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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1

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 VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018January 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length500 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/5.6f/4–7.1
Minimum aperturef/32f/22–40
Optical construction19 elements in 11 groups12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED glass elements and one Phase Fresnel elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front lens surface–
Aperture detailElectromagnetic E-type automatic diaphragmf/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z 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 adapterNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter supportNikon confirms compatibility with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance3 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.5×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailNikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possibleStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 3 m from the focal plane; focus limiter selects the full range or infinity–8 mDistances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailFour stops under CIPA testing in Normal mode on a full-frame/FX DSLR; Normal and Sport modes, with tripod vibration reduction supportedNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter106 mm73.5 mm
Length237 mm106.5 mm
Weight1,460 g350 g
ControlsFocus ring, focus-mode switch, focus limiter and VR switch; Photography Blog identifies focus-function buttons and memory recallCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm
Filter detail95 mm screw-in filters; 1.0 mm thread pitch–
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 surfaceDesigned for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 106 mm maximum diameter × 237 mm length from the lens mount flangeApproximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1,460 gApproximately 350 g
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar; Photography Blog describes the locking knob for switching between horizontal and vertical orientation–
Lens hoodHB-84 bayonet hood includedOptional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews
In the boxLC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-84 hood and CL-M5 lens caseLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits
Release detailNikon USA announced availability on 13 September 2018; Nikon Japan records sale on 14 September 2018US maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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