Contrary to common perception, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR proves that a super telephoto lens can be compact and portable. This 500mm prime lens incorporates a Phase Fresnel (PF) element, resulting in a significantly reduced size and weight compared to previous versions of this focal length. Alongside three extra-low dispersion elements, the PF element virtually eliminates color fringing and chromatic aberrations, ensuring exceptional clarity, sharpness, and color accuracy. The lens is further enhanced by Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, which effectively minimize flare and ghosting, as well as a protective fluorine coating that safeguards against dust and moisture.
The telephoto lens features a Silent Wave Motor AF system, delivering fast and near-silent autofocus performance suitable for both still photography and video recording. Manual focus override is easily achieved by manually turning the focus ring. In fast-paced situations and challenging lighting conditions, VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization compensates for camera shake, enabling sharper handheld shooting. An electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability, particularly beneficial when working with faster continuous shooting rates.
This super telephoto lens is designed for FX-format Nikon F-mount cameras and is also compatible with DX models, offering a 750mm equivalent focal length. Its optical design includes one Phase Fresnel element and three extra-low dispersion lens elements, effectively reducing chromatic aberrations and color fringing while minimizing the overall weight of the lens. The combination of Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings reduces surface and internal reflections, resulting in reduced flare and ghosting. Vibration Reduction image stabilization minimizes camera shake by up to four stops, with a Sport Mode for fast-paced shooting and a Tripod Mode for suppressing vibrations when using a support system. The Silent Wave Motor enables quick, quiet, and precise autofocus, while the internal focusing design maintains the lens’s length and promotes faster focusing speeds. The lens is protected by a fluorine-coated front element, and the dust- and moisture-resistant magnesium-alloy barrel ensures durability in inclement conditions. A removable tripod collar is included for well-balanced support when using a monopod or tripod. The specialized electromagnetic aperture mechanism provides greater exposure control stability, especially useful when working with fast continuous shooting rates.
The lens is compatible with select Nikon camera models and can be used with optional AF-S Teleconverter TC-14, TC-17, and TC-20 teleconverters.