Nikon Nikkor 500mm f/8 Reflex Lens
The Nikon 500mm f/8 is a 500mm f/8 lens designed for Nikon F mount cameras. Used copies start from $172.38 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor 500mm f/8 Reflex Lens
Used Nikon 500mm f/8 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Nikon 500mm f/8
Key Features — Nikon 500mm f/8
Catadioptric (Mirror) Design: Uses a reflex (mirror) optical system to fold the light path, enabling a 500mm focal length in a much shorter, more compact body than a conventional telephoto.
500mm Super Telephoto: Delivers strong subject magnification suited to wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
Lightweight 640g Build: At 640g, it is significantly lighter than conventional 500mm telephoto lenses, making handheld shooting and travel more manageable.
Fixed f/8 Aperture: The aperture is fixed at f/8 across all shooting distances, which simplifies exposure but limits shooting in low light.
Manual Focus Only: Has no autofocus mechanism, requiring the photographer to focus manually for full control over the focus point.
Nikon F Mount: Compatible with the full range of Nikon F-mount DSLR bodies, including both full-frame and APS-C cameras.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 500mm f/8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/8 |
| Camera System | DSLR |
| Lens Mount | Nikon F |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 82mm |
Description — Nikon 500mm f/8
The Nikon Nikkor 500mm f/8 Reflex is a prime super-telephoto lens designed for Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras with full-frame coverage. Operating at a fixed maximum aperture of f/8, this lens relies entirely on manual focus — there is no autofocus capability. Despite its 500mm reach, the lens keeps weight to a manageable 640g, making it one of the lighter options available at this focal length.
An 82mm filter thread provides compatibility with standard filter systems. There is no image stabilization, so careful shooting technique or tripod use is essential. As a dedicated prime at 500mm, it sits firmly in the super-telephoto range, suited to subjects at distance.
The Nikon F mount ensures broad compatibility across Nikon's DSLR lineup, both full-frame and APS-C bodies.
Pros — Nikon 500mm f/8
- ✓Lightweight at 640g for a 500mm prime, reducing fatigue during extended use
- ✓Full-frame coverage with Nikon F mount, compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR bodies
- ✓Standard 82mm filter thread allows use of common filter accessories
Cons — Nikon 500mm f/8
- ✗Fixed f/8 maximum aperture limits light-gathering capability, requiring brighter conditions or higher ISO settings
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support, which can be challenging when tracking moving subjects at 500mm
- ✗No image stabilization, making handheld shooting at this focal length significantly more demanding
Reviews — Nikon 500mm f/8
Videos — Nikon 500mm f/8
NIKON 500MM REFLEX MIRROR LENS REVIEW — David Saylors
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 500mm f/8
Does this lens support autofocus on Nikon DSLR bodies?+
No. The Nikon Nikkor 500mm f/8 Reflex is a manual-focus-only lens. There is no autofocus mechanism, so focus must be set entirely by hand regardless of which compatible Nikon F-mount body it is used on.
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount, making it compatible with Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras. It is designed to cover a full-frame image circle.
What does the fixed f/8 aperture mean for shooting?+
A fixed maximum aperture of f/8 means the aperture does not change — you cannot open it wider for more light or a shallower depth of field. This is a characteristic of the reflex design and should be factored in when choosing this lens for lower-light situations.
How heavy is this lens, and what filter size does it take?+
The lens weighs 640g, which is relatively light for a 500mm prime. It has an 82mm filter thread for attaching filters.
Does this lens have image stabilization?+
No, there is no image stabilization of any kind on this lens. At 500mm without stabilization, using a tripod or other support is strongly recommended to avoid camera shake.