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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

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NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VRNikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2015September 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length500 mm500 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/5.6
Minimum aperturef/22f/32
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element19 elements in 11 groups
Special elementsThree ED elements and two fluorite elementsThree ED glass elements and one Phase Fresnel element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glassNano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front lens surface
Aperture detail–Electromagnetic E-type automatic diaphragm
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 5°; DX 3°10′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon F mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control restricts compatibility with some older DSLRsNikon F mount with FX coverage, also usable on DX; Nikon warns that some cameras impose E-type lens restrictions. Nikon USA confirms Z6 and Z7 use with the FTZ mount adapter
Teleconverter supportOriginal Nikon announcement lists TC-14E, TC-17E and TC-20E series; autofocus operation depends on the converter and camera aperture supportNikon confirms compatibility with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance3.6 m3 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.18×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusNikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possible
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 mMinimum 3 m from the focal plane; focus limiter selects the full range or infinity–8 m
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supportedFour stops under CIPA testing in Normal mode on a full-frame/FX DSLR; Normal and Sport modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm95 mm
Maximum diameter140 mm106 mm
Length387 mm237 mm
Weight3,090 g1,460 g
ControlsReviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recallFocus ring, focus-mode switch, focus limiter and VR switch; Photography Blog identifies focus-function buttons and memory recall
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread95 mm screw-in filters; 1.0 mm thread pitch
Weather resistanceOriginal Nikon announcement describes sealing and gaskets against the elements; no waterproof rating statedNikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction with seals at moving barrel parts and other locations; fluorine coating helps repel dirt and water on the front lens surface
Dimensions detailApproximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 106 mm maximum diameter × 237 mm length from the lens mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 1,460 g
Tripod mount–Rotating tripod collar; Photography Blog describes the locking knob for switching between horizontal and vertical orientation
Lens hood–HB-84 bayonet hood included
In the boxNikon UK lists slip-on front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-34 hood, 40.5 mm NC filter, CT-505 case, LN-2 strap and monopod collarLC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-84 hood and CL-M5 lens case
Release detailNikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale dateNikon USA announced availability on 13 September 2018; Nikon Japan records sale on 14 September 2018

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