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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7

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 DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length500 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/5.6f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/32f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical construction19 elements in 11 groupsEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED glass elements and one Phase Fresnel elementOne aspherical ED element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front lens surface–
Aperture detailElectromagnetic E-type automatic diaphragmAt infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 5°; DX 3°10′DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
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; designed for DX/APS-C format
Teleconverter supportNikon confirms compatibility with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance3 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.18×0.67×
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 mMinimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens
Magnification detail–Actual maximum reproduction ratio 0.67×; Nikon describes this as life-size equivalent in 35 mm/FX format, rather than an actual 1× ratio
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; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter95 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter106 mm70 mm
Length237 mm72 mm
Weight1,460 g220 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; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail95 mm screw-in filters; 1.0 mm thread pitch52 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 drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 106 mm maximum diameter × 237 mm length from the lens mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1,460 gApproximately 220 g, lens only
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar; Photography Blog describes the locking knob for switching between horizontal and vertical orientation–
Lens hoodHB-84 bayonet hood includedOptional HN-43, sold separately
In the boxLC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-84 hood and CL-M5 lens caseLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
Release detailNikon USA announced availability on 13 September 2018; Nikon Japan records sale on 14 September 2018Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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