Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR vs Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED is faster by 1 stop (f/2.8 vs f/4.0), letting in more light.
- Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED is lighter by 2330g.
- Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED goes wider (180mm vs 500mm).
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR reaches further (500mm vs 180mm).
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR is the newer design (2015 vs 1986).
| Spec | AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR | AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 500mm | 180mm (wider) |
| Max aperture | f/4.0 | f/2.8 (faster) |
| Released | 2015 | 1986 |
| Blades | 9 | n/a |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 12 | 6 |
| Af motor | SWM | none |
| Elements | 16 | 8 |
| Weight g | 3090.0 | 760.0 (lighter) |
| Length mm | 387.0 | 144.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | n/a |
| Diameter mm | 140.0 | 78.5 |
| Min focus m | 3.6 | 1.5 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.15 | n/a |
| Filter mm | n/a | 72 |
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
Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED
A compact telephoto prime with ED glass and internal focusing, with a 72mm filter thread. It weighs about 760g.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture
- Light for a 180mm f/2.8
- Internal focusing
- Sharp
Cons
- Screw-drive AF
- No VR
- Older coatings