Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR Lens
The Nikon 500mm f/4G 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 Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
Key Features — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
500mm f/4 Prime: A fixed 500mm focal length with a maximum f/4 aperture delivers strong light-gathering performance for distant subject photography.
ED Glass Elements: Extra-low dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration, producing sharp, color-accurate images across the full frame.
AF-S Silent Wave Motor: Nikon's Silent Wave Motor provides fast, near-silent autofocus well-suited to wildlife and sports shooting where noise is a concern.
Built-In VR Stabilization: Optical Vibration Reduction compensates for camera shake, allowing sharper handheld results at this extreme focal length.
Full-Frame Coverage: Designed to cover Nikon's full-frame DSLR sensor, making full use of the image circle on bodies like the D3 and D700 series.
Nikon F Mount: Mounts directly to the full range of Nikon F-mount DSLR bodies, with full electronic communication for metering and autofocus control.
Lens Specifications — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Wildlife, Sports, Birding |
| 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 | 52mm |
Description — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G is a prime super telephoto lens with a fixed 500mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/4, built for the Nikon F mount and offering full-frame format coverage. It supports both autofocus and manual focus, making it adaptable across different shooting styles and subject types. Optical image stabilization is integrated into the lens, helping photographers manage the challenges of handholding or shooting from less-than-perfectly-stable platforms at extreme telephoto distances. A 52mm filter thread keeps accessory filter costs manageable compared to front-element filter systems on some competing super telephoto designs.
Weighing 3,870g, this lens demands respect in terms of physical support and handling, but that mass is the trade-off for delivering f/4 aperture at the 500mm focal length in a full-frame-compatible design. It is categorized as a DSLR lens, aligning with the Nikon F-mount ecosystem of camera bodies.
Pros — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
- ✓Maximum aperture of f/4 delivers strong light-gathering at the 500mm focal length
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization helps manage camera shake at long focal lengths
- ✓Prime 500mm design offers a consistent, dedicated focal length for super telephoto work
Cons — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
- ✗At 3,870g, this lens is very heavy and will require sturdy support for extended shooting sessions
- ✗Fixed 500mm focal length offers no zoom flexibility, requiring repositioning or cropping to adjust framing
- ✗Nikon F mount only — not compatible with mirrorless systems without an adapter
Reviews — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
Videos — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
Nikon 500mm PF f5.6 vs the f4 FL — Matt Granger
Frequently Asked Questions — Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR
What camera mount does this lens use?+
This lens uses the Nikon F mount. It is designed specifically for Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras and is not natively compatible with other systems.
Does this lens work on full-frame Nikon cameras?+
Yes. The lens format is listed as Full Frame, meaning it covers the full image circle required by Nikon's full-frame DSLR sensors. It will also physically mount on crop-sensor Nikon F-mount bodies.
What filter size does this lens accept?+
The lens has a 52mm filter thread. This allows you to use standard 52mm screw-in filters for effects or protection.
Does this lens include image stabilization?+
Yes. The specifications confirm optical image stabilization is built into the lens. This helps reduce the effect of camera shake, which is especially useful at 500mm focal lengths.
How heavy is this lens?+
The lens weighs 3,870g. This is a significant weight that should be factored into decisions about tripod or monopod use, as well as transport and handling during long shoots.
Is this lens a zoom or a prime?+
This is a prime lens with a fixed focal length of 500mm. There is no zoom capability, so framing adjustments must be made by moving the camera position or cropping in post.