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Review Summary
2024-12-13T10:53:41
LOVE this 500mm pf lens!! lightweight, wonderful optics/sharp! Nice bokeh and easy to walk around with for lengthy outings -( my shoulder is kaput, worn out, bone on bone) these lighter pf telephoto lenses are a blessing - works amazing on the D850 and with adapter to Z series bodies. I got mine on sale a few yrs ago and no regrets!
Karen K.
2024-12-10T12:36:41
I've been using this lens for several years for my wildlife photography. Its light weight makes up for its 5.6E. Focus is crisp and fast. I bought it for my D850 but now it is working great with my Z8 with the adapter.
Stan K.
2024-03-28T10:54:48
Excellent item. Adororma shipped it in an already open/damaged box, indicating it was a returned item. It was still in mint condition.
Zoe C.
2023-10-13T15:36:55
I've had this for a few years now and it is one of the best purchases I've made for bird and wildlife photography. It's a great option for those who can't afford the $14k high end telephotos and can be handheld.
George W.
2023-09-14T19:51:05
Awesome lens, light short and very good to track birds. This is a sharp lens, great buy.
Albert C.
2023-05-20T02:33:23
A superb glass to carry anytime photographing wildlife. It's a KEEPER!!!!
Salvador
2023-04-30T15:31:11
Light, super fast AF, and unbelievable clarity across the entire field whether you are at F/5.6 or 16. It's just hard to believe that a lens this small and light has so much capability. Compares to all 500mm f/4 lens I've used in terms of sharpness, contrast and AF speeds.
Nikon15
2023-02-26T06:57:05
Amazing lens. Purchased used from Adorama, great condition and great price. Thank you!
Larry M.
2022-10-20T11:06:17
I bought this after some research on a long lens for our trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons National parks. The weight was important for me since I?m in my 70s . I used this lens on my Z6ii with the adapter, and all worked perfectly. The only negative I can say is I shoot very early mornings and the low light was difficult at times, bumped up the iso or iso auto took care of this, with not too much noise. Used for landscape captures and animals.
Bob h.
2022-08-13T15:57:34
Be careful not to use the tripod mount as a Arca Swiss mount. It will fall off. Use good tripod plate for the mount.
Patrick I.
2022-07-31T16:35:05
A very sharp lens. Very quick to focus on the z9
Bruce C.
2022-07-05T16:49:49
The Nikon 500mm prime lens and Fotopro tripod are a perfect match. The lens produces very clear and crisp images with no issues - in fact it has taken my photography experiences to a higher level! The tripod is perfect for this lens and my Nikon D850. All in all, the combination products are a good investment, not just an expense. Highly recommended!
THOMAS M.
2022-06-29T05:22:58
Superb super telephoto prime. Fast focus, sharp images, buttery backgrounds, and light weight. Produces sharp, crystal clear images. Pairs well with a 1.4 teleconverter. Works flawlessly with Z cameras. It?s a keeper,
Edward B.
2022-05-29T15:51:20
I use this lens on both my D500 and Z6 ll (with the FTZ adapter). The sharpness is amazing with both cameras. Bird feathers are tack-sharp even at 200% image size. I especially like the relatively light weight when mated with the Z6 II. The included Capture 1 software is also amazing. Once you learn it you will never use any other editing software.
Alex R.
2022-05-29T05:56:43
Like most others have said here, I am incredibly happy with this 500mm super tele. Lightweight and sharp on focus, it's a pleasure to carry. New possibilities open up with this lens, so if you are into wildlife photography, find the $$$ because this one is worth every penny! Great job Nikon/Nikkor!
Randall K.
2022-05-15T11:07:06
As a fan of the older, big lenses, I was surprised at how well this works... and all the new opportunities it opens for wildlife photography.
Bob H.
2022-04-13T09:13:13
This is a great lens, it was a short learning curve for holding it steady. It was because it is physically lighter and shorter than other telephotos I have used, it seems that the extra weight is harder to move quickly helping create steadiness. The 500 PF is lighter and easier to move but it has a great vibration reduction system and I learned pretty quick to be aware of the problem and that is basically all it took for me to get consistently sharp photos. I think it?s just what I needed and love shooting with it.
Harold S.
2022-03-13T10:50:37
It is so compact that people don't believe it is a 500mm lens! It is also extremely light weight for a lens of this focal length, very sharp, and focuses instantly. I am 70+ years old and could never follow focus on birds in flight until I started using this lens. Another great benefit is that it fits in a normal camera bag for those rare times when it is not on the camera. I have not encountered any Flare issues but did notice that there is a PF option in NX Studio's Lens correction options.
Jerrold T.
2022-01-23T02:58:56
My lens arrived in just a few days. It was packaged securely. Thank you
Ralph D.
2022-01-14T06:23:26
The lens couldn't be better. I am so happy to have it. Getting it was a bit tedious. You promised "Expedited" delivery and explained that meant 1-3 days. My delivery too 6 days. It arrived at the destination UPS station at 3:30 AM on a Friday. They just held it until Monday before delivering This is not my definition of "expedited.".
RICHARD K.
2021-12-31T08:15:59
This is an awesome lens. Very reliable and sharp.
Joseph D.
2021-11-30T12:36:38
An impossibly light and sharp prime telephoto lens. Autofocus speed is 3 times faster than my sigma 150-600mm. Anyone hand holding for wildlife should consider getting one.
KEVIN O.
2021-11-26T12:45:49
I wish I had the budget to own one of the super exotic lenses but this puts me pretty close. I originally paired it with my D850 but lately I have been using it with my Z7 ii for a range of birds and mammals. Focus is very fast compared to a Sigma 150-600 that it replaced and sharpness is outstanding. The best feature for me is the size and weight. I can hike a mile or more and then hand hold this lens easily. The photo was hand held at about 50 feet and then cropped to near 100%
Jim N.
2021-10-30T05:33:26
Really sharp and light! Makes hand holding a breeze!
Elizabeth J.
2021-09-17T14:28:43
I love this lens. I?ve been using it for a few months now and what a world of difference in clarity. I am so happy I spent the money for this lens. It?s really made a difference in my images.
Nancy M.
2021-08-20T17:35:59
Love the lite weight. Super Sharp
MARK K.
2021-08-12T11:36:25
The lens seems sharp on my D500. This lens is an equivalent to 750 mm. The autofocus seems good.
CARL B.
2021-07-26T08:55:24
This lens is significantly lighter and easier to maneuver than the 500mm f4 Nikon lens, allowing for quicker response times getting pictures of wildlife in the field. I can't think of any negatives about the lens, other than you do need a steady hand or a tripod to use it.
Brian S.
2021-07-02T08:31:37
Seriously, what needs to be said. Love this lens. Yes...it is worth it. I use it on a D500. It is the perfect bird photography combo.
Corby A.
2021-07-01T08:33:42
What a great lens!!! I am able to take sharp photos and it autofocus very quickly. I have used it with my D500 and Z7ii with wonderful results. Previously, I used the Nikon 200-500mm lens for wild life photos. But that lens just got too heavy for me to carry around on a regular basis (no such problem with the 500mm PF). I sold the 200-500mm and waited for the 500mm PF lens to become available. I must say the wait was well worth it.
Gary B.
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Nikon F
Full Frame
Super Telephoto
Nikon D300S, Nikon D800E, Nikon D780, Nikon D90, Nikon D5500, Nikon D7100, Nikon D3100 Body, Nikon D3X, Nikon D80, Nikon D40, Nikon D3200, Nikon D5300, Nikon D3, Nikon D610, Nikon D3000, Nikon D4S, Nikon D850, Nikon 7100, Nikon D2X, Nikon D3300, Nikon D7500, Nikon D810A, Nikon D4, Nikon D700, Nikon D7000, Nikon D3100, Nikon D500, Nikon D5200, Nikon D6, Nikon D800, Nikon D750, Nikon D5, Nikon D5100, Nikon D3400, Nikon D810, Nikon D300, Nikon D600, Nikon D3500, Nikon D7200, Nikon D5600, Nikon D500
Nikon PF, Nikon AF-S Series, Nikon E Series
Image Stabilization
Base
20082
Black
Auto Focus
Internal Focusing
9.84 / 3m
Yes
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)
500mm
f/5.6
95mm
5°
f/32
0.18x
Nano Crystal, Fluorine & Super Integrated Coatings
No
3
Yes
Removable and Rotating
No
No
19 Elements in 11 Groups
9
3.21lb / 1460g
4.17 x 9.33" / 106 x 237mm
018208200825
* If using a APS-C Lens on a Full Frame Camera OR Full-Frame Lens on a APS-C Camera then Image sensor will be narrowed down to APS-C size.
For any questions about compatibility with this product, call us at 800-223-2500 or you can email us any time.
f/5.6? Not Really a Negative
By Warren
Pin sharp it is. Easily hand held and f/5.6 isn't the negative I imagined with the ability of Expeed4 and 5 to handle higher ISO's. A great companion to the 300 f/4 with the Fresnel glass. The same soft background. Gotta love this new design inovation.. My 600 f/4 and 400 f/2,8 will still be readily available but, they'll sit more often than not unless seriously required.. Of course, then they'll be back in the vehicle or at the house. Isn't that always the way? I'm 72 and not as strong as I...
View full Review
Extremely sharp and easy to hold
By TXbirder
Just got back from my first shoot of a Great Blue Heron in morning light atop a snag about 40 feet off the ground. Shot at 1/1000 F8 ISO 720 about 10 minutes after sunrise. Focused on the eye; so it's tack sharp. but was pleasantly surprised to find the entire bird (head, breast, wings, and feet) was just as sharp as the eye. This will replace my 200-500mm since I mostly shot it at 500mm anyway. It's a joy to hold!
When photographing birds, wildlife, sports or action, mobility can make the difference between nailing the shot or missing it altogether. The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a fraction of the size of most full-frame 500mm lenses, freeing you to be as nimble as your subjects.
Nikon’s smallest, lightest full-frame 500mm prime lens ever—approx. 9.3 inches long and 3.2 lbs.
Powerful 500mm focal length (750mm equivalent on DX-format) brings the shots that matter in reach.
Handheld vibrations are tamed by VR image stabilization equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops* faster.
Proprietary Phase Fresnel technology
For nearly two centuries, Fresnel lenses were used in lighthouses to project a strong beam of light. By harnessing the idea in reverse—for gathering light instead of projecting it—Nikon engineers can create lenses that are shorter and lighter, with the same image quality and zoom power of much larger lenses.
Lighter, more compact optics don’t just benefit your mobility—a lighter focus lens group allows the autofocus system to focus faster, too. With the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) is able to operate at peak performance for fast, quiet autofocus.
When combined with Nikon’s Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and other NIKKOR glass elements, the Phase Fresnel element produces high resolution, high contrast images with beautiful background blur.
Use with Your Nikon DSLR or Mirrorless Camera: The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is also compatible with the new Nikon Z mirrorless camera bodies. To attach it, all you need is the Mount Adapter FTZ and you’re good to go with no loss of image quality. Auto Exposure (AE), autofocus (AF), and in-body VR (Vibration Reduction image stabilization) seamlessly work.
More reach when you need it: When shooting with a DX format DSLR or a full-frame DSLR in DX-Crop Mode, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR produces a whopping 750mm equivalent angle of view. Add the optional AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III for 1.4x more reach with only 1-stop loss of light and maintain autofocus.
Near-silent AF with seamless manual override: The Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) powers extremely fast, accurate and quiet autofocus. When manual adjustments are needed, just spin the smooth focus ring.
Internal Focusing: All focusing movements occur within the lens barrel, so the physical length of the lens never changes. You can also focus as close as 9.8 feet with a 0.18x reproduction ratio from your subject to reveal the finest details.
Ready for the field: The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is extensively weather-sealed and includes a protective front meniscus with Nikon’s Fluorine Coating (FLC), which repels water droplets, dust and grime and easily wipes clean.
Consistent, even exposures: Nikon’s Electromagnetic diaphragm (E) mechanism produces extremely consistent exposures, especially during high-speed shooting...shot after shot after shot.
Stable continuous shooting: When shooting sports or action, select SPORTS MODE VR for a specialized type of image stabilization that produces a more stable viewfinder image during high-speed continuous shooting and panning.
Focus recall: When you can predict where action might occur—say, a basketball hoop, or the corner of the racetrack—save the focus position and then quickly recall it with the press of a button on the lens.
Phase Fresnel: Phase Fresnel (PF) lens elements effectively compensate for chromatic aberration and ghosting when combined with ordinary glass lens elements. The PF lens element is based upon the Phase Fresnel lens, which appears to have a series of concentric circles engraved onto it. Utilizing a Phase Fresnel lens element allows Nikon engineers to use fewer lens elements, resulting in a more compact and lightweight lens. Due to the characteristics of a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens that utilizes the photo diffraction phenomenon, when there is a strong light source within the frame or when light enters the lens from outside of the frame, ring-shaped colored flare may occur according to shooting conditions. This phenomenon can be minimized with “PF Flare Control” to be included in Capture NX-D (ver.1.1.0 or later).
ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass: An optical glass developed by Nikon that is used with normal optical glass in telephoto lenses to obtain optimum correction of chromatic aberrations.
Nano Crystal Coat: An anti-reflective coating developed by Nikon that virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections across a wide range of wavelengths. Nano Crystal Coat uses ultrafine, nano-sized* crystal particles to eliminate reflections inside the lens throughout the spectrum of visible light waves (380 to 780 nm) in ways that far exceed the limits of conventional antireflection coating systems. Nano Crystal Coat not only solves ghost effects caused by red light, which was incredibly difficult for previous systems. It also effectively reduces ghost and flare effects caused by light entering the lens diagonally. The result: clearer images.
Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism: An electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism in the lens barrel provides highly accurate electronic diaphragm or aperture blade control when using auto exposure during continuous shooting. With conventional D/G type lenses, the diaphragm blades are operated by mechanical linkage levers.
Vibration Reduction: A Nikon in-lens technology that improves image stability by automatically compensating for camera shake. Lenses that offer VR will feature the abbreviation VR on the lens barrel.
Fluorine Coat: Photographers need gear that can withstand the elements. Nikon’s fluorine coat effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease or dirt, ensuring easy removal even when they adhere to the lens surface. Nikon’s fluorine coat endures a high frequency of lens surface wiping and its anti-reflective effect also contributes to the capture of clear images.
IF Lens: A NIKKOR lens in which only the internal lens group shifts during focusing. Thus, IF NIKKORS do not change in size during AF operation, allowing for compact, lightweight lenses capable of closer focusing distances. These lenses will be designated with the abbreviation IF on the lens barrel.
Silent Wave Motor: AF-S NIKKOR lenses feature Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This technology converts “traveling waves” into rotational energy to focus the optics. This enables high-speed autofocusing that's extremely accurate and super quiet.
M/A: Select NIKKOR lenses have a focusing mode which allows switching from automatic to manual focusing with virtually no lag time by simply turning the focusing ring on the lens. This makes it possible to seamlessly switch to fine manual focusing while looking through the viewfinder.
A/M stands for Auto-Priority Manual Mode: This mode also enables an easy transition from autofocus to manual during AF operation. However, mode switch sensitivity has been altered to reduce the possibility of sudden unintentional switching to manual focus while shooting.
Super Integrated Coating: Nikon Super Integrated Coating is Nikon's term for its multilayer coating of the optical elements in NIKKOR lenses.
You can capture the world in stunning detail with the high-quality AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens, designed for professional photographers who demand reliability and innovation. This lens is Nikon's smallest and lightest full-frame 500mm prime lens, making it an ideal companion for wildlife, sports, and action photography where mobility is key.
The lens boasts a powerful 500mm focal length, which can be extended to a 750mm equivalent on DX-format cameras, bringing distant subjects within reach. Its image stabilization feature, equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops faster, ensures sharp, clear images by reducing handheld vibrations.
The lens incorporates Nikon's proprietary Phase Fresnel technology, traditionally used in lighthouses to project light. By reversing this concept to gather light, Nikon engineers have created a lens that is shorter, lighter, and delivers the same image quality and zoom power as larger lenses.
When paired with Nikon's Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and other NIKKOR glass elements, the Phase Fresnel element produces high-resolution, high-contrast images with beautiful background blur. The lens also features a fast autofocus system powered by Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM), ensuring quiet and accurate focusing.
The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR and mirrorless cameras, offering versatility for photographers with multiple camera bodies. It is also extensively weather-sealed and includes a protective front meniscus with Nikon's Fluorine Coating (FLC), which repels water, dust, and grime.
The lens also offers a SPORTS MODE VR for specialized image stabilization during high-speed continuous shooting and panning. All focusing movements occur within the lens barrel, maintaining the physical length of the lens. A focus recall feature allows you to save and quickly recall a focus position, ideal for predictable action shots.
The lens incorporates several advanced technologies, including Phase Fresnel (PF) lens elements for chromatic aberration and ghosting compensation, ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass for optimum chromatic aberration correction, Nano Crystal Coat for eliminating internal lens element reflections, and an Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism for consistent exposures during high-speed shooting.
With the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens, you can capture the world in stunning detail, whether you're shooting wildlife, sports, or action. Its compact size, powerful zoom, and innovative features make it a must-have for any professional photographer.
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