AF-S NIKKOR
500mm f/4G ED VR
Powerful, lightweight super telephoto, ideal for nature and sports features Nikon’s VR II image stabilization and Nikon Nano Crystal Coat for exceptional performance.
$8,579.95*SRPSRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Close
Supplied Accessories
- HK-34 Slip-on lens hood
- CT-504 trunk case
- Slip-in filter holder
- 52-mm screw-in NC filter
- LN-1 strap
- Monopod collar *Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR
13
13
Perfect size and great quality
I wanted some long glass that I could wield on a monopod. This fits the bill nicely. I can hike all afternoon with this lens on my monopod with the D7000 attached. It's not light but it's a whole lot lighter than the 600f4.
The focusing is super fast...even faster for birds in flight when I set the focus limiter.
I get tack sharp images easily when on a tripod and a high percentage of sharp images on a monopod at 1/800 sec.
It works great with the TC1.4eII. I see no loss of quality in prints or on the computer.
December 16, 2011
fast focus - poor tripod mounting ring
Great lens except for one thing. After using this lens for the first time the mounting ring cracked.
After the fact I then found out from others that this is not an uncommon problem with the original equipment on the large Nikon lens. Nikon would not warranty it saying that it was improperly used.
I was not happy but had to pay for a new tripod mounting ring. I shoot along side several other photographers that use their long lenses in the same way that I use mine. I have been using the 500mm lens with the new ring for over a year now and the new ring is performing as it should. Nikon said that the lens should never be picked up by the tripod mount or left on the tripod when moving the camera and attached lens. I have never seen a photographer do it any other way.
April 15, 2011
Great lens, collar just a little stiff.
This is a great lens. I owned a 500 P and thought it was the sharpest big glass I had ever seen. This lens is just as sharp with AF and VR. I own or have owned just about every medium and large telephoto lens from Nikon in the last 30 years and this is my favorite. Could it be a little lighter, sure. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
My only real complaint; the lens collar is just a bit stiff with a pro body attached. It rotates fine un-weighted, but with a heavy body- and especially mounted on a gimble-type tripod head- it becomes hard to turn smoothly in the small increments required with this kind of magnification. To make perfectly smooth, small, horizontal adjustments, I need to "lift" the lens and body in the collar just a bit with both hands. With one hand it's more problematic. I have a schematic of the lens and they specify 3 (!) different types of grease in the collar assembly so I dont think lubrication is the problem. Perhaps a smoother milled surface with PTFE involved somewhere (besides the thrust bearing) ? I don't have a solution but I'm sure the engineers at Nikon can handle it. When they do, 5 stars.
On another note, all the best to the Nikon folks in Japan after the terrible earthquake.
Sandgrouse
April 14, 2011
Sharp, sharp, sharp
Had it for a month before taking it to Florida for a week of bird photography. The images are stunning for clarity, contrast, and sharpness. Even with the 1.4 t/c the shots are super sharp.
I generally use it on a "W" brand gimbal mount but even handheld it is not that bad for birds in flight.
April 14, 2011
Love it
Extremely sharp, and love using it hand held, with a monopod or bean bag. The effect of using it at f4 is great, and still sharp.
April 14, 2011
5 Questions | 5 Answers
Product Q&A
Ask your questions. Share your answers.
5 Questions | 5 Answers
Have a new question?
Ask a new question Search the Product Forum
Has staff answer
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR
1 answer
What is the size of the 500mm lens with the hood in place?
I'd like to know the length and diameter. Thanks.
11 months ago
by
JimMike
Rhode Island
Location :
Rhode Island
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Dimensions: (Approx.)5.5x15.4 in. (Diameter x Length)139.5x391mm (Diameter x Length)
Weight: (Approx.)136.9 oz. (3,880g)
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR
1 answer
Will the 500mm f/4G ED VR lens function flawlessly with my D90 or D60?
8 months ago
by
John P
Laplace, LA USA
Location :
Laplace, LA USA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes.3 months, 4 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Yes.Has staff answer
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR
1 answer
What is the best Nikon body for the 500mm F4 AFS VRII
I recently purchased this lens for bird photography. I like it very much. It is currently attached to a D5000 body and seems to work well. However, I am not sure I'm getting all I can from the lens while using my D5000. What would be the best Nikon body to use with this lens for bird and wildlife photograhy?
3 months, 3 weeks ago
by
Phil
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
Answer:
Please click on the link below for the lens simulator; try it with different camera bodies, it will help you to make the decision on what lens or camera you need.http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Produ...
Please visit our Learn and Explore website for Photography Techniques:
http://www.nikonusa.com/Learn-And-E...
What is the proper VR setting when using a mono-pod?
3 months, 3 weeks ago
by
bob
Westchester NY
Location :
Westchester NY
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Semi-professional photographer
1 answer
Answers
1 of 1
1 of 1


All
All