Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4 E FL ED VR Review

"Pack lighter, go further.
Nikon´s legendary 500mm super telephoto lens is now nearly 2 pounds lighter than the previous model and ready for the most demanding conditions. With brilliant optical performance, improved AF tracking, a high-speed electromagnetic diaphragm that keeps pace with Nikon´s fastest DSLRs plus VR image stabilization, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR is a game-changer for outdoor, sports, action and nature photographers or anyone looking to get the most out of their current DSLR. The lens comes with a new lightweight hard-shell case.

Sharp and steady
Nikon´s superior VR image stabilization
Pros know camera movement during exposure robs sharpness. Nikon´s VR image stabilization counteracts camera shake and vibration up to ~4.0 stops*, a must-have feature when working handheld, on a monopod or even a tripod. A specialized Sports Mode is optimized for camera pans and fast-action sports, and the Tripod Mode eliminates the subtle ground vibrations that are constantly passing through a tripod or monopod. Capture subjects with outstanding sharpness, even in low light.

Exceptional burst shooting
Superior AF tracking and exposure control
Track fast moving subjects—even those moving erratically, at random speeds or approaching the camera quickly—with tack-sharp AF precision. During high-speed continuous shooting, the electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism operates in sync with the camera shutter for fast automatic exposure control and consistency between shots, even when using a compatible teleconverter.

Ready for the field
Lightweight, durable and reliable
This is a lens built for tough assignments. A new magnesium alloy lens barrel and fluorite elements reduce the overall weight by nearly 2 pounds versus its predecessor**. The protective front meniscus is coated with Nikon´s nonstick fluorine coat, which makes it easier to wipe off water, dirt and smudges. Ball bearings in the tripod collar ring ensure smooth transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting.

**AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR

SPORT Vibration Reduction
For pros shooting fast and erratic moving sports subjects, using the SPORT VR mode will give you a more stable viewfinder image, handheld or when using a monopod, even if you’re panning. Track subjects easier when shooting in Continuous mode and as an added benefit with the D4S, the continuous shooting frame rates and release lag time are not affected while using VR. Even use SPORT VR when shooting HD video. The Tripod VR function even eliminates the vibrations that may transfer from the ground to the tripod in both Normal and SPORT VR modes.

The lens incorporates an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism. The following cameras are compatible with this lens:
D5, D4 series, D3 series, Df, D850, D810, D810A, D800 series, D750, D700, D610, D600, D500, D300 series, D7500, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5600, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100, Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, J4, J5 with FT-1, Nikon 1 V1, V2, V3 with FT-1, Nikon 1 S1, S2 with FT-1
*Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when: FX-format compatible lenses are attached to an FX-format digital SLR camera
LCD, Video and Photo Gallery images are for illustrative purposes only.


Nail distant action and reduce your load with the lightweight NIKKOR 500mm super-telephoto lens. Equipped with Nikon’s latest lens technologies, this fast prime lens gives sports and wildlife photographers every advantage.

This lens is a workhorse on the track and in the field. The bright f/4 maximum aperture and advanced optics ensure outstanding results. Two fluorite elements enhance optical performance, and substantially reduce weight for balanced handling. Nikon’s Vibration Reduction offers an impressive four-stop advantage and SPORT mode excels at tracking fast action. An electromagnetic diaphragm ensures precise exposures during high-speed bursts. The fluorine coating enhances durability.

Professional super-telephoto: 500mm focal length and fast f/4 maximum aperture.

Robust and light: fluorite elements help reduce the weight of this super-telephoto lens to just 3090 g (approx.) Lightweight, rugged and reliable, the body boasts a professional-grade dust- and moisture-resistant construction.

High optical performance: two fluorite elements, three extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat ensure minimal chromatic aberration and ghosting.

Vibration Reduction (VR): with SPORT mode. VR minimises camera shake and lets you shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower.¹ SPORT VR mode delivers a stable viewfinder image when shooting high-speed movement, and allows a continuous shooting frame rate and release time lag similar to those that are achievable when VR is turned off.

Electromagnetic diaphragm: enables consistent, more precise exposures during high-speed bursts.

Silent Wave Motor (SWM): ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocus performance with seamless manual override.

Focus limit switch: offers two positions: FULL and ∞ - 8 m.

Fluorine coating: actively repels water, dust, and dirt without compromising image quality. The coating is applied to the protective glass on the front element of the lens, where it also makes it easier to clean the glass without damaging the surface.

Minimum focus distance: 3.6 m.

Tripod mount ring: new bearings improve durability and ensure smooth switching between horizontal and vertical orientation. The mount is positioned close to the rear of the lens to ensure comfortable transportation, and allow the included one-piece hood to be reversed.

Short monopod collar included: for more stability when using a monopod.

Included CT-505 case: sturdy yet lightweight trunk case with fold-in handle that makes it easy to stack.
Material code
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR - JAA533DA


The world’s lightest* FX-format compatible, super-telephoto 500mm f/4 lens that employs two fluorite lens elements
* Among full-frame (35mm-format image sensor) digital SLR compatible, f/4, single-focal-length AF 500 mm lenses available on the market as of July 2, 2015. Statement based on Nikon research.

FX-format compatible, super-telephoto prime lens with 500 mm* focal length and f/4 maximum aperture.
* When attached to a DX-format digital SLR, the angle of view is equivalent to that of a lens with a focal length of 750 mm in FX/35mm format.

Employing two fluorite lens elements realizes an outstandingly light body, facilitating composition change even for quickly moving subjects and enabling easy transportation. Two fluorite lens elements and three ED glass elements plus Nano Crystal Coat are employed to achieve high optical performance with minimized chromatic aberration and ghost effect. Vibration Reduction (VR) system provides an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops* faster in NORMAL mode.
* Based on CIPA Standard. When attached to an FX-format digital SLR camera.

VR performance immediately after the power is turned on in NORMAL mode has been improved, providing a more stable viewfinder image and enhanced blur-reduction effect on the resulting images. SPORT mode, especially effective when shooting sports, for example, in which subjects are radically moving, is adopted as a VR mode option. Even during high-speed continuous shooting, superior AF tracking is achieved, while exposure is stably controlled with the adoption of an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism. Fluorine coat is applied to a meniscus protective glass at the lens front for enhanced durability and dust prevention. Tripod collar ring utilizing bearings enables smooth switching between horizontal and vertical orientation even for moving subjects, while ensuring improved durability."