Nikon Servicing 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR to Address AF Issue

From Nikon:

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 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 firmware.

Updating lens firmware

• Those users 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 Nikon, where your lens firmware will be updated free of charge. Nikon will cover the cost of shipping the lens to and from Nikon.

Identifying lenses with which the firmware has already been updated

• 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.