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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4

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 50mm f/1.4
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018September 2024
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length500 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/5.6f/1.4
Minimum aperturef/32f/16
Optical construction19 elements in 11 groups10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED glass elements and one Phase Fresnel elementOne aspherical element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front lens surface–
Aperture detailElectromagnetic E-type automatic diaphragmf/1.4–16
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine 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
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; FX/full-frame 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 m0.37 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.17×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailNikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possibleMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 3 m from the focal plane; focus limiter selects the full range or infinity–8 mMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance published
Magnification detail–Maximum 0.17×
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 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 diameter95 mm62 mm
Maximum diameter106 mm74.5 mm
Length237 mm86.5 mm
Weight1,460 g420 g
ControlsFocus ring, focus-mode switch, focus limiter and VR switch; Photography Blog identifies focus-function buttons and 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 detail95 mm screw-in filters; 1.0 mm thread pitch62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm 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 moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 106 mm maximum diameter × 237 mm length from the lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1,460 gApproximately 420 g
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar; Photography Blog describes the locking knob for switching between horizontal and vertical orientation–
Lens hoodHB-84 bayonet hood includedHB-115 included
In the boxLC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-84 hood and CL-M5 lens caseLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hood
Release detailNikon USA announced availability on 13 September 2018; Nikon Japan records sale on 14 September 2018Nikon 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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