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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II

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 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2015September 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length500 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Macro lens–No
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element14 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsThree ED elements and two fluorite elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glassMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine-coated front element
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control11 rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control restricts compatibility with some older DSLRsNikon Z mount, FX/full-frame image circle
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 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.32×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusMulti-focusing system with Silky Swift Voice Coil Motors
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 mMinimum focus from focal plane 0.24 m at 24/28 mm, 0.27 m at 35 mm, 0.30 m at 50 mm and 0.33 m at 70 mm
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.21× at 24 mm or 0.32× at 70 mm
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supportedNo in-lens VR according to Photography Blog; stabilisation depends on the attached camera body
Video features–Focus-breathing suppression; internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity steady on gimbals
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter140 mm84 mm
Length387 mm142 mm
Weight3,090 g675 g
ControlsReviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recallClick on/off control ring, two assignable L-fn buttons and focus-limit switch that restricts minimum focus to 0.33 m throughout the zoom range
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains the lens length
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 statedDust- and drip-resistant construction; not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter by 142 mm from camera mount flange to lens end
Weight detail–Maker approximately 675 g
Lens hood–HB-117 with window for rotating filters
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-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-117 hood and CL-C2 case
Release detailNikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale dateAnnounced 22 August 2025; Nikon US specified mid-September availability. Main keeps the confirmed month without inventing a UK retail day

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