Best Nikon Super Telephoto Lenses

#1. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR

• Dimensions: 7.05 x 3.07 x 3.07 in.
• Weight: 1.87 lbs
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 4/32
• Focus Type: Ring-Type Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Zoom
• The good parts: Lightweight, comfortable, well-balanced, exceptional optics, solid vibration reduction
• The not-so: Cheap build quality, slow autofocus, subpar low-light performance

This is a brand-new addition to Nikon’s superb line of premium f/4 fixed aperture zoom lenses. The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm pairs the latest technologies with high-performance optics.

The result? A classic in the making that delivers tack-sharp detail and glorious bokeh at every turn.

Whether you shoot elegant landscapes on a tripod or get down in the dirt for epic nature shots, you’ll love this lens from the moment you tuck it into your bag. It is ultra-lightweight yet impeccably balanced.

And since this lens’ focus and zoom are completely internal, you’ll never have to deal with dust or moisture clogging up its mechanisms. It’s a versatile, powerful, usable companion regardless of your focus or subject.

What do reviewers say about it?

Several reviewers favorably compared this f/4 to its legendary f/2.8 counterpart, which has earned a superb reputation for its clarity and brilliance. Some reviewers who tested both lenses side-by-side even commented that the images could barely be told apart. That’s high praise for a lens that comes in at a significantly more affordable price point.

They praised the f/4’s delightfully crisp image centers and edges, loved the pleasant way it fits in the hand, and raved about its lightweight, portable design. Most greatly enjoyed the luxury of not worrying about distortion, diffraction, or softness—even at longer focal lengths. They felt confident that every outing with this lens would produce outstanding results.

What’s good?

Ever feel like your telephoto lens is dragging your DSLR camera to the ground? With the AF-S 70-200, you’ll forget it’s even attached. Weighing in at just 30 oz., this portable powerhouse is light enough to stay on your camera during an extended shoot or toss in your camera backpack before you hit the road. It’s perfectly balanced and pleasantly ergonomic.

Its optics are sublime, as well. A patented Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghosting and lens flare, while 19 other distinct aspheric elements deliver exceptionally crisp images in every situation. The 70-200mm debuted Nikon’s very first third-generation Vibration Reduction system, which enables you to shoot an impressive 5 stops lower than the lighting would normally permit.

What could be better?

Although the AF-S 70-200mm earned excellent scores from almost every user, it isn’t without a few minor issues. For one, its designers trimmed away excess weight by swapping out heavy-duty metal parts for plastic. While the lens is still quite durable, its rings and dials won’t offer the same confident, tactile feel as their magnesium ancestors.

Some reviewers have also complained about the 70-200mm’s autofocus speed. It is consistent and reliable, but not blazingly quick. It doesn’t cope with low light as well as some of the other entries on this list, especially when mounted on a body with a smaller sensor. However, it still performs admirably well for its price point and focal flexibility.

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#2. Nikon 70-200mm f2.8

• Dimensions: 3.4 x 8.1 in.
• Weight: 54.3 oz.
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 2.8/22
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Zoom
• The good parts: Amazing image quality, user-friendly design, quiet operation, excellent vibration reduction system
• The not-so: High price, low-quality accessories

It’s a few years old now, but the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8E VR has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best Nikon telephoto lenses that money can buy. It is based on the popular 70-200/2.8G ED VRII model, but completely revamped to bolster and refine its performance. The VR delivers brilliant optics and stunning performance no matter where your adventures take you.

Despite the past few seasons of new lens releases and groundbreaking innovations, the 70-200mm’s exceptional quality and unwavering durability have essentially cemented its reputation as Nikon’s flagship telephoto lens. That knowledge—plus the fact that nearly every pro that shoots on a Nikon kit has one to their name—tells you almost everything you need to know about this lens.

What do reviewers say about it?

It is rare to find a reviewer who isn’t head-over-heels in love with the 70-200mm. While buyers certainly respect the standard Nikon elements that make this lens reliable and usable, it’s the intangible quality of the images it produces that cast a spell on its devotees.

Fans of the f2.8 lavish praise on its quiet, subtle internal focusing. Its naturalistic 9-bladed diaphragm and its vibration reduction system work overtime to keep your shots crisp and clear.

These are all features that keep the lens unobtrusive without budging on image quality. In the end, almost everyone who buys this lens keeps it as a part of their permanent kit forever. What better endorsement could you possibly ask for?

What’s good?

Seven extra low dispersion glass elements render subjects in vivid, lifelike detail, while Nikon’s peerless Nano Crystal Coat strips away ghosting and other optical disruptions. This lens focuses as quickly and precisely as your eye. It keeps up with subjects no matter how briskly they move, and it intuitively adjusts your settings based on the situation.

Browse through images snapped by the 70-200mm f2.8, and you’ll be blown away by their realistic colors, rich detail, brilliant contrast, and impeccable sharpness. This lens truly is a photojournalist’s and portrait photographer’s dream come true: its background bokeh is dreamily smooth, and its foregrounds always have depth and dynamism.

What could be better?

While the 70-200mm is unsurpassed in almost every regard, it certainly isn’t the right fit for everyone. This lens is expensive, almost prohibitively so unless you’re a professional sports photographer or a very serious hobbyist.

Some of its fixtures—particularly the flower-shaped kit lens hood—don’t live up to the build quality of the rest of the lens. They’re flimsy and disappointing in comparison.

For some buyers, it will be frustrating to spend money over and above such an exorbitant price just to finish filling out a basic kit, so be sure to keep future purchases in mind before committing to this legendary piece of design.

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#3. AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR

• Dimensions: 5.04 x 14.27 in.
• Weight: 7.70 lb
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 4/32
• Focus Type: Auto
• Lens Type: Zoom
• The good parts: Huge range, smooth autofocus, onboard teleconverter, user-friendly design, rugged build quality
• The not-so: Obtrusive size, high prices

If you’re willing to use your home—and car—as collateral, then this lens could be your dream come true. Specifically designed for sports and wildlife photography, the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR is Nikon’s first super-telephoto lens to incorporate an internal teleconverter.

That means it’s even more portable and flexible than a traditional telephoto lens, but just as rock-solid in terms of dependability.

With the 180-400mm, you’ll always have a complete range of focal lengths literally at your fingertips. Need to come in closer for a sweet portrait? Back up for a sweeping nature shot? Find the sweet spot somewhere in the middle? No problem: this lens takes it all in stride, and it almost never complains.

What do reviewers say about it?

With stunning optical design, effortlessly smooth autofocus, and phenomenal flexibility, this lens will quickly become the first one you reach for when that perfect opportunity appears.

Plus, Nikon’s first ever built-in 1.4x teleconverter ensures that you’re always ready to meet that moment when it arrives. No more scrambling in your snazzy bag for equipment or missing out on incredible moments.

Reviewers also had high praise for the 180-400mm f/4E’s rock-solid 153-point AF system, which snaps onto subjects even when they rapidly change speed or direction. It’s dependable enough to keep up with fast-paced sports matches, important events, and any other special moments.

What’s good?

Eight Extra-Low Dispersion glass elements, a single fluorite element, and a Nano Crystal Coat element ensure crystalline, colorful images in any lighting. If even the 400mm zoom doesn’t quite give you the shot you need, just engage the onboard teleconverter and increase your reach to a staggering 560mm f/5.6 in seconds, with no need to tangle with complex additional equipment.

This lens is born and bred for long days in the field. With a durable magnesium alloy barrel, entirely internal autofocus mechanisms, a durable front meniscus, and advanced dust and moisture sealing throughout, it keeps nature on the outside and your images safe on the inside. Plus, Nikon’s nonstick fluorine coating makes the barrel easy to grip and maneuver.

What could be better?

If you’re itching to add this beautiful lens to your collection, you’ll need to apologize to your wallet. This is one of the pricier lenses on our list, simply because the technology and materials involved in its construction are of premium quality.

It’s also quite heavy, weighing in at over seven pounds and stretching to a mammoth length. While that extension makes it ideal for the serious field photographer, just remember that you’ll never be able to use this lens without making a big scene.

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#4. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6 ED VR Zoom

• Dimensions: 7.48 x 7.48 x 17.2 in.
• Weight: 5.07 lbs
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 5.6/32
• Focus Type: Auto/Manual
• Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom
• The good parts: User-friendly design, consistently sharp image quality, capable vibration reduction, electromagnetic diaphragm
• The not-so: Heavy

Its name might be a mouthful, but its quality needs no explanation. This is simply one of the best Nikon telephotos on the market today. Immensely powerful in its delivery yet remarkably intuitive in its design, it’s equally adept at the crowded football field, the quiet wildlife park, and the neon-lit concert.

By integrating Nikon’s excellent vibration reduction system and a swift autofocus mechanism, the 200-500mm manages crisp, smooth shots every time. It looks better than the average bulky telephoto lens, too. It features a sleekly understated silhouette and minimalist fixtures.

No matter where you go or how you explore, the 200-500mm is sure to be an amazing partner in crime.

What do reviewers say about it?

Most reviewers responded positively to the 200-500mm’s dependable build quality and rugged materials. They loved how well it adapted to diverse situations, and appreciated how its quiet operation and user-friendly controls minimized hassle during a shoot.

They also noted the lack of vignettes, ghosting, lens flare, or any other aspherical aberrations in the images, indicating that the 200-500mm f5.6 has eliminated the issues that cause Nikon’s super telephoto lenses to go soft near the end of their focal range.

What’s good?

The 200-500mm is a true connoisseur’s lens, equally sharp and quick in every area of its focal range. A sophisticated electromagnetic diaphragm and a vibration reduction system work in tandem for a smooth shooting experience.

The constant f5.6 aperture delivers wonderfully rich bokeh backgrounds. In addition, the extra-low dispersion glass filters out any aberrations.

The capable vibration reduction system allows you to shoot up to 4.5 stops below what would normally be possible. That shallow aperture gives each image a rich background, vibrant color palette, and beautifully crisp subject range. With specs like these, you’re sure to fall in love in no time.

What could be better?

This lens is extremely heavy, which makes it difficult to keep on your shoulder during extended shoots. It’s not the most appropriate lens for travel, bird and wildlife watching, or any situation that requires long periods of handheld shooting. If you hate toting around huge gear bags, then this definitely isn’t the lens for you.

And although the 200-500mm’s build quality is excellent, a few issues have surfaced regarding play in its fixtures and stiffness in its focus rings. These complaints seem to be few and far between, but it’s possible for even the most expensive equipment to let you down every once and a while.

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#5. Nikon 80-300 f3.5

• Dimensions: 3.1 x 5.6  in.
• Weight: 26.3 oz.
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 4.5/32
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Superzoom
• The good parts: Versatile focal length, great autofocus, clear image quality, stable vibration reduction system
• The not-so: Subpar build quality, lackluster low-light performance

Whether you’re tackling a long portrait session, capturing the action at a soccer game, or snapping a lush vista from far in the distance, this lens runs circles around much of the competition without sacrificing the comfort and usability of a prime. Its premium optics are complemented by a speedy autofocus system, an excellent vibration reduction feature, and all the proprietary gizmos and gadgets you could ask for.

Although the f3.5 cuts corners in a few notable areas, its wallet-friendly pricing more than compensates for any small flaws. And once you see the crisp, detailed landscapes and rich, vibrant close-ups that this lens can deliver, you might just fall in love.

In short, the NIKKOR 80-300 f3.5 is a phenomenal all-in-one machine for the photographer who wants to try everything at least once.

What do reviewers say about it?

Among 80-300mm buyers, two features earned the most acclaim. Those are the excellent optics and the dependable, nimble vibration reduction system. Reviewers loved leaving their other lenses at home and making room in their bag for this petite powerhouse. They praised its quick and excellent autofocus system, its tack-sharp detail, and its remarkable color fidelity.

Since the vibration reduction system is equally optimized for both videos and stills, it’s a wonderful tool in any image-maker’s kit. Most reviewers agreed that the lens lives up to the promised VR capacity of four VR stops, a figure that stacks up quite impressively against the competition.

What’s good?

The most impressive feature of the 80-200mm f3.5 is its incomparable versatility. With such a broad focal range, you can transfer from an intimate portrait session, to a Nikon wide-angle landscape, to a long-distance wildlife shot with perfect ease.

No fiddling with teleconverters, swapping out lenses, or digging through your bags for the right piece of gear. The peace of mind that this design brings is truly revolutionary.

Of course, the 80-200mm backs up its exceptional optics with Nikon’s latest tech-savvy features. The proprietary Silent Wave Motor blots away autofocus noises, while three aspherical elements and an ultra-low dispersion element almost totally eliminate ghosting, lens flare, and additional noise. It’s sharp and smooth enough to spare, no matter where or how you shoot.

What could be better?

While this lens doesn’t perform terribly in low light, it still lags behind some stronger competitors. Several buyers complained that the f3.5 suffered considerably in evenings and shady surroundings, a flaw that significantly damages its claim to all-around versatility. Though it might be tempting to leave the rest of your gear at home, you should plan to carry a few more lenses if you plan to stay out past dark.

The f3.5 is lighter, smaller, and cheaper than its direct predecessor. While that has a few benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Its build quality is sturdy and reliable. However, neither as elegant nor as precise as some competitors. That means a little lens creep, a little stiffness past 200mm, and a little play in the rings.

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#6. Nikkor AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom

• Dimensions: 4.72 x 3.27 x 3.27 in
• Weight: 1.83 oz.
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 3.5/32
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Zoom
• The good parts: Quiet and quick adjustments, vibration reduction system, great autofocus
• The not-so: image distortion at high zoom, soft edges when zoomed, focus breathing

For the photographer who wants a truly staggering range—and is willing to sacrifice in a few other areas—the 18-300mm is far and away the best choice on the market right now.

Its shutter has nine rounded blades for a pleasantly thick bokeh, its elements clean up distortions while enhancing color and clarity, and its focal range gives you plenty of room to play.

The 18-300mm is not the fastest telephoto lens around, or the most precise. However, in convenience and value, it simply can’t be beat.

This is a fantastic all-in-one lens, perfect for making the switch between multiple shooting locations and situations. If you genuinely hate swapping lenses constantly and loading down your bag with gear, then you can’t do much better than this.

What do reviewers say about it?

Most reviewers concurred that the 18-300mm is one of the best superzoom lenses on the market today. They loved its versatility, portability, and ease of use.

This lens seems to do away with both the unpleasant stiffness and aggravating lens creep displayed by some of its competitors. Reviewers were also impressed that this lens adds a whole 52mm to its focal length with only an additional inch in length and less than 10 ounces in weight.

Of the 18-300’s nineteen different lens elements, three use Nikon’s extra-low dispersion glass, which reduces chromatic aberrations and other distortion issues. Super Integrated Coating to minimizes lens flare, while built-in optical stabilization keeps photos clean and clear.

What’s good?

Primary among the 18-300mm’s virtues is its wealth of features, many of them proprietary Nikon technologies that greatly enhance performance and usability. Like many lenses on this list, it utilizes the excellent Silent Wave Motor for supremely quiet and quick adjustments.

It uses ultrasonic waves to transfer energy without moving parts like in a conventional motor, so there’s no whirring of gears or chance of particulate damage.

Its vibration reduction system has three modes, including a normal setting for everyday shots to an active setting that’s ideal for cars, sports, and wildlife. The VR system is on exceptional display here, synchronizing seamlessly with the lens’ autofocus mechanisms for a smooth, effortless shooting experience.

What could be better?

Although the 18-300mm is a fabulous superzoom lenses available, it’s still not a replacement for some of the industry standard, limited range telephoto lenses on this list. There’s significant image distortion at high zoom levels, and there are some issues with soft edges when zoomed.

It’s tack-sharp at the 50-200mm range, but falls off the edge at either end of that spectrum. This problem will improve when the lens is stopped down a bit, just like any other distortion issue.

This lens also struggles with a bit of focus breathing, which will ever so slightly disturb the image framing each time you tighten the zoom. If you’re intent on buying the best superzoom available, this is probably the lens for you. However, remember that a good prime lens and a telephoto with a shorter zoom range will always outshoot an all-in-one superzoom.

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#7. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VRII

• Dimensions: 4.7 x 3.3 x 3.3 in.
• Weight: 1.83 oz.
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 2.8/22
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Supertelephoto
• The good parts: Affordable, great vibration reduction, fast autofocus, versatile feature set
• The not-so: Cheap accessories, peaking issues

For the prime lovers among us, this gorgeous premium lens is the perfect way to get a close-up view of the action without sacrificing image quality, vitality, or depth. Nikon billed this lens as the most powerful all-in-one option they had ever made—and when you see the richness and detail of the images it turns out, it’s not hard to see why.

Experienced pros in every discipline agree. This just might be the best 300mm lens that you can buy today. It’s lightweight, attractive, and impeccably balanced—a perfect companion for long days in the field.

What do reviewers say about it?

Reviewers report that the 300mm f/2.8 is quicker, lighter, and more compact than its impressive feature list might suggest. Professional wildlife photographers and backpacking enthusiasts raved about its snappy autofocus and dependable vibration reduction system.

They particularly loved the focus recall feature, which allows you to instantly return to a previous point of focus. That comes in handy when the frame is cluttered or dim. Reviewers appreciated how well it handled low light and otherwise less-than-ideal conditions.

What’s good?

Bring faraway subjects into focus with the 300mm’s impressive focal range, then dial everything into brilliant detail with its incredibly precise autofocus system. It boasts 19 distinct elements, three of which are aspherical and an additional three of which have extra-low dispersion glass. Each of those elements works overtime to clear away aberrations, flares, and color distortions.

Of course, Nikon’s exceptional vibration reduction system is on full display here as well. It does an excellent job eliminating blur and cleaning up color bleed. In addition, the 300mm is one of the least expensive high-end lenses that Nikon has ever produced. It offers a truly amazing value for money.

What could be better?

Complaints about this lens are few and far between, but a few reviewers have noted that its autofocus and peaking occasionally stutter. Those incidents seem to be rare, but they are worth mentioning.

Although the 300mm itself is rock-solid, its accessories don’t quite make the cut. It’s packaged with a cheap, flimsy lens strap, a clumsy hood, and a heavy tripod foot. At such a high price point, that shoddy quality is inexcusable. If you add this lens to your kit, you should prepare to supplement it with some better accessories.

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#8. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4 E FL ED VR

• Dimensions: 6.5 x 17 in.
• Weight: 7.4 lbs
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 4/32
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Zoom
• The good parts: Rugged build quality, smooth operation, exceptional image quality, flexible vibration reduction
• The not-so: High cost

Tired of letting a subpar lens kit hold your high-performance DSLR camera back? Look no further than the 600mm f/4 FL ED. This monster of a lens is a perfect match for your Nikon FX camera’s highly sophisticated sensor. It boasts tech-savvy features and lightning-fast autofocus system.

A dependable focal length beloved by generations of sports and wildlife photographers is reimagined at last. This one is faster, smoother, and sleeker in its design.

Advanced new features boost its image quality above its legendary predecessors, and rugged materials keep its internal mechanisms ticking smoothly even in the worst conditions.

This is truly an expert’s lens. If the ticket price doesn’t dissuade you, then it might become your favorite field companion.

What do reviewers say about it?

Reviewers adored the 600mm’s Sport and Tripod modes, which smooth out the ground vibrations and subtle pan shakes to deliver clean images every time. It’s an excellent tool for the hobbyist or pro who wants to focus less on setting up a rock-solid rig and more on finding the perfect shots.

They also appreciated the smooth bite of the 600mm’s focus rings and the way that it effortlessly transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting. This is partially thanks to an ingenious design that incorporates lightweight ball bearings in the tripod ring. Even devotees of the classic 600mm loved the new version’s improved balance and less end-heavy design.

What’s good?

A fluorine-coated meniscus glass element and fluorite aspherical elements combine with a deliciously lightweight magnesium alloy barrel to resist the elements and keep all that delicate hardware safe and sound—all while shaving three pounds off the previous model’s weight.

In addition, you’ll never need to worry about the 600mm falling behind. It’s equipped with a slick electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism, which synchronizes with the camera shutter to achieve perfect exposure in every shot. There’s almost zero lag, even when using a teleconverter. And with the 600mm’s nimble autofocus tracking and exposure control mechanism, you’ll never miss a single shot.

What could be better?

It’s hard to find anything to complain about when it comes to this stunning lens. Almost no reviewers had qualms with its performance, build quality, or feature set. There’s a reason why this has been consistently named as one of the best Nikon telephoto lenses ever made.

The 600mm is a phenomenal piece of machinery that any expert photographer would be thrilled to add to their collection. Unfortunately, that kind of luxury comes at a steep price. Not every photographer, amateur or professional, has over $10,000 to spend on a lens, and you’re unlikely to find this lens any cheaper than that price.

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#9. Nikon 300mm f4E VR

• Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches
• Weight: 1.66 lbs.
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 4/32
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Prime
• The good parts: Phenomenal optics, excellent performance, user-friendly design, powerful vibration reduction, customizable settings
• The not-so: Some VR issues

Nikon waited over a decade to replace the legendary AF-S 300/4.0D lens, and the wait was worth it. The Nikkor 300mm f/4.0E PF ED VR is exquisite in every way. It’s nimble, flexible, and deliciously powerful. If you only invest in a single prime telephoto lens, this should probably be the one you choose.

The 300mm focal length is a nice happy medium, modest enough to keep size and weight under control, but long enough to keep the lens versatile and functional.

Plus, it’s bursting with innovative features and functions. A state-of-the-art Phase Fresnel element trims away excess weight while delivering exceptionally vibrant, clear images.

The whisper-quiet Silent Wave Motor and an effortless manual override—activated simply by twirling the focus ring—allow you to shoot in your terms. Once you’ve lived with the 300mm’s incomparable portability and seamless usability, it’s difficult to go back to the way things were before.

What do reviewers say about it?

According to reviewers, the 300mm ED VR almost feels like a child’s toy in comparison with its bulkier brethren. However, its build quality and materials are still top-notch. With very few exceptions, buyers rated this lens as superior to its famous predecessor in every area. It features sharper details, silkier bokeh, and ridiculously capable autofocus system.

Although some buyers had harsh words for the lens’ widely documented VR issues, many offered their own solutions and even explained how they had completely eliminated the problem. If you’re on the fence, it’s worth reading through some firsthand testimonials to determine whether troubleshooting this lens will be too frustrating to handle.

What’s good?

The 300mm ED VR prioritizes image quality above all else, permitting you to shoot in any condition, lighting, or location. A revolutionary Phase Fresnel element, Nano Crystal coat, and extra-low dispersion glass element combine to deliver vivid, unblemished images with no sign of ghosting or chromatic aberrations.

Its fixed maximum aperture of f/4—combined with an intricately crafted, nine-bladed electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism—ensures that every shot achieves consistently even exposure and beautiful background bokeh.

Nikon’s vibration reduction technology is on full display here as well, with a powerful system that equates to 4.5 stops in handheld mode. Swap to the Sports & Action or Tripod Shooting mode for more specialized settings, or turn it off entirely for a small speed boost.

What could be better?

It’s an open secret that the 300mm f/4 has had vibration reduction issues from the beginning; the only question is how prevalent those problems actually are. Several reviewers have reported that at medium shutter speeds—generally from 1/80 to 1/200 seconds—the lens performs slightly better with the VR mechanism toggled off. Although VR seems to work perfectly at faster and slower speeds, something about that middle range takes the wind out of its sails.

There’s some evidence that the problem existed only on certain DSLR bodies, and Nikon did release a firmware update on later versions that met with a varied response. Before you decide to invest in the 300mm f/4, dig deeper and make sure that your camera can cope.

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#10. Nikon 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II

• Dimensions: 14.41 x 4.88 x 4.88 in.
• Weight: 7.4 lbs.
• Maximum/Minimum Aperture: 4/32
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Zoom
• The good parts: Excellent build quality, versatile design, beautiful image quality, comfortable construction, silent operation
• The not-so: Heavy, very expensive

It’s rare to find a piece of gear that successfully doubles as a medium telephoto and a superzoom lens, but the 200-400mm f/4G manages it with brilliance and aplomb. Dial this stunning lens down to 200mm for awesome action shots, then ratchet it all the way up to 400 for an awe-inspiring view of the faraway landscape.

A special favorite of wildlife and nature photographers, the 200-400mm sits comfortably in the hand without feeling unbalanced or unwieldy. That’s an impressive feat in a lens with such a wide focal range.

Even a 200-400mm devotee will tell you that this lens is not for the faint of heart. But if you invest enough time—and muscle strength—to learn its ways, it will be a wonderful companion for both your art and your life.

What do reviewers say about it?

The 200-400mm has been a fan favorite for many years, and with good reason. Both amateurs and pros adore this lens for its fixed f/4 aperture, which delivers consistently sharp subjects and luminous backgrounds.

In terms of user friendliness, they loved the 200-400’s ergonomic design, spry autofocus system, and precise, sensitive metering. Although some reviewers have complained about its weight—which is about average for a lens of this quality and craftsmanship—others were pleasantly surprised by its portability. The hefty price tag also ruffled some feathers, but other buyers insist that this lens is well worth the investment.

What’s good?

Like most of Nikon’s high-end telephoto lenses, the 200-400mm incorporates a nine-bladed diaphragm for a soft, colorful shine at a shallow depth of field. An exceptional Nano Crystal Coat and a Super Integrated Coating—along with four additional extra low-dispersion elements—combine for crisp, clear shots free of any ghosting, internal reflections, and chromatic aberrations.

Equipped with the Nikon Silent Wave Motor, the 200-400mm is beautifully poised. It operates quickly, smoothly, and almost silently.

If you’re constantly swapping between manual and automatic mode, then you’ll love this lens’ intuitive A/M mode, which enables you to toggle effortlessly between them. If you ever want to extend your range even further, this lens is compatible with a wide range of excellent Nikon teleconverters.

What could be better?

A few reviewers noted that the lens goes slightly soft in the 350-400mm range, especially if the autofocus system is working extra hard. Several of the lenses on this list are also slightly faster and quieter, even those at a more affordable price point.

As mentioned previously, the 200-400mm is a very heavy piece of equipment. It weighs in at over seven pounds, which can put strain on the arms after just a few minutes of shooting. If you plan to spend long days in the field, you should either buy some additional gear or seriously consider whether this lens is right for you.

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