Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f-5.6E ED VR Lens User Manual

June 5, 2024
Nikon

Nikon Logo

NIKKOR

AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
User’s Manual

Printed in China
SBSF01 (7C)
6MA3677C-01

NIKON CORPORATION

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f-5.6E ED VR Lens 1

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f-5.6E ED VR Lens 2 Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f-5.6E ED VR Lens figure 1

Figure 1

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f-5.6E ED VR Lens figure 2

Figure 2

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f-5.6E ED VR Lens figure 3

Figure 3

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f-5.6E ED VR Lens figure 4

Figure 4

Before using this product, please carefully read both these instructions and the camera manual.

Note: When mounted on a DX-format digital single-lens reflex camera such as the D7200 or D5500, this lens has an angle of view of 8° 00′ — 3° 10′ and a focal length equivalent to 300— 750 mm (35 mm format).

For Your Safety

WARNINGS

Do not disassemble or modify. In the event of malfunction, the product should be repaired only by a qualified technician. Should the product break open as the result of a fall or other accident avoid touching exposed parts. Failure to observe these precautions could result in electric shock or other injury.

Turn the camera off immediately in the event of malfunction. Should you notice smoke or an unusual smell coming from the equipment, immediately unplug the AC adapter and remove the camera battery, taking care to avoid burns. Continued operation could result in fire or injury. After removing the battery, take the equipment to a Nikon-authorized service center for inspection.

Keep dry. Do not expose the product to water or handle with wet hands. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or electric shock.

Do not use in the presence of flammable gas. Operating the equipment at filling stations or in the presence of propane or other flammable gas or dust could result in explosion or fire.

Do not look at the sun through the lens or the camera viewfinder. Viewing the sun or other bright light source through the lens or viewfinder could cause permanent visual impairment.

CAUTIONS

• Keep out of reach of children. Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction.
• Do not focus sunlight through the lens. Sunlight focused through the lens could cause fire. When shooting backlit subjects keep the sun well out of the frame; if the lens will not be used for an extended period, replace the lens caps and store out of direct sunlight.
• Do not overheat. Do not leave the product in locations exposed to extreme-ly high temperatures, such as in an enclosed vehicle in direct sunlight, or wrap the product in a towel or handkerchief or otherwise cover the product while it is in use. Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or product malfunction.

Notice for Customers in Canada

CAN ICES-3 (B) / NMB-3 (B)

■ Parts of the Lens (Figure 1)
  1. Lens hood mounting mark
  2. Zoom ring
  3. Focal length scale
  4. Focal length mark
  5. Focus ring
  6. Focus distance indicator
  7. Focus distance mark
  8. Lens rotation index
  9. Lens mounting mark
  10. Rubber lens-mount gasket
  11. CPU contacts
  12. Zoom lock switch
  13. Focus-mode switch
  14. Focus limit switch
  15. Vibration reduction mode switch
  16. Vibration reduction switch
  17. Lens hood
  18. Lens hood alignment mark
  19. Lens hood lock mark
  20. Position indices (90°)
  21. Tripod collar
  22. Tripod collar lock screw
■ Compatibility

This lens can be used with D4-series, D3-series, Df, D810-series, D800-series, D750, D700, D610, D600, D300-series, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3200, and D3100 cameras. For up-to-date information on compatible cameras, see our latest catalogs or visit the Nikon website for your area.

■ Focus

Supported focus modes are shown in the following table (for information on camera focus modes, see the camera manual).

Camera focus mode Lens focus mode
M/A M
AF Autofocus with manual override
MF Manual focus with electronic rangefinder

M/A (Autofocus with Manual Override)
To focus using autofocus with manual override (M/A):

1 Slide the lens focus-mode switch to M/A.
2 Focus.
If desired, autofocus can be over-ridden by rotating the lens focus ring while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway (or, if the camera is equipped with an AF-ON button, while the AF-ON button is pressed). To refocus using autofocus, press the shutter-release button halfway or press the AF- ON button again.

The Focus Limit Switch
This switch determines the focus distance limits for autofocus.

FULL : Select this option to use the entire focus range.
• ∞ -6 m : If your subject will always be at distance of at least 6 m (19.7 ft), select this option for faster focusing.

■ Zoom and Depth of Field

Before focusing, rotate the zoom ring to adjust the focal length and frame the photograph. If the camera offers depth-of-field preview (stop down), depth of field can be previewed in the viewfinder.

Note: Focal length decreases as the focus distance shortens.

Note that the focus distance indicator is intended only as a guide and moy not accurately show the distance to the subject and may, due to depth of field or other factors, not show 00 when the camera is focused on a distant object.

To lock the zoom ring, rotate it to the 200 mm position and slide the zoom lock switch to LOCK200. This prevents the lens extending under its own weight while the camera is being carried from place to place.

■ Aperture

Aperture is adjusted using camera controls. The frame rate may drop at some apertures.

■ Vibration Reduction (VR)

Vibration reduction (VR) reduces blur caused by camera shake, allowing shutter speeds up to 4.5 stops slower than would otherwise be the case, increasing the range of shutter speeds available. The effects of VR on shutter speed are measured in NORMAL mode according to C amera and I maging P roducts A ssociation (CIPA) standards; FX-format lenses are measured us- ing FX-format digital cameras, DX-format lenses using DX-format cameras. Zoom lenses are measured at maximum zoom.

Using the Vibration Reduction Switch

Select ON to enable vibration reduction. Vibration reduction is activated when the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, reducing the effects of camera shake for im-proved framing and focus.
Select OFF to turn vibration reduction off.

Using the Vibration Reduction Mode Switch

Select NORMAL for enhanced vibration reduction when pho-tographing stationary subjects.
Select SPORT photographing athletes and other subjects that are moving rapidly and unpredictably.

Using Vibration Reduction: Notes

  • When using vibration reduction, press the shutter-release button halfway and wait for the image in the viewfinder to stabilize before pressing the shutter-release button the rest of the way down.
  • When vibration reduction is active, the image in the viewfinder may be blurred after the shutter is released. This does not indicate a malfunction.
  • SPORT is recommended for panning shots, although NORMAL is also supported.
  • In NORMAL and SPORT modes, vibration reduction applies only to motion that is not part of a pan (if the camera is panned horizontally, for example, vibration reduction will be applied only to vertical shake).
  • Do not turn the camera off or remove the lens while vibration reduction is in effect. If power to the lens is cut while vibration reduction is on, the lens may rattle when shaken. This is not a malfunction, and can be corrected by reattaching the lens and turning the camera on.
  • If the camera is equipped with a built-in flash, vibration reduction will be disabled while the flash charges.
  • NORMAL and SPORT vibration reduction can reduce blur when the camera is mounted on a tripod. OFF may however produce better results in some cases depending on the type of tripod and on shooting conditions.
  • NORMAL and SPORT are recommended if the camera is mounted on a monopod.
■ The Lens Hood

The lens hoods protect the lens and block stray light that would otherwise cause flare or ghosting.

Attaching the Hood

Align the lens hood mounting mark (•) with the lens hood alignment mark ( ) and then rotate the hood ( 2 ) until the • mark is aligned with the lens hood lock mark (—Ο).

When attaching or removing the hood, hold it near the symbol on its base and avoid gripping it too tightly. Vignetting may occur if the hood is not correctly attached.

The hood can be reversed and mounted on the lens when not in use. When the hood is reversed, it can be attached and removed by rotating it while holding it near the lock mark (—Ο).

■ Using a Tripod

Mounting the Equipment on a Tripod

When this lens is mounted on a camera, attach tripods to the lens tripod collar, not the camera tripod socket.

Rotating the Camera (Figure 2)

The camera can be rotated between “wide” (landscape) and “tall” (portrait) orientations and fixed in the desired orientation. Note that your hand may come into contact with the tripod if you rotate the camera while holding it by the handgrip.

1 Slightly loosen the tripod collar lock screw ( 1 ).
2 Rotate the camera to the desired position ( 2 ). The three position indices 90° apart can be used as a guide.
3 Tighten the tripod collar lock screw ( 3 ). Be sure the screw is fully tightened, as otherwise the lens may slip from the collar.

Attaching the Tripod Collar (Figure 3)

1 Slightly loosen the tripod collar lock screw ( 1 ).
2 Align the lens rotation index on top of the lens with the ← mark on the collar ( 2 ) and insert the lens into the collar.
3 Rotate the lens to the desired position ( 3 ). The three position indi- ces 90° apart can be used as a guide.
4 Tighten the tripod collar lock screw ( 4 ). Be sure the screw is fully tightened, as otherwise the lens may slip from the collar.

Removing the Tripod Collar (Figure 4)

1 Being careful not to remove the screw from its socket, loosen the tripod collar lock screw until the collar rotates freely ( 1 ).
2 Align the lens rotation index on top of the lens with the ← mark on the collar ( 2 ) and remove the lens from the collar ( 3 ).

■ Lens Care
  • The lens returns to maximum aperture when removed from the camera. To protect the interior of the lens, store it out of direct sunlight or replace the lens caps.
  • Always support the lens when holding the camera. Failure to observe this precaution could damage the lens mount.
  • Do not pick up or hold the lens or camera using only the lens hood.
  • Keep the CPU contacts clean.
  • Should the rubber lens-mount gasket be damaged, cease use immediately and take the lens to a Nikon-authorized service center for repair.
  • Use a blower to remove dust and lint from the lens surfaces. To remove smudges and fingerprints, apply a small amount of ethanol or lens cleaner to a soft, clean cotton cloth or lens-cleaning tissue and clean from the center outwards using a circular motion, taking care not to leave smears or touch the glass with your fingers.
  • Never use organic solvents such as paint thinner or benzene to clean the lens.
  • The lens hood or NC filters can be used to protect the front lens element.
  • Attach the front and rear caps before placing the lens in its flexible pouch.
  • If the lens will not be used for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry location to prevent mold and rust. Do not store in direct sunlight or with naphtha or camphor moth balls.
  • Keep the lens dry. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.
  • Leaving the lens in extremely hot locations could damage or warp parts made from reinforced plastic.
■ Supplied Accessories
  • 95 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-95
  • Rear Lens Cap LF-4
  • Bayonet Hood HB-71
  • Lens Case CL-1434
■ Compatible Accessories
  • 95 mm screw-on filters
  • AF-I/AF-S Teleconverters TC-14E¹/TC-14E II¹/TC-14E III¹/TIC-17E II²/TC-20E²/ TC-20E II²/TC-20E III²

1 Autofocus is available only with cameras that offer f/8 support.
2 Autofocus not supported.

■ Specifications
Type Type E AF-S lens with built-in CPU and F mount
Focal length 200— 500 mm
Maximum aperture f/5.6
Lens construction 19 elements in 12 groups (including 3 ED elements)
Angle of view • Nikon FX-format D-SLR cameras: 12° 20′ — 5° 00′

• Nikon DX-format D-SLR cameras: 8° 00′ — 3° 10′
Focal length scale| Graduated in millimeters (200, 300, 400, 500)
Distance information| Output to camera
Zoom| Manual zoom using independent zoom ring
Focusing| Nikon Internal Focusing (IF) System with autofocus controlled by Silent Wave Motor and separate focus ring for manual focus
Vibration reduction| Lens shift using voice coil motors (VCMs)
Focus distance indicator| 2.2 m — ∞
Minimum focus distance| 2.2 m (7.22 ft) from focal plane
Diaphragm blades| 9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Diaphragm| Automatic electronic aperture control
Aperture range| f/5.6 — 32
Metering| Full aperture
Filter-attachment size| 95 mm (P = 1.0 mm)
Dimensions| Approx. 108 mm maximum diameter x 267.5 mm
(distance from camera lens mount flange)
Weight| Approx. 2300 g (5 lb 1.2 oz), including tripod collar
Approx. 2090 g (4 lb 9.8 oz) without tripod collar

Nikon reserves the right to change the specifications of the hardware described in this manual at any time and without prior notice.

Nikon

Retain this International Warranty with proof of purchase (bill of sale) for your records

Nikon Corp. LENS ONE YEAR WORLDWIDE LIMITED WARRANTY

(Excluding the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands)

Welcome to the worldwide family of Nikon owners.

Your Nikon equipment has been manufactured to the highest quality standards by NIKON CORPORATION, Tokyo, Japan. This limited warranty entitles the original consumer purchaser to international warranty protection in accordance with these terms and conditions. It affords the original consumer purchaser warranty protection outside the Continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Such warranty coverage is supplemental to and not in lieu of the United States Nikon Inc. Lens One Year USA Limited Warranty which is received by the original consumer purchaser with the Nikon product.

The Nikon product except for batteries is warranted by NIKON CORPORATION, Tokyo, Japan to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one (1)year from the date of purchase. To find an international Nikon Service Facility see: http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/worldwide/index.htm. During this period any one of the international service facilities will service without charge any parts or assembly of parts found to be defective in materials or workmanship, subject to the following limitations and exclusions:

  1. This warranty extends to the original consumer purchaser only and is not assignable or transferable.
  2. This warranty shall not extend to any product which has been subject to misuse, alteration, abuse, negligence, accident or unauthorized repair or has had its serial number altered or removed.

The above warranty is expressly in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for particular purpose, except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, in which event the duration of any implied warranty shall be limited to one (1) year from the date of purchase or such longer period as may be required by applicable law. Under no circumstances shall Nikon be liable for consequential, indirect, special, direct, exemplary, punitive or incidental damages arising out of or related to any breach of this warranty or any other claim regarding this product, including but not limited to, claims of negligence, strict liability or breach of contract.

Some jurisdictions, such as states or provinces, do not allow (a) limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or (b) the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

In order to obtain international service, the original consumer purchaser should return the Nikon product, either in person or addressed to the Warranty Department of any authorized service facility listed on the above website, together with proof of purchase and proof of purchase date (bill of sale) and this warranty. The original consumer purchaser in returning this product must prepay all shipping and insurance costs to the service facility.

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