Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR vs Samyang 500mm f/6.3 Mirror
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR is faster by 1.3 stops (f/4.0 vs f/6.3), letting in more light.
| Spec | AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR | 500mm f/6.3 Mirror |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Samyang |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Type | Prime | Mirror |
| Focal length | 500mm | 500mm |
| Max aperture | f/4.0 (faster) | f/6.3 |
| Released | 2015 | n/a |
| Blades | 9 | n/a |
| Format | full-frame | n/a |
| Groups | 12 | n/a |
| Af motor | SWM | n/a |
| Elements | 16 | n/a |
| Weight g | 3090.0 | n/a |
| Length mm | 387.0 | n/a |
| Stabilized | Yes | n/a |
| Diameter mm | 140.0 | n/a |
| Min focus m | 3.6 | n/a |
| Max magnification | 0.15 | n/a |
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR
500mm f/4 telephoto with fluorite elements, electromagnetic aperture and VR, introduced in 2015. It weighs about 3.1kg.
Pros
- f/4 with VR
- Fluorite elements
- Lighter than the previous 500mm f/4G
- Weather-sealed
Cons
- Large
- Needs a gimbal head or monopod
Samyang 500mm f/6.3 Mirror
A 500mm f/6.3 mirror telephoto lens, the Samyang 500mm f/6.3 Mirror is designed for Nikon F mount bodies. Its catadioptric design keeps a long focal length compact and light.