Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F4E FL ED VR Review | 54 Data compared

The Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR lens delivers exceptional wildlife performance, characterized by its remarkable 20% weight reduction and a redesigned body that shifts the center of gravity toward the back. This better balance makes the lens highly maneuverable and effortless to shoot handheld for multiple hours without straining the photographer. Optically, the inclusion of three extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements and a nano-crystal coating allows the lens to masterfully control flare and chromatic aberration, even when shooting directly into harsh backlight. Combined with nine rounded shutter blades, it produces a pleasing background bokeh and smooth reflections. Field tests confirm that its autofocus tracking speed is outstandingly fast, successfully locking onto diving raptors and birds in flight when paired with professional camera bodies like the D4s. Despite these clear advantages, the reviewer identified a few minor drawbacks during real-world testing. When analyzing the lens's optical output, the reviewer noted that his trusted 400mm f/2.8 lens still appeared sharper, and he noticed that background reflections tended to fall off or distort slightly toward the frame's edges compared to that lens....

This comprehensive field test compares the Sigma 500mm f4 DG OS HSM Sport ($5,999) to the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR ($10,296), evaluating their optical performance, image stabilization, and autofocus capabilities under real-world wildlife photography conditions. Surprisingly, the reviewer found that both super-telephoto lenses are absolute "optical clones," delivering virtually identical image sharpness and smooth background blur (bokeh) across all tested apertures and distances, whether shot natively or with a 1.4x teleconverter. While both primes suffer from very slight softness when shot wide open at f/4, they quickly approach maximum sharpness when stopped down to f/5. The primary trade-offs between the two lenses come down to physical weight, customization, and stabilization handling. The Nikkor 500mm boasts a significant advantage in weight, coming in at a full 0.71 pounds (324 grams) lighter than the Sigma, making it a better choice for hand-holding without fatigue. Additionally, its native Vibration Reduction (VR) system works flawlessly out of the box, providing a stable viewfinder image without user configuration. However, a major con for the Nikkor is its "VR Normal" mode, which causes...

The Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4E FL ED VR is a professional-grade F-mount super-telephoto prime lens designed specifically for demanding action, sports, and wildlife photography. A standout upgrade over its predecessor is the addition of two fluorite glass elements, which slashes the overall weight by 20 percent to 3,090 grams and shifts the physical balance away from the front for easier handling. Built with a tough, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, it offers high-end features including a 4-stop Vibration Reduction (VR) system with a dedicated Sport tracking mode, highly configurable forward-mounted AF buttons, and an electromagnetically controlled aperture diaphragm for consistent rapid continuous drive exposures. In terms of real-world performance, the lens delivers spectacular, top-tier sharpness and high contrast even when shooting wide open at f/4, paired with super-fast autofocusing speeds. Lab testing highlights its exceptional build quality and negligible color fringing at the corners, alongside a very mild, standard pincushion distortion. However, its major drawbacks remain its heavy footprint despite the weight reduction, a staggering price tag of over $7,200, and a lack of backward compatibility with older DSLRs due to...