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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ

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

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NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2015April 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length500 mm28–135 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/4
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element18 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsThree ED elements and two fluorite elementsThree ED elements, one aspherical ED element and four aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glassMeso Amorphous Coat and fluorine coating on the front element
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 75° to 18°10′; DX 53° to 12°
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 DSLRs–
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 m0.34 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.25×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusStepping motor autofocus and internal focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 mMinimum focal-plane distances of 0.34 m at 28, 35 and 50 mm; 0.39 m at 70 mm; 0.43 m at 85 mm; 0.49 m at 105 mm; 0.57 m at 135 mm
Magnification detail–Maximum reproduction ratio 0.25× at 55–135 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 optical VR, confirmed by Digital Camera World; camera stabilisation depends on the body
Video features–Focus-breathing suppression, linear manual-focus support and power zoom; Hi-Res Zoom synchronisation requires a supported camera and suitable firmware
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm95 mm
Maximum diameter140 mm105 mm
Length387 mm177.5 mm
Weight3,090 g1,210 g
ControlsReviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recallZoom rocker, electronically coupled zoom and focus rings, customisable control ring, two L-Fn buttons and A–M switch; no mechanically driven manual zoom ring
Zoom design–Internal power zoom with eleven selectable speeds on compatible cameras; adjustable zoom-ring direction and rotation angle, with firmware and camera compatibility requirements
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread95 mm screw-in filter thread; HB-116 rectangular hood has a filter adjustment window
Weather resistanceOriginal Nikon announcement describes sealing and gaskets against the elements; no waterproof rating statedMaker dust and drip-resistant design; protection is not guaranteed in every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 105 mm maximum diameter × 177.5 mm from the mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 1,210 g including tripod collar, used in the main specifications; approximately 1,120 g without it
Tripod mount–Tripod collar with removable foot
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-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-116 hood and CL-C5 case
Release detailNikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale dateNikon USA specified April 2025 retail availability; the February announcement date is not used as the on-sale date

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