Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VRvsNikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
200-500mm / F5.6
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AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
18-300mm / F3.5-5.6
27-450mm equiv.
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Which to choose
When the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR suits you better
No standout advantage in this comparison.
When the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR suits you better
- Brightness1.4 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
- Weight1260g lighter, so easier to carry
- Close focusFocuses as close as 45cm
- Zoom rangeCovers 18-300mm 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 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR267.5mm long × 108mm diameter
- AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR120mm long × 83mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR | Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 200mm | 18mm | +182mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 500mm | 300mm | +200mm |
| Max aperture (wide) | F5.6 | F3.5 | 1.4 stops darker |
| Max aperture (tele) | F5.6 | F5.6 | — |
| Min aperture | F32 | — | No data |
| Min focus distance | 2.2m | 45cm | +1.75m |
| Max magnification | 0.22× | 0.31× | −0.09x |
| Aperture blades | 9blades | — | No data |
| Weight | 2.09kg | 830g | +1260g |
| Length | 267.5mm | 120mm | +147.5mm |
| Diameter | 108mm | 83mm | +25mm |
| Filter size | 95mm | 77mm | +18mm |
| Released | 2015 | 2012 | +3year |
| Stabilization | Yes | Yes | — |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes | — |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR relative to AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
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AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G 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 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR in detailAF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR in detailAll F mount lenses