Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
Announced August 23, 2018
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a remarkably compact and lightweight super-telephoto prime that makes handheld wildlife and sports photography highly accessible. While its f/5.6 aperture offers less light-gathering capability and subject isolation than f/4 alternatives, the lens delivers exceptional sharpness and fast autofocus performance in a portable package.
Weighted from 10 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly portable, lightweight design suitable for all-day handheld use
- Exceptional sharpness across the frame
- Fast and precise autofocus performance
- Effective image stabilization and weather sealing
- Useful programmable buttons and focus memory recall
Cons
- Limitations in low light and reduced subject isolation due to f/5.6 aperture
- Potential for flare and busy bokeh in specific high-contrast or backlit scenes
- Concerns regarding build quality of the tripod collar and lens hood
- Inconsistent sharpness results at certain slow shutter speeds
- Performance degradation when using teleconverters
- Launch price $3,599.95 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 500mm f/5.6
- Mount & coverage Nikon F Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS, 4 stops (CIPA)
- Close focus (0.18x)
- Filter thread 95mm
- Autofocus motor Ring-type ultrasonic
- Weight & size 1460g (3 lb 3.5 oz) · 106 x 237 mm (4.17 x 9.33 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 10 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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I’ve now used the Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF more than any other lens, and I have only ever been impressed by it.
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To sums up this lens perfectly: it’s a sublime super telephoto prime that delivers the level of image quality and performance we associate with Nikon’s pro-spec 500mm f/4 and 600mm f/4 lenses at significantly lower cost.
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Nikon has another winner. Most of us fell in love with the truly portable 300mm f/4E PF.
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[...] I definitely like the lens. I've enjoyed using it and I do actually highly recommend it.
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The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a light and compact 500mm lens ideal for sports and wildlife shooting.
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Light enough to hand-hold all day and compact enough to fit inside a large shoulder-bag or backpack, the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a surprisingly small and lightweight full-frame telephoto lens that delivers excellent results in the field.
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Nikon's Phase Fresnel lens element transforms what could otherwise be just another unwieldy super-telephoto lens into a genuinely portable option for handheld shooting.
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The Nikon 500/5.6 is an ultralight and ultrasharp ultratele that is also ultraexpensive. It's for people who deserve the best of everything and want to carry as little as possible on their ultraluxury tours and living their comfortable lives.
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If you don't want to spend ten thousand pounds on a 500mm lens, then actually the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is smaller, lighter, and optically I would say not as good as the 10,000 lens, but it's certainly better than the 200-500 and will not disappoint.
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Stoked with the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, it's smaller and lighter than I had hoped. Image quality is excellent, autofocus is presumably very, very fast [...]
