Should You Buy a Nikon 200-500mm Lens in 2023?
When it comes to lens purchases, evangelism is rare. As a seasoned user of the Nikon 200-500mm lens, I am here to provide you with an unbiased perspective. This lens is primarily tailored for wildlife photography and capturing very long distance shots. However, deciding whether it's worth your investment requires a thorough understanding of its features and limitations.
Primary Uses and Market
One of the key things to consider is the primary use cases for this lens. It excels in wildlife and extreme long-distance photography, where a lens of its substantial length and focal range is essential. If you are a dedicated wildlife photographer or a birdwatcher, this lens can often be the absolute go-to choice.
Cost and Resale Value
The lens is relatively affordable compared to other long focal length lenses, a significant perk for those on a tight budget. This is where the value proposition shines through. Additionally, as a Nikon brand lens, it retains its value well during resale, which is a notable advantage. This is particularly true when compared to 3rd-party lenses such as Sigma and Tamron, which often don't hold their value as well.
Technical Considerations and Performance
The lens sports a fixed aperture of f/5.6, which is a reasonable starting point for its price. On high-end Nikon cameras like the D500, D850, and D5, it can be combined with a 1.4x TCE (Teleconverter) to extend the effective focal length, though this should be approached with caution. While such combinations do exist, the quality and usability can vary significantly, as not all lenses perform well with teleconverters.
Strengths and Drawbacks
The Nikon 200-500mm lens is quite heavy, weighing nearly 2.3 kg. This portability issue is significant for prolonged handheld use, unless your strength rivals that of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. For long haul shooting, a tripod or a sturdy monopod is recommended to maintain stability and reduce fatigue.
The downside is its high zoom rotation, which can lead to extreme lens protrusion and retraction as you adjust from 200mm to 500mm. At 500mm, the lens can extend to nearly 1.5 times its 200mm length, which can be cumbersome.
The lack of weather sealing is another drawback. During prolonged use, the internal air suction and expulsion can create conditions that promote mold and fungus growth, making regular cleaning and maintenance quite crucial. This aspect can be particularly problematic in outdoor conditions.
Alternative Considerations
For professional wildlife and bird photographers, the cost-benefit trade-off might seem favorable. However, for general photography or hobbyists, the lens may not be the most practical choice. Given its weight, size, and maintenance requirements, a long-zoom camera like the Canon SX70, which offers 1300mm of zoom without compromising portability, might be a more suitable alternative.
Conclusion: The Nikon 200-500mm lens is a solid choice for those who prioritize long-range wildlife and bird photography and are willing to invest in a lens that requires careful handling and preparation. If you're not a professional in these areas, this lens might seem more cumbersome and less practical than other long-zoom options available on the market.
Recommendations
Given the evaluation above, the Nikon 200-500mm lens is more suited for dedicated wildlife photographers or hobbyists who are willing to manage its size and weight. It's certainly not a one-size-fits-all solution for the casual enthusiast or a general photography hobbyist.