was expecting to up the ISO to get a good a shutter speed. My first thought was something that would keep me above 1/1000 of a sec. #2 x 500 focal length# to help keeping things sharp but I found myself easily going well below 1/200 sec. And even down to less than 1/60 in some cased. All the while maintaining an ISO of 200.
Truth in advertising – it was midday and bright out. Plus I was glad it did have the VR. It was a noticeable difference at the slower shutter speeds. There was nothing scientific here, I shot across the range from 200 – 500 and from 5.6 – 27 #it’s rated to 32 but I deleted those files and cannot actually include them in my review#. At the end of the day I found I had mostly selected a lot of 40-50 mm increments #200, 240, 300, etc# and I was getting clear sharp shots all across the range. I also favored the f5.6 – f8 range too.
Most of those that were fuzzy were me not the lens or the camera. The worst thing I can say right now is maybe out past f11 or 16 - a little softer in the corners that could be attributed to the lens but I had to look for it.
Also on the big screen in some shots, I did see a little chromatic aberration - mostly purple. It was easily corrected and if you are looking for it and had some straight lines on the very edges of the frame there was some distortion. One click in PS and it was gone.
Nikon Z7 Nikkor 200-500 Review
I have not pushed the VR in Panning situations but I did do a couple shots at night using a porch light, a stucco wall and a couple things against the wall to see how well the VR worked. It is an excellent feature. I don’t know if everyone will get 4&1/2 f-stop with it but it is good. So where does that leave me on this lens - It was larger than expected, Do not kid yourself – it is for distance shooting as it won’t close focus unless you consider greater than 7 feet close. You are probably not going to use this one for around the house snaps. It can be used very successfully handheld. It can and will get heavy.
As with all large lenses #or any lens# mounting them ensures a sharper image. I was amazed at the image quality. I did not expect it to be as good as it is. It did auto focus slower than I expected. On a D800 I shot the lens at 500mm and then cropped the image to only 10% of the frame and it was still sharp. This lens is a good deal. I still have more tests but I’m happy with it so far.
ByPerryThere is a huge debate on whether the Tamron and Sigma 150-600 mm lenses are better because of the longer focal length and Tamron's cheaper price. There has been reports of softness in both Tamron and Sigma's offerings at the far ends of the focal lengths as well, so I see not gain in having 150 more millimeters in it's total focal length if it produces less than desirable images in those ranges.Let me say that this lens not only competes with them even though it's priced right in the middl. E of these 2 competitors, but it performs better. It's the best lens in this price range that Nikon has ever produced in my opinion.
Definitely the most bang for the buck.This lens is a real performer. I get instant focus, it has 1 stop of light better than both it's competitors as it's f5.6 through it's entire range. Tamron and Sigma are f6.3.It's an excellent wildlife lens. Nikon really outdid themselves with this one. It's an FX lens, but it behaves quite nicely on my D7100 body. In fact, it really woke that camera up.If you're a serious wildlife photographer, it's a must for your arsenal.I got this lens for both me and my wife and neither of us regret the decision.
AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VRThe Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is an exhilarating lens option, giving enthusiast FX and DX-format photographers the ability to go further with amazing zoom power and tack-sharp clarity. This compact super-telephoto zoom is ideal for bringing distant subjects closer, including birds, sports, wildlife and motorsports.
This lens opens the doors for a fresh new perspective; with a maximum reach of 500mm on FX-format Nikon cameras and a staggering 750mm equivalent reach on DX-format cameras. With a maximum aperture of f/5.6, photographers have the ability to fill much of the frame with their subject and create a pleasing background blur, even in challenging light.
This lens also features Nikon's Electromagnetic Aperture for consistent exposures, as well as VR with 4.5 stops of image stabilization. Additionally, the VR features Sport Mode, which is well-suited for capturing vibrant, sharp images of distant subjects at high frame rates or when panning with fast-moving action. The lens also lets users focus as close as 7.2 ft. Throughout the entire focal range, for when a decisive play comes closer than expected, or capturing intricate details of nature.Whether spending all day at an air race or in the field, the NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6 is surprisingly lightweight at only 5 lbs 1.2 oz. (2300 grams) including the tripod collar, making this lens easy to use handheld for extended periods.
Photographers looking for even more reach can increase the zoom power using an optional compatible Nikon 1.4x, 1.7x or 2x E series Teleconverters to capture even the most distant subjects.The AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR's optical formula features three ED elements to enhance sharpness and minimize chromatic aberration. A 9-blade aperture provides a desirable, smooth bokeh, while Nikon's Silent Wave Motor technology helps to quickly and quietly achieve critical focus. Nikon 200-500mm Features. Lightweight, compact super telephoto zoom: Whether your subject is far in the distance or close, fast or slow, you can landthe shot. No DisappointmentI pre ordered the lens and got it a few days ago.
I was excited from the reviews I had read so when it came I was ready for it. My first thoughts was ' that's a big lens' but the packaging is a little misleading since the hood is packaged in it's separate cardboard container and set on top of the lens in the main box. So it wasn't quite as large as first thought but when I got it out of the box and it's bubble wrapped bag I thought, 'That's still a big lens' It wasn't as heavy as I was expect. Ing from what other reviewers had said. I had mixed feeling since some said I would need a tripod and others said handheld was fine. I am basically a handheld kind of a guy but after I mounted it on my D800, I grabbed a monopod and headed for the wetlands see how it handled.
I wanted to see how it 'worked' in my shooting style - Handheld and on the move - something that is not set up or in the studio. Since it does extend when you zoom there is a little difference in the balance but not too much and once realized it was a non problem. It comes with a mounting collar for a tripod or monopod and at first I thought it was a little odd and might be in the way for hand holding but it turned out to be a good handle and a resting point for reaching the focus ring when I wanted to adjust the focus manually. If it bothers you, it does come off. It has a 2 positi.
It can be argued that a camera system is only as good as the lenses available. This is especially true when launching a brand new camera system, as is the case with the Nikon Z Mount series. One of three lenses that were announced at the launch of Nikon’s brand new Z Mount, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S was the only zoom lens of the trio, covering a range that is popular among photographers that specialize in landscape, street, and portrait photography. Nikon was kind enough to send us a copy of the lens along with the brand new Z6 and Z7 cameras, and we put it through an exhaustive battery of tests to see how well it performed.Pros and Cons Pros. Excellent weather sealing. Compact form factorCons. f4 aperture will leave you thirsting for light.
Pricier than 24-70 f4 lenses from competing brandsTech SpecsTech specs for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f4 S are taken from.