Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR vs Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2D
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2D is faster by 3 stops (f/2.0 vs f/5.6), letting in more light.
- Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2D is lighter by 645g.
- Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2D goes wider (135mm vs 500mm).
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR reaches further (500mm vs 135mm).
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR is the newer design (2018 vs 1990).
| Spec | AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR | AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2D |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Nikon |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon F |
| Type | Prime | Prime |
| Focal length | 500mm | 135mm (wider) |
| Max aperture | f/5.6 | f/2.0 (faster) |
| Released | 2018 | 1990 |
| Blades | 9 | n/a |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 11 | 6 |
| Af motor | SWM | none |
| Elements | 19 | 7 |
| Weight g | 1460.0 | 815.0 (lighter) |
| Filter mm | 95 | 72 |
| Length mm | 237.0 | 120.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | n/a |
| Diameter mm | 106.0 | 79.0 |
| Min focus m | 3.0 | 1.1 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.18 | n/a |
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR
A 2018 super-telephoto that weighs just 1.46kg thanks to a Phase Fresnel element. It has VR and a 95mm filter thread.
Pros
- Light for 500mm
- VR
- Close focus of 3m
- Sharp
Cons
- f/5.6 aperture
- PF flare near bright lights
- Large 95mm filter size
Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2D
Telephoto portrait lens with the same Defocus Control ring as the 105mm DC, introduced in 1990. It is large, heavy and uses screw-drive focusing.
Pros
- f/2 aperture
- Defocus Control ring
- Metal build
Cons
- About 815g
- Screw-drive autofocus
- No stabilization