Request a product

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR vs Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VRNikonAF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018July 2015
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length500 mm600 mm
Maximum aperturef/5.6f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Optical construction19 elements in 11 groups16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element
Special elementsThree ED glass elements and one Phase Fresnel elementFour ED elements and two fluorite elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front lens surfaceNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass
Aperture detailElectromagnetic E-type automatic diaphragm–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 4°10′; DX 2°40′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon F mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F mount with FX coverage, also usable on DX; Nikon warns that some cameras impose E-type lens restrictions. Nikon USA confirms Z6 and Z7 use with the FTZ mount adapterCPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control restricts compatibility with some older DSLRs
Teleconverter supportNikon confirms compatibility with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E IIIOriginal 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 m4.4 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.14×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailNikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possibleInternal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focus
Focus distance detailMinimum 3 m from the focal plane; focus limiter selects the full range or infinity–8 mMinimum focal-plane distance 4.4 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–10 m
Stabilisation detailFour stops under CIPA testing in Normal mode on a full-frame/FX DSLR; Normal and Sport modes, with tripod vibration reduction supportedLens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm40.5 mm
Maximum diameter106 mm166 mm
Length237 mm432 mm
Weight1,460 g3,810 g
ControlsFocus ring, focus-mode switch, focus limiter and VR switch; Photography Blog identifies focus-function buttons and memory recallReviews describe A/M, M/A and M focusing modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recall
Filter detail95 mm screw-in filters; 1.0 mm thread pitch40.5 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread
Weather resistanceNikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction with seals at moving barrel parts and other locations; fluorine coating helps repel dirt and water on the front lens surfaceOriginal Nikon announcement describes sealing and gaskets against the elements; no waterproof rating stated
Dimensions detailApproximately 106 mm maximum diameter × 237 mm length from the lens mount flangeApproximately 166 mm maximum diameter × 432 mm from the mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1,460 g–
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar; Photography Blog describes the locking knob for switching between horizontal and vertical orientationTripod collar and foot; a shorter monopod foot is supplied
Lens hoodHB-84 bayonet hood included–
In the boxLC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-84 hood and CL-M5 lens caseNikon UK lists slip-on front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-40 hood, 40.5 mm NC filter, CT-608 case, LN-2 strap and monopod collar
Release detailNikon USA announced availability on 13 September 2018; Nikon Japan records sale on 14 September 2018Nikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale date

More comparisons