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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR 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 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2015March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length500 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED elements and two fluorite elementsOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glassMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
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 supportCompatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance3.6 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.3×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focusSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 mDistances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 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 supportedMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on camera
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter40.5 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter140 mm90 mm
Length387 mm208 mm
Weight3,090 g998 g
ControlsReviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recallAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmware
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
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 resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with it
Tripod mount–Removable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.
Lens hood–HB-119 with filter-adjustment window
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-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover
Release detailNikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale dateUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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