Some Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lenses Have AF Issue, Need a Firmware Update

Today Nikon issued a new service notice for the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR: lenses with a serial number under 2008365 will need a firmware update in order to fix a confirmed AF issue (Firmware in lenses with a serial number of 2008365 or higher have already been updated).

Those who would like to have their AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR firmware updated may take or send their lens to a Nikon authorised service center, where the firmware will be updated free of charge.

In the US Nikon will cover the shipping and handing to and from the service facility.

To users of the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens

Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

Nikon will implement a service for updating AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens firmware. Details regarding implementation of this firmware service are as follows.

Firmware update details
We have confirmed that with autofocus shooting using the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens, autofocus may sometimes become disabled and focus operation switches to manual focus* when the zoom ring on the lens is rotated while the camera’s shutter-release button is pressed halfway, or the camera’s AF-ON button is held down.

*Autofocus operation can be restored by pressing the camera’s shutter-release button halfway again, or pressing the camera’s AF-ON button again.

To address the occurrence of this, we will implement a service for updating AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens firmware.

Updating lens firmware
Those who would like to have their AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR firmware updated may take or send their lens to a Nikon authorised service center, where the firmware will be updated free of charge.

Identifying lenses with which the firmware has already been updated
Firmware in lenses with a serial number of 2008365 or higher have already been updated.

Identifying lenses with which the firmware has already been updated (in the US)
To check whether or not your lens is one of those affected by this issue, please click the Check Your Serial Number link below and enter your lens serial number. Your lens serial number will be checked and if affected, instructions for obtaining service will be displayed.

Check Your Serial Number to check to see if your lens is affected by this firmware.

via: NR

Read more: Nikon Rumors

Hot Deals: Up to $1,100 off on Nikon Cameras

Store links:

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens: $1,396.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED Lens: $746.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens: $2,396.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

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