Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6 E PF ED VR Autofocus Lens {95} with Tripod Collar/Foot

Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF: Full-reach super-telephoto you can actually hand-hold.

At 3.21 lb and 9.33 inches, this lens defies what a full-frame 500mm prime is supposed to weigh. The Phase Fresnel element is the reason, it does the optical work of far larger glass, cutting mass without sacrificing the 5-degree angle of view that puts distant subjects right in front of you. Three ED elements keep chromatic aberration in check, while Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings control flare and ghosting across the 19-element design. The result is a lens that renders with the contrast and color accuracy you expect from a dedicated super-telephoto.

Vibration Reduction provides stabilization equivalent to 4.0 stops of shutter speed, which matters when you're shooting birds in low dawn light or tracking unpredictable animal movement from a distance. The Silent Wave Motor drives a lighter focus group than you'd find in conventional 500mm optics, so AF response is fast and quiet, important when noise or abrupt movement would scatter your subject. On DX-format bodies, the focal length extends to a 750mm equivalent, giving wildlife photographers additional reach with no adapters or teleconverters required.

At 500mm, hand-holding was once a concession made only when a tripod wasn't an option. This lens changes that calculus entirely.

Who It's For

Wildlife photographers working in the field gain the most obvious advantage: 500mm reach in a package light enough for long hikes and reactive enough for unpredictable subjects, with VR rated at 4.0 stops helping in pre-dawn or late-evening conditions. Bird photographers on DX bodies get an effective 750mm without adding extension. Sports shooters covering sideline or track events benefit from the fast Silent Wave Motor autofocus paired with a compact form factor that's easier to move and reposition than traditional super-telephotos. Travel photographers who want serious telephoto reach without checking a bag will appreciate the 3.21 lb weight.

Key Features

• Phase Fresnel element reduces weight to 3.21 lb without optical compromise
• 19-element design with three ED glass elements
• 4.0-stop Vibration Reduction for handheld super-telephoto work
• Silent Wave Motor AF driven by lightweight focus group
• Nikon F mount, full-frame format with 750mm DX equivalent
• 95mm filter size, 9.84 ft minimum focus distance

FAQ

How does a 500mm lens weigh only 3.21 lb?

The Phase Fresnel element does the optical work of conventional glass at a fraction of the size and weight. It's the same technology that lets Nikon fit a full-frame 500mm into a hand-holdable package.

Can I really hand-hold this at 500mm?

Yes. The 4.0-stop VR rating means you can shoot at shutter speeds that would normally require a tripod. Combined with the lightweight design, it's genuinely practical to shoot handheld in daylight and marginal light.

What's the autofocus like on this lens?

The Silent Wave Motor is fast and quiet because it only moves a lighter focus group. In the field, AF is snappy and silent enough not to spook wildlife.

Does this lens work on DX-format Nikon bodies?

Yes. On DX sensors, you get a 750mm equivalent focal length with no teleconverter or adapter required. That's the trade-off between full-frame and crop-sensor bodies.

How sharp is it, and does it control color fringing?

Three ED elements and the Phase Fresnel design keep chromatic aberration minimal. Combined with Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings for contrast control, you get the clarity and color accuracy expected from a dedicated super-telephoto.

What's the minimum focusing distance?

9.84 feet (3 meters). At 500mm, that's close enough for most subjects, though birds and insects will need to be at distance anyway.

What filter size does it use?

95mm. Standard enough that filter availability isn't an issue.