Here is a quick comparison for the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E vs 200-400mm f/4G vs 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G telephoto zoom lenses.
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens features 3 ED elements and a 9-blade rounded aperture. It has a minimum focus distance of 2.2m/7.1ft throughout the entire focal range, uses 95mm filters and also supports 1.4X, 1.7X, and 2.0X teleconverters.
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR has a completely redesigned internal focus optical formula with Nano Coating, Super Integrated Coating and extra-low dispersion glass elements.
The Nikon 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens features a 20-elements/17-groups construction with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat lens coating and four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lens elements which help to yield color-corrected images with minimal distortion and aberrations.
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E vs 200-400mm f/4G vs 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G Comparison
| Feature | Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR | Nikon 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II | Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length Range | 200-500mm | 200-400mm | 80-400mm |
| Zoom Ratio | 2.5x | 2.0x | 5x |
| Focal Length | — | — | — |
| Maximum Aperture | f/5.6 | f/4 | f/4.5-5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/32 | f/32-40 |
| Format | FX/35mm | FX/35mm | FX/35mm |
| Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) | 8°00′ | 8° | 20° |
| Minimum Angle of View (DX-format) | 3°10′ | 4° | 4° |
| Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) | 12°20′ | 12°20′ | 30°10′ |
| Minimum Angle of View (FX-format) | 5°00′ | 6°10′ | 6°10′ |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.22x | 0.27x | 0.2x |
| Lens Elements | 19 | 24 | 20 |
| Lens Groups | 12 | 17 | 12 |
| Compatible Format(s) | FX DX |
FX DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film |
FX DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film |
| VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Nano Crystal Coat | — | Yes | Yes |
| ED Glass Elements | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | — | — |
| Super Integrated Coating | Yes | — | Yes |
| AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 7.2ft.(2.2m) | 6.6ft.(2.0m)6.41.95 | 5.74ft.(1.75m) |
| Close Range Correction | — | — | — |
| Focus Mode | Manual Manual/Auto |
Auto Manual Manual/Auto |
Auto Manual Auto/Manual |
| Rear Focusing | — | — | — |
| Filter Size | 95mm | 52mm | 77mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on | Drop-in | Screw-on |
| Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 4.2in.(108mm)x10.5in.(267.5mm) | 4.9in.(124mm)x14.4in.(365mm) | 3.8in.(95.5mm)x8.0in.(203mm) |
| Approx. Weight | 81.2 oz.(2300g) | 118.5 oz.(3360g) | 56 oz.(1570g) including tripod collar |
| Price | $1,396.95 | $6,996.95 | $2,299.95 |
