Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VRvsNikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
500mm / F4
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AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
500mm / F5.6
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Which to choose
When the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR suits you better
- Brightness1.0 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
When the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR suits you better
- Weight1630g lighter, so easier to carry
- Close focusFocuses as close as 3m
These points are derived mechanically from the numbers. How a lens actually renders does not show up in specifications, so look at samples before deciding.
Size compared
- AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR387mm long × 140mm diameter
- AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR237mm long × 106mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 500mm | 500mm | — |
| Focal length (tele) | 500mm | 500mm | — |
| Max aperture (wide) | F4 | F5.6 | 1.0 stops brighter |
| Max aperture (tele) | F4 | F5.6 | 1.0 stops brighter |
| Min focus distance | 3.6m | 3m | +0.60m |
| Max magnification | 0.15× | 0.18× | −0.03x |
| Weight | 3.09kg | 1.46kg | +1630g |
| Length | 387mm | 237mm | +150mm |
| Diameter | 140mm | 106mm | +34mm |
| Filter size | 40.5mm | 95mm | −54.5mm |
| Released | 2015 | 2018 | −3year |
| Stabilization | Yes | Yes | — |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes | — |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR relative to AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
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AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
ADLinks to Amazon, B&H Photo, Adorama, KEH Camera, MPB, eBay are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.Links marked “Search results” go to that retailer’s search page for this lens name.Check price and availability on the retailer’s own site.
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR in detailAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR in detailAll F mount lenses