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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2015January 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length500 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4–7.1
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–40
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED elements and two fluorite elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass–
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control restricts compatibility with some older DSLRsNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter 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 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.5×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 mDistances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supportedNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter140 mm73.5 mm
Length387 mm106.5 mm
Weight3,090 g350 g
ControlsReviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recallCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm
Filter detail40.5 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 statedDesigned for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 350 g
Lens hood–Optional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews
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-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits
Release detailNikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale dateUS maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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