Best Nikon Nikkor AF-S 200-500mm Alternatives

Based on reviews from amazon.com, walmart.com, nytimes.com, pcmag.com, dpreview.com, and more.

Things to consider when looking for the best Nikon Nikkor AF-S 200-500mm alternatives

When comparing reviews for products, these are the top things reviewers talk about:

  • Lens: 207 mentions
  • Image quality: 113 mentions
  • Quality: 85 mentions
  • Zoom: 39 mentions
  • Weight: 37 mentions
  • Sharpness: 25 mentions
  • Autofocus: 23 mentions
  • Size: 17 mentions
  • Price: 15 mentions
  • Clarity: 8 mentions
A

Based on 105 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for full frame or APS-C digital SLRs
  • Metal mount, manual focusing ring, and USM motor
  • Doesn't perform much better than a Cheap Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens
  • Easy to mistake for the version with IS (
  • Highly rated by users
A

Based on 80 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for travel and hiking
  • Good quality
  • Vibration Reduction not working out of the box
  • Easy to send back for repairs or replacement
B

Based on 62 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for the money
  • Good image quality
  • Stabilization is good
  • AF is fast
  • Some people have had issues with softness
B

Based on 43 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great value for the money
Flexible zoom range
Fast autofocus
Lightweight design
Image stabilization capabilities
Not ideal for low light or fast action situations
Some users have experienced missing pieces or damaged packaging upon delivery
Some users have reported lack of clarity and blurry images, especially at higher ISOs

Verdict

Overall, the Canon RF 100-400mm lens receives mixed reviews. Some users praise its reasonable price, flexible zoom range, and fast autofocus, while others criticize its lack of clarity and slow focusing in low light or fast action situations. The lens is generally considered a good value for the money, but some users have experienced issues with missing pieces or damaged packaging upon delivery. Despite its limitations, many users find the lens to be a good option for bird photography or other outdoor activities due to its lightweight design and image stabilization capabilities.

B

Based on 33 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Great for photography and videography
  • Soft at f2.8
  • Requires rotation to change focal length
  • Not sharp at wide apertures
  • Good value for the price
C

Based on 42 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

  • Compatible with Nikon cameras
  • Fast auto focus
  • Very sharp in the viewfinder
  • Good low light performance
  • Reasonably priced
C

Based on 37 reviews

The Looria Grade (A - F) accounts for multiple factors, including sentiment, helpfulness, and more. Learn about our sources and ranking.

Great value for a super telephoto lens
Tough and handles nicely
Image stabilization is better than competition
Sharp images
Quick autofocus
Not great in low lighting
Occasional autofocus misses
Issues with VR when attached to Nikon Z9

Verdict

Overall, the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 G2 is a good value super telephoto lens that is tough and handles nicely. Its image stabilization is considered better than its competition. The lens is sharp and autofocus is quick, but occasionally misses. However, there are some issues with the VR (anti-vibration) when attached to a Nikon Z9. The lens is heavy, making it difficult to use without a tripod. Some users have reported autofocus freezing up and soft images at 600mm. It is recommended to get the tap-in console to go with the lens. Despite some drawbacks, the lens is praised for its focal length and sharpness, making it a good choice for bird photography.