Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F 4G ED VR Review | 54 Data compared

The Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR AF-S is a highly capable, professional telephoto lens that delivers exceptional central sharpness, fast autofocus, and great edge-to-edge performance on DX bodies. Weighing 8.5 pounds (3880g), it is a large and heavy exotic prime, though it remains slightly slimmer and more manageable for travel than Nikon's 400mm f/2.8 or 600mm f/4 alternatives. Key strengths include its robust optical construction—featuring 14 elements, three ED elements, and Nano Crystal Coat to eliminate flare—alongside a built-in VR II stabilization system that claims a four-stop advantage, and a useful focus distance limiter switch. However, the lens has several distinct drawbacks, most notably its sub-par handling when used with teleconverters, where stopping down is heavily required and autofocus speed noticeably degrades. The reviewer notes that corner performance slips on high-resolution FX full-frame bodies, and optical acuity slightly softens at absolute infinity compared to shorter distances. Physical quirks also hamper the experience: the rotating VR switch is poorly placed out of natural sight, the rotating tripod collar exhibits slop that requires relentless locking to avoid camera jitter, the autofocus ring...

The DXOMARK review designates both the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm and 600mm f/4G ED VR lenses as "legendary performers" that deliver extraordinary optical quality, though they face stiff competition from modern rivals. On the positive side, both models showcase excellent frame uniformity, maximum aperture definition, and superb transmission scores, along with incredibly low distortion and vignetting levels. Furthermore, they are highlighted as highly attractive value propositions, offering comparatively more affordable sticker prices ($8,030 for the 500mm and $9,999 for the 600mm) than rival models without sacrificing long-term, high-tier imaging capabilities. Conversely, the review notes several technical drawbacks, particularly when mounting these lenses onto the ultra-high-resolution 36-megapixel Nikon D800 sensor. The outright sharpness of both optics is somewhat disappointing relative to the camera's high pixel count, falling short of the pure resolution performance delivered by newer, triple-fluorite Canon alternatives. Additionally, the 500mm variant exhibits slightly more chromatic aberration than expected, and it lacks the weight advantages of more modern builds. Ultimately, DXOMARK emphasizes that while the lenses hold their own due to the Nikon D800 sensor's strong dynamic range and noise...

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR lens is hailed as a top-tier tool for wildlife photography, delivering exceptional sharpness, fast autofocus, and unexpected handheld usability for short periods. It is noted for being portable enough for travel as a carry-on and provides superb detail in, for instance, avian photography, making it a worthy long-term investment for serious photographers. Unique Photo Conversely, the lens requires significant investment and requires a robust tripod and head for extended shooting sessions due to its physical demands. Performance drawbacks include slower autofocus speeds when using a teleconverter and a notoriously long lead time between ordering and receiving the equipment, necessitating early planning.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR is evaluated as a legendary telephoto performer by DXOMARK. Released in August 2007, the lens features an ultrasonic autofocus motor, a 4.0-meter minimum focus distance, and an optical setup with 14 elements in 11 groups (including 3 ED glass elements and a Nano Crystal Coat). When tested on a high-resolution camera body like the Nikon D800E, it achieves an overall DXOMARK score of 27, bolstered by a high sharpness score of 22 P-Mpix. Its optical construction delivers excellent transmission measured at 4.5 TStop, exceptionally low distortion at 0.2%, and highly controlled vignetting at -1.1 EV. DxOMark The main advantages highlighted in the review focus on the lens’s superb frame uniformity and top-tier baseline metrics, notably showing maximum sharpness at its full f/4 open aperture. It serves as a highly capable tool for wildlife and sports tracking due to its robust optical stabilization and fast autofocus mechanisms. However, the drawbacks include a hefty physical weight of 3880g, making it difficult to hand-hold for long periods compared to newer equivalents. Additionally, the review notes...