Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens
The Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR is a 500mm f/4 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
Key Features — Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
500mm f/4 Prime: Fixed 500mm focal length with a maximum f/4 aperture delivers strong subject isolation and light gathering for distant subjects in wildlife, sports, and aviation photography.
Fluorite (FL) Elements: Fluorite lens elements offer superior chromatic aberration correction and reduced weight compared to traditional optical glass at this focal length.
ED Glass Elements: Extra-low Dispersion glass minimizes color fringing and ghosting, producing sharp, high-contrast images even at maximum aperture.
Optical Image Stabilization: Nikon's VR system provides multiple stabilization modes to reduce the effect of camera shake during handheld or moving-platform shooting at 500mm.
Electromagnetic Diaphragm: The 'E' designation indicates an electromagnetic aperture mechanism, enabling more consistent exposure control during high-speed continuous shooting.
Silent Wave Motor AF: AF-S Silent Wave Motor delivers fast, near-silent autofocus, well-suited to tracking fast-moving subjects or shooting in noise-sensitive environments.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding, Astrophotography |
| Lens Type | Super Telephoto |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto, Manual |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Filter Thread | 40.5mm |
Description — Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR is a prime super-telephoto lens designed for the Nikon F mount, offering full-frame coverage at a fixed focal length of 500mm. The maximum aperture of f/4 provides a meaningful light advantage at extreme reach, supporting both creative background rendering and faster shutter speeds when conditions demand it. Optical image stabilization is built in to help manage the motion challenges inherent to shooting at this focal length.
The lens accommodates filters via a 40.5mm thread — a compact diameter consistent with a drop-in filter arrangement. Autofocus and manual focus are both supported, giving photographers the ability to switch modes based on subject behavior or personal preference. At 3,090 grams, this lens is a serious investment in both budget and physical handling — a support system such as a monopod or tripod head is a practical consideration for most use cases.
Compatibility is specific to the Nikon F mount ecosystem.
Pros — Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
- ✓Fixed 500mm focal length provides dedicated super-telephoto reach for demanding long-distance subjects
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/4 allows for meaningful subject separation and light gathering at 500mm
- ✓Optical image stabilization helps counteract camera shake during handheld or moving-platform shooting
Cons — Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
- ✗Weighing 3,090g, this lens demands significant physical effort and support equipment for extended shooting sessions
- ✗Prime focal length at 500mm offers no zoom flexibility — framing adjustments require physically repositioning
- ✗Nikon F-mount only; not compatible with mirrorless systems without an adapter
Videos — Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
Nikon 500mm PF f5.6 vs the f4 FL — Matt Granger