Nikon Launches the 500mm f/5.6 PF VR, a Tiny Super-Telephoto Lens
Nikon just released the new Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF ED VR, a new super-telephoto prime lens that’s ultra small and lightweight for its class.
The Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element inside the new lens greatly reduces the size and weight. While you might expect a 500mm f/5.6 lens to be huge and impractical for handheld shooting, the new 500mm f/5.6 PF ED VR weighs just 3.2 pounds (1,460g), or about the same as a Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 FL ED VR lens. 500mm lenses typically weigh twice as much.
In July, we shared a photo by Moscow-based photojournalist Pavel Bednyakov showing just how tiny the new lens is:
The portability of the new 500mm f/5.6 PF is perfect for Nikon’s newly announced Z Series full-frame mirrorless cameras. Using the new Nikon FTZ lens adapter, the new 500mm can be mounted onto the Z6 and Z7 cameras, creating an ultra-compact 500mm mirrorless camera kit.
Other features and specs of the new 500mm include PF lens element materials that reduce PF (diffraction) flare, a Nano Crystal Coat that controls ghosting and flaring, a faster AF system thanks to lighter lens elements, a VR system with 4.01-stops of compensation, and a SPORT VR mode for shooting fast and unpredictable subjects.
The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens will be available on September 13th with a price tag of $3,600.
