Lens Summary
Brand: Nikon
Also Known As: Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF VR
Lens Type: Prime Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Release Date: 2018-08-23
MSRP Price: $3599.95
Made in: Japan
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: Contrary to popular belief, a super telephoto does not have to be a massive lens, proven here with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR. Taking exceptionally long reach and giving it a hand-holdable form factor, this 500mm prime utilizes a unique Phase Fresnel element to greatly reduce the size and weight compared to previous versions of the focal length. This PF element, along with three extra-low dispersion elements, also helps to virtually eliminate color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to achieve a high degree of clarity, sharpness, and color fidelity. Complementing this advanced optical design, individual elements also feature both Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings to suppress flare and ghosting, as well as a protective fluorine coating to guard the optical system from dust and moisture.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| * Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area | |
| Lens Type | Prime Lens |
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | Full Frame / APS-C |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | Yes |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.18x |
| Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization) | Yes |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Maximum Angle of View (APS-C or smaller format) | 3°10' |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 5°00' |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 19 |
| Lens Groups | 11 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 (Rounded) |
| Extra-Low Dispersion Glass Elements | 3 |
| Special Glass Elements | 1 PF Element |
| Nano Crystal Coat | Yes |
| Super Integrated Coat (SIC) | Yes |
| Fluorine Coating | Yes |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| Silent Wave Motor (SWM) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.0 m/9.8 ft |
| Electronic Diaphragm | Yes |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 95mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Dimensions | 106 mm maximum diameter x 237 mm |
| Weight | 1,460 g/3 lb 3.5 oz |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | Black |
| Supplied Accessories | LC-95 95 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, HB-84 Bayonet Hood, CL-M5 Lens Case |
Lens Construction
MTF Chart
Love it since I own it.
This lens deserves a review,
Edit: my bad, it looks like we only did the initial impressions:
photographylife.com/nikon…mpressions
The problem with this lens has been lack of availability – I have had it on B&H notification since it was released, could never make it on time for it to ship.
Finally… during lockdown I managed to source a used version of the PF 500. I sold my 500 FL ED last year which I’d originally bought after reading the review in Photography Life. It was a fantastic lens and took some great pictures but I struggled to get it to work well with birds in flight. While it was not superheavy, traveling with it did create some issues – and its not a lens to hang round your neck for long.
Lockdown has not been helpful in using the PF 500 to its limits. Being half the weight of the FLED it is immensely portable and handholdable. Its also quick to focus at f5.6 and and super sharp – I would say its as sharp as the FLED and easier to get quick pictures of wildlife.
I’ve used it with the TC 1.4 – but focus needs calibrating as it seems to focus a couple of inches in front of the subject. Will get this sorted soon.
Overall… its a sensational lens. Goes in a small backpack and can be carried round the neck for long periods without a problem. Going on a birding trip in 2 weeks so some BIF practice coming up with eagles and vultures…
Mark,
same here I got my copy of the 500 pf because I was so amazed with the 300 pf. While independent on Teleconverter use I set my 300 pf in AF-Fine Tuning to -2 ( I am using it with 1.4 times and 1.7 times Tc’s from Nikon) I have to say that my copy of the 500 pf is spot on. In terms of sharpness (coming from the 500-200) its a completely new experience. Using the 1.4 TC did not change anything in terms of its focussing. Its sharp and great even wide open. The performance with the 1.7 TC is still amazing and maybe the best I ever got out of the 1.7 TC (even though its already great with the 300 pf). The 500 pf is even better. I stop the lens down to f/11 but then under good light and taking care of keeping iso below 500 the pictures are great – you just night good light conditions.
I love both pf lenses as they are so light which allows you to track birds and their behavior as well as their interactions in a much more relaxed fashion and over a larger time frame. Having an f/4 prime would be fantastic but I struggled already with the 500-200 (which is also bulky) when tracking animals in trees over extended periods.
P.S. Lucky that you got a used copy – they seem hard to get !
Plse post a review of this wonderful lens, am eagerly waiting for yours, but every time I gets disappointed..
I think pl is the most informative photography site
Just received a copy, the lens was everything I hoped for, sharp and quite portable. Build quality is excellent.
Will there be a review of this tantalising lens by Photography Life?