The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR is the longer of the two lenses at 304mm. The Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR with a length of 268mm, is 36mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR also has a larger diameter of 128mm compared to the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR's 108mm diameter.
Below you can find a scaled side-by-side image of Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR to get a better idea of how their sizes compare in real life.
Comparison image of the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR Size and Weight The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR weighs 2300g, 29% (950g) lighter than the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR's weight of 3250g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR has a filter size of 112mm whereas the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has a 95mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 112mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR:
And these are the 95mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR and the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount . Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6 , Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 .
Focal Range
Nikon AF-S 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR has a focal range of 120-300mm and
2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
180 - 450mm .
On the other hand, the Nikon 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR has a focal range of 200-500mm and 2.5X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 300 - 750mm .
