A full-frame Nikon F-mount 500 mm super-telephoto prime using a Phase Fresnel element to keep its weight to 1,460 g, with optical VR and an electromagnetic diaphragm.
Both recommend it for making handheld super-telephoto photography more practical, praising its manageable size and low colour fringing. Photography Blog finds excellent sharpness at f/5.6, reliable autofocus and smooth backgrounds, but sees corner shading. Digital Camera World is less impressed by sharpness in its lab tests, while still praising the overall image quality and portability. Both identify the smaller aperture as the trade-off against an f/4 lens.
Three ED glass elements and one Phase Fresnel element
Coatings
Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front lens surface
Aperture detail
Electromagnetic E-type automatic diaphragm
Diaphragm
Nine rounded blades
Angle of view
FX 5°; DX 3°10′
Mount and compatibility
Mounts
Nikon F mount
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Nikon 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 adapter
Teleconverter support
Nikon confirms compatibility with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III
Focus and stabilisation
Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
3 m
Maximum magnification
0.18×
Optical stabilisation
Yes
Autofocus detail
Nikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possible
Focus distance detail
Minimum 3 m from the focal plane; focus limiter selects the full range or infinity–8 m
Stabilisation detail
Four stops under CIPA testing in Normal mode on a full-frame/FX DSLR; Normal and Sport modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported
Design
Dust and moisture resistant
Yes
Filter diameter
95 mm
Maximum diameter
106 mm
Length
237 mm
Weight
1,460 g
Controls
Focus ring, focus-mode switch, focus limiter and VR switch; Photography Blog identifies focus-function buttons and memory recall
Filter detail
95 mm screw-in filters; 1.0 mm thread pitch
Weather resistance
Nikon 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 surface
Dimensions detail
Approximately 106 mm maximum diameter × 237 mm length from the lens mount flange
Weight detail
Approximately 1,460 g
Tripod mount
Rotating tripod collar; Photography Blog describes the locking knob for switching between horizontal and vertical orientation
Lens hood
HB-84 bayonet hood included
In the box
LC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-84 hood and CL-M5 lens case
Release detail
Nikon USA announced availability on 13 September 2018; Nikon Japan records sale on 14 September 2018
Pros and cons
Pros
+1,460 g weight and 237 mm length
+Optical VR with Normal and Sport modes
+Dust- and drip-resistant construction with a fluorine-coated front element
Cons
−Fixed 500 mm focal length
−One stop slower than an f/4 lens
−E-type diaphragm restricts compatibility with older cameras
