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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 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/5.6E PF ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018September 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length500 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/5.6f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Macro lens–No
Optical construction19 elements in 11 groups14 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsThree ED glass elements and one Phase Fresnel elementTwo ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front lens surfaceMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailElectromagnetic E-type automatic diaphragm–
DiaphragmNine rounded blades11 rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′FX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z
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 adapterNikon Z mount, FX/full-frame image circle
Teleconverter supportNikon confirms compatibility with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance3 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.32×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailNikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possibleMulti-focusing system with Silky Swift Voice Coil Motors
Focus distance detailMinimum 3 m from the focal plane; focus limiter selects the full range or infinity–8 mMinimum focus from focal plane 0.24 m at 24/28 mm, 0.27 m at 35 mm, 0.30 m at 50 mm and 0.33 m at 70 mm
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.21× at 24 mm or 0.32× at 70 mm
Stabilisation detailFour stops under CIPA testing in Normal mode on a full-frame/FX DSLR; Normal and Sport modes, with tripod vibration reduction supportedNo in-lens VR according to Photography Blog; stabilisation depends on the attached camera body
Video features–Focus-breathing suppression; internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity steady on gimbals
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter106 mm84 mm
Length237 mm142 mm
Weight1,460 g675 g
ControlsFocus ring, focus-mode switch, focus limiter and VR switch; Photography Blog identifies focus-function buttons and memory recallClick on/off control ring, two assignable L-fn buttons and focus-limit switch that restricts minimum focus to 0.33 m throughout the zoom range
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains the lens length
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 surfaceDust- and drip-resistant construction; not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 106 mm maximum diameter × 237 mm length from the lens mount flangeApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter by 142 mm from camera mount flange to lens end
Weight detailApproximately 1,460 gMaker approximately 675 g
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar; Photography Blog describes the locking knob for switching between horizontal and vertical orientation–
Lens hoodHB-84 bayonet hood includedHB-117 with window for rotating filters
In the boxLC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-84 hood and CL-M5 lens caseLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-117 hood and CL-C2 case
Release detailNikon USA announced availability on 13 September 2018; Nikon Japan records sale on 14 September 2018Announced 22 August 2025; Nikon US specified mid-September availability. Main keeps the confirmed month without inventing a UK retail day

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