AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR

Released July 2015

A full-frame Nikon F-mount 500 mm f/4 prime with optical VR, fluorite elements and electromagnetic aperture control.

Mount: Nikon F mount
Focal length: 500 mm
Max aperture: f/4
Stabilisation: Yes
Weight: 3,090 g

What reviewers say

Both find excellent sharpness from f/4, rapid autofocus, effective stabilisation and very little colour fringing or distortion. They praise the build and handling, but consider the price high. ePHOTOzine finds it well balanced for handheld shooting on a D600 and praises flare resistance; Digital Camera World notes that it remains heavy despite the reduction from the earlier generation.

From ephotozine.com and digitalcameraworld.com

Specifications

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Optics

Lens type: Prime
Focal length: 500 mm
Maximum aperture: f/4
Minimum aperture: f/22
Optical construction: 16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element
Special elements: Three ED elements and two fluorite elements
Coatings: Nano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass
Diaphragm: Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control
Angle of view: FX 5°; DX 3°10′

Mount and compatibility

Mounts: Nikon F mount
Image circle: Full frame
Compatibility: CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control restricts compatibility with some older DSLRs
Teleconverter support: Original Nikon announcement lists TC-14E, TC-17E and TC-20E series; autofocus operation depends on the converter and camera aperture support

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus: Yes
Minimum focus distance: 3.6 m
Maximum magnification: 0.15×
Optical stabilisation: Yes
Autofocus detail: Internal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focus
Focus distance detail: Minimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 m
Stabilisation detail: Lens-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 resistant: Yes
Filter diameter: 40.5 mm
Maximum diameter: 140 mm
Length: 387 mm
Weight: 3,090 g
Controls: Reviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recall
Filter detail: 40.5 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread
Weather resistance: Original Nikon announcement describes sealing and gaskets against the elements; no waterproof rating stated
Dimensions detail: Approximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flange
In the box: Nikon UK lists slip-on front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-34 hood, 40.5 mm NC filter, CT-505 case, LN-2 strap and monopod collar
Release detail: Nikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale date

Pros and cons

Pros

Constant f/4 maximum aperture
Optical VR with NORMAL and SPORT modes
Internal focusing and configurable autofocus buttons

Cons

Approximately 3,090 g
Minimum focus distance of 3.6 m

Closest rivals

Model	Mount	Focal length	Max aperture	Stabilisation	Weight	Released
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR	Nikon F mount	600 mm	f/4	Yes	3,810 g	Jul 2015
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR	Nikon F mount	500 mm	f/5.6	Yes	1,460 g	Sept 2018
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR	Nikon F mount	400 mm	f/2.8	Yes	3,800 g	Aug 2014

Sources

Photo: Nikon UK lens photograph

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR — AFS 500E FL angle2: Nikon official press library, exact supplied photograph AFS_500E_FL_angle2.jpg

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