Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F/5.6E PF ED VR
Nikon Jul 2018
Nikon Full Frame

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F/5.6E PF ED VR

This is a full-frame prime lens for Nikon F, covering 500 mm and a maximum aperture of f/5.6. Released in 2018, it weighs 1460 g and includes optical stabilization. That combination suits wildlife and sports photography.

It is a compact and lightweight super-telephoto prime lens designed for Nikon F-mount cameras. Utilizing a Phase Fresnel (PF) element, it achieves a significantly reduced size and weight compared to traditional 500mm lenses, enhancing portability for wildlife and sports photographers. The lens features Vibration Reduction (VR) with Sport and Tripod modes, providing up to 4 stops of image stabilization. Its advanced optical design includes Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and Nano Crystal Coat to minimize chromatic aberrations and flare, delivering sharp, high-contrast images. The electromagnetic diaphragm ensures consistent exposure during high-speed shooting, and the lens is sealed against dust and moisture for reliable performance in challenging conditions.

f/5.6
Aperture
500mm
Focal
1460 g
Weight
Jul 2018
Released
Nikon site

We may earn a commission when you buy through these links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure

Good for wildlifesports
§ 01

Specification

Manufacturer data
Lens type
Super-telephoto prime lens
Max Format size
Full Frame
Focal length
500 mm
Image stabilization
Yes (Vibration Reduction with Sport and Tripod modes)
Lens mount
Nikon F
Maximum aperture
f/5.6
Minimum aperture
f/32
Aperture ring
No
Number of diaphragm blades
9 (rounded)
Optical construction
19 elements in 11 groups (including 1 Phase Fresnel and 3 ED elements)
Minimum focusing distance
3.0 m (9.84 ft)
Maximum magnification
0.18x
Filter size
95 mm
Dimensions
106 mm (diameter) x 237 mm (length)
Weight
1,460 g (3.21 lbs)
Weather sealing
Dust and moisture resistant
Usage
wildlife, sports

Wide open at 2 m, background blur ≈ 83% of the frame width

Report an error
§ 02

Sample frames

Shot on the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F/5.6E PF ED VR
Establishing Borders
01 Establishing Borders by Ron Buening
RKE_5514
02 RKE_5514 by R ERTUG
Lurker in the Darkness
03 Lurker in the Darkness by Ron Buening
_DSC6087-001
04 _DSC6087-001 by Wojciech Jamiolkowski
_DSC5136-001
05 _DSC5136-001 by Wojciech Jamiolkowski
Grebe feeding?
06 Grebe feeding? by pstani
Mugging attempt
07 Mugging attempt by pstani
Gull attack
08 Gull attack by pstani
Hello There!
09 Hello There! by Ron Buening
Awkward Pose and Silly Walk
10 Awkward Pose and Silly Walk by Ron Buening
Guillemot de Troïl - Uria aalge - Common Murre - Trottellumme - Arao común
11 Guillemot de Troïl - Uria aalge - Common Murre - Trottellumme - Arao común by Alain-46
Spatule blanche
12 Spatule blanche by didier.michelle.ferrand
I-AMIC / MM6305 - FIAT G.91R - ex Italian A/F
13 I-AMIC / MM6305 - FIAT G.91R - ex Italian A/F by Berkut54 ( Clive Bowley )
Agro blanc - Garceta grande - Great egret - Grande aigrette- Ardea alba + Martinet blanc comu - Garceta comun - Little egret - Aigrette gazette - Egretta garzetta
14 Agro blanc - Garceta grande - Great egret - Grande aigrette- Ardea alba + Martinet blanc comu - Garceta comun - Little egret - Aigrette gazette - Egretta garzetta by patricia.hoedts
Black Skimmer Reflecting
15 Black Skimmer Reflecting by Ron Buening
Black Skimmers Racing
16 Black Skimmers Racing by Ron Buening
Pingouin torda - Alca torda - Razorbill - Tordalk - Alca común
17 Pingouin torda - Alca torda - Razorbill - Tordalk - Alca común by Alain-46
Kungsfiskare - Kingfisher
18 Kungsfiskare - Kingfisher by exitlight.se
A pair of sparrows
19 A pair of sparrows by luftwalk
Pardal comu - Gorrion comun - House sparrow - Moineau domestique - Passer domesticus
20 Pardal comu - Gorrion comun - House sparrow - Moineau domestique - Passer domesticus by patricia.hoedts
§ 03

Video reviews

3 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Video Review 1
Video thumbnail for Video Review 2
Video thumbnail for Video Review 3
§ 04

Similar lenses

Nikon · same class
§ 05

Compare with

Head to head