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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4

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NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2015September 2024
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length500 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED elements and two fluorite elementsOne aspherical element
Aperture detail–f/1.4–16
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass–
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 47°; DX 31°30′
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; FX/full-frame 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 m0.37 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.17×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 mMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance published
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.17×
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 Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter140 mm74.5 mm
Length387 mm86.5 mm
Weight3,090 g420 g
ControlsReviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recallSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps lens length unchanged
Filter detail40.5 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceOriginal Nikon announcement describes sealing and gaskets against the elements; no waterproof rating statedDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 420 g
Lens hood–HB-115 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-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hood
Release detailNikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale dateNikon USA states late September 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. The co-marketed f/1.8 S is not treated as its predecessor

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