AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR
- 500mm
- f/5.6
- Prime
- Stabilized
- 1460 g
- Min focus 3 m
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Quick answer
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
Verdict
The practical 500mm for hikers and wildlife shooters.
About this lens
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR: a telephoto prime lens with a 500mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/5.6, made for Nikon F mount cameras, with Vibration Reduction, Silent Wave Motor autofocus and extra-low dispersion glass. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR specifications
- Brand
- Nikon
- Mount
- Nikon F
- Focal length
- 500mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/5.6
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2018
- Optical construction
- 19 elements in 11 groups
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- SWM
- Minimum focus distance
- 3 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.18x
- Filter thread
- 95 mm
- Weight
- 1460 g
- Length
- 237 mm
- Diameter
- 106 mm
Specification source: imaging.nikon.com
What can you shoot with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR?
- Birds and wildlife
- Travel
- Aviation
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 500mm | 4.1° | 5° |
| APS-C | 1.5x | 750mm | 2.7° | 3.3° |
Frequently asked questions
How heavy is the Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF?
About 1.46kg, far lighter than a conventional 500mm f/4. Handheld shooting is realistic.
Does the 500mm f/5.6E PF work with the TC-14E III?
Yes, giving 700mm f/8, which supports autofocus on suitable bodies.
Does the 500mm f/5.6E PF work on Z cameras?
Yes, through the FTZ adapter, with autofocus and VR working.
Alternatives for Nikon F from other brands
All Nikon F lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
