Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VRvsNikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
400mm / F2.8
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AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
200-500mm / F5.6
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Which to choose
When the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR suits you better
- Brightness2.0 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
When the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR suits you better
- Weight1710g lighter, so easier to carry
- Close focusFocuses as close as 2.2m
- Zoom rangeCovers 200-500mm in a single lens
These points are derived mechanically from the numbers. How a lens actually renders does not show up in specifications, so look at samples before deciding.
Size compared
- AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR358mm long × 159.5mm diameter
- AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR267.5mm long × 108mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 400mm | 200mm | +200mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 400mm | 500mm | −100mm |
| Max aperture (wide) | F2.8 | F5.6 | 2.0 stops brighter |
| Max aperture (tele) | F2.8 | F5.6 | 2.0 stops brighter |
| Min aperture | — | F32 | No data |
| Min focus distance | 2.6m | 2.2m | +0.40m |
| Max magnification | 0.17× | 0.22× | −0.05x |
| Aperture blades | — | 9blades | No data |
| Weight | 3.80kg | 2.09kg | +1710g |
| Length | 358mm | 267.5mm | +90.5mm |
| Diameter | 159.5mm | 108mm | +51.5mm |
| Filter size | 40.5mm | 95mm | −54.5mm |
| Released | 2014 | 2015 | −1year |
| Stabilization | Yes | Yes | — |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes | — |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR relative to AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
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AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
ADLinks to Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama, KEH Camera, MPB, eBay are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.Links marked “Search results” go to that retailer’s search page for this lens name.Check price and availability on the retailer’s own site.
AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR in detailAF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR in detailAll F mount lenses