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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR

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NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VRNikonAF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2015July 2015
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length500 mm600 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element
Special elementsThree ED elements and two fluorite elementsFour ED elements and two fluorite elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glassNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 4°10′; DX 2°40′
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 DSLRsCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control restricts compatibility with some older DSLRs
Teleconverter supportOriginal Nikon announcement lists TC-14E, TC-17E and TC-20E series; autofocus operation depends on the converter and camera aperture supportOriginal Nikon announcement lists TC-14E, TC-17E and TC-20E series; autofocus operation depends on the converter and camera aperture support
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance3.6 m4.4 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.14×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focus
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 mMinimum focal-plane distance 4.4 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–10 m
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supportedLens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm40.5 mm
Maximum diameter140 mm166 mm
Length387 mm432 mm
Weight3,090 g3,810 g
ControlsReviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recallReviews describe A/M, M/A and M focusing modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recall
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread40.5 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread
Weather resistanceOriginal Nikon announcement describes sealing and gaskets against the elements; no waterproof rating statedOriginal Nikon announcement describes sealing and gaskets against the elements; no waterproof rating stated
Dimensions detailApproximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 166 mm maximum diameter × 432 mm from the mount flange
Tripod mount–Tripod collar and foot; a shorter monopod foot is supplied
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 collarNikon UK lists slip-on front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-40 hood, 40.5 mm NC filter, CT-608 case, LN-2 strap and monopod collar
Release detailNikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale dateNikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale date

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