Revolutionary lightweight 500mm super-telephoto using Phase Fresnel technology, a game-changer for handheld wildlife photography.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a revolutionary super-telephoto lens that uses Phase Fresnel (PF) element technology to dramatically reduce size and weight compared to conventional 500mm designs. At just 1460g, it weighs less than half of traditional 500mm f/4 lenses, making handheld super-telephoto photography genuinely practical.
The Phase Fresnel element works by diffracting light rather than refracting it through conventional glass, allowing Nikon to compress the optical formula into a fraction of the usual length and weight. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass controls chromatic aberration, and the electromagnetic aperture mechanism ensures consistent exposure during high-speed continuous shooting.
The VR (Vibration Reduction) system provides up to four stops of shake compensation, further supporting handheld shooting at this extreme focal length. The silent wave motor AF-S autofocus is fast and accurate with full-time manual focus override, and the lens accepts 1.4x and 1.7x teleconverters to reach 700mm and 850mm respectively.
The Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF is one of the most desirable wildlife and aviation lenses available, commanding strong used prices due to overwhelming demand. Its combination of genuine super-telephoto reach, manageable size, excellent optical quality, and effective VR has made it the lens of choice for serious birders and wildlife photographers.