The Nikon AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR II AF Lens (Black) is a premium ultrafast telephoto lens for the Nikon autofocus system. It is a very robust and durable lens. Its lightweight construction incorporates a magnesium die-cast barrel, and professional-grade dust and moisture sealing allows it to be used in more rugged situations.
This lens features the improved Vibration Reduction (VR II) system that allows handheld telephoto shooting, even in less-than-ideally lit conditions. The VR II system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed of about 4 stops faster. In addition, this lens also features the Tripod Detection mode, which reduces vibration that may occur due to shutter release, when mounted on a tripod.
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 500 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/22 |
| Camera Mount Type | Nikon F |
| Format Compatibility |
Nikon FX/35mm Film Nikon DX |
| Angle of View |
5° DX Picture Angle: 3° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 13.12' (4.0 m) |
| Magnification | 0.14x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:7.14 |
| Groups/Elements | 11/14 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 52 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 5.5 x 15.4" (13.97 x 39.12 cm) |
| Weight | 8.54 lb (3.87 kg) |
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Reviewed by 18 customers
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
I was looking for a long lens to capture photos of birds and other wildlife. The 600mm f4 seems to be the gold standard but I wanted something that I could wield on a monopod. This 500 was perfect. I can easily be ready for quick action. This glass isn't light but it's doesn't require a tripod to get sharp images. The auto focus is very fast. The VR works well. I'm impressed with the sharpness while using the Nikon 1.4TC.
The lens coat covers installed easily and work very well at insulating in the cold and protecting the lens from bumps and bruises.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
I had a 500mm before VR came onto the marked and I've been wanting to get me a new one with the VR. I have to say that my expectations have been exceeded!
I've ordered from B&H before this purchase and I am currently waiting for another order to arrive..
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
The lens produces superb images, my only critique is the rotating tripod mounting collar is in my mind too big and I will replace it with a aftermarket model. The VR works flawlessly and I have had razor sharp shots as low as 1/50 sec. The VR II is not as per the 200 / 400 f4 Nikkor with active shooting option and label on the lens or packaging to note this model.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
Waited my whole life for a lens like this.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
Just great for wildlife photography, VR-II allows for shorts even under difficult light conditions. Only downside: you need a monopod or tripod
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
This is a great lens for specialized circumstances. It's hard to visualize carrying this lens with me everywhere due to its size and weight (requires its own backpack!).
Definitely justifies having a second camera body just to avoid changing lenses - this really is not an easy lens to handle. I find monopod is necessary when shooting for more than a few minutes at a time.
If you're willing to lug it around with you, then this lens surely will outperform almost any super-zoom lens.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
I shoot wildlife. It is amazing...very sharp, fast focus...amazing results!
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
I use the lens for wildlife, birds...photographed the super moon last night (3/19/11) with it. Great results!
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
Lens primary use is for nature photography. Normally the light conditions are low to medium and the lens has performed very well. At this point I have had no issues with the performance of the lens.
I would recommend the lens but I would of probably purchased a 600mm if it would of been available. The 500 mm has proven very satisfactory however.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
Just received the lens and test shots of Michigan birds in raw nef files convinced me...
Life long dream lens for sports/wildlife photography...
Using the Wemberly head and this lens (and D3x) together is the dream come true....
I see sideline photog using them for shooting NFL/MLB.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
Quickly replacing my 200-400 as my go to long lens. Had to decide between the 400 and 600, a tad slower than the 400 but lighter than both the 400 and 600. Sits on my D3s so I really don't miss the 2.8/ nor the 600 extra weight.
Changed the foot with a 4th Generation, perfect fit, light and can still carry easily.
Image quality excellent, even with TC's. Really top of the line lens!
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
This lens is fantastic. Tack sharp and fast focusing. The VR feature allows hand held operation when there is good light. Love this lens.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
I bought the 500mm primarily for shooting smaller wildlife and ocean sports with a D700. 500mm seems to be the sweet spot for me - lighter and more reach than the 400f2.8 - certainly lighter and smaller than the 600f4. When I need more reach, the TC-14EII seems very well-matched to the 500 - I see no loss in quality. The AF-S is fast and accurate, and so far I don't see a need to do any AF fine-tuning. I'll be picking up the new TC-20EIII, based on mostly good reports.
I'm ecstatic to find that the 500 is sharp and contrasty wide open, improving only very slightly when stopped down half-stop to f4.8 - this makes using teleconverters a no-brainer.
One of the first things I did was to replace the stock Nikon foot with a Kirk LP-47. I use this in conjunction with the Kirk Security Strap which lets me hang the lens+camera combo from my shoulder when my hand gets tired. If you go this route, be advised that the 4 screws provided by Kirk were too long, and bottomed out before securing the Kirk foot tightly to the lens body - just re-use the original Nikon screws. Currently, I'm using an Induro CT-214 tripod with a Markins Q3 ballhead - if I could go back in time, I would get a larger ballhead (i.e., a Q10 or Q20). Eventually, I'll probably get a gymbal mount like the Wimberly.
I did have a momentary scare when I mounted the lens on my D700 for the very first time - and failed to hear the "click" sound of the VR kicking in/out. I quickly double-checked all the usual switches, and started to panic when I realized that the 500mm has a rotating ring-type collar switch on the lens barrel to turn VR On/Off - and the factory default was "Off" - don't forget to press the release button as you rotate the collar switch. Although I can see that VR could be really useful when you must hand-hold for maximum mobility, mostly I tend to use a monopod - and thankfully, the Kirk Security Strap works with the monopod attached. I use a Manfrotto 680B - it's a good match - no need to go any larger.
I wouldn't bother getting the optional CL-L2 case - it's too short to fit the 500 (hood reversed) with camera mounted, and the single shoulder strap makes it awkward to carry on your back. A dedicated large lens carrier from Think Tank Photo or Kata works much better.
Overall, I'm very happy with the fit and finish as well as the performance.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
I have had the lens only for a couple of weeks and have taken about 2000 shots. I am very happy with it.
With the D300:The 500 takes the TC14 extremely well, the TC17 very well. The picture quality with the TC20 is also excellent. The focusing speed is outstanding both on the D300 and on the D700. I was able to handhold and AF with the TC17 and the TC20. The focusing with the 20 surprised me. The VR function allows me to handhold down to 1/150 s.
I found that the IQ of the lens TC combinations is even better with the D700 than with the D300.
I have not had time to try the lens with a tripod, because I shoot handheld almost all the time. Birds in flight are my preferred tarets, and the lens is just ideal for this purpose.
I am carrying the lens using its tripod foot. It is have and provides a good upper body and arms workout.
If I don't have to hike too far, I shoot with my two favorite lens camera combinations: D300 with the 500 mm, and D700 with the 200-400 for closer shots. For extremely high speeds of 1/2000 and shorter with higher ISO I use the D700.
There is one thing I have a hard time figuring out and that is the memory set function. I have played around with it but something seems to escape me. I haven't figured it out with my other lenses either.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
Wildlife photography. Get there ahead of time for setup. This big guy is not for shooting on the hike. Too heavy for long hikes without a pack animal. In car shoots need at least the whole back row with a designated driver. Not entirely sure the VR function is all its touted to be. You get what you pay for, worth it.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
This lens is razor sharp and takes teleconvertors very well. I use this with a D3 and TC17 frequently for bird shots and the sharpness is outstanding. AF speed is excellent and works well even with the TC17.
I needed to dial in a slight adjustment for AF fine-tune (+5), and with the tc17 I used -5.
I find that with the Wimberley head, I can leave VR set to normal giving great results. For long exposures with the tripod head locked down, I use mirror up shooting with VR in tripod mode.
Build quality is fantastic--this lens is made like a tank. I didn't try the factory foot at all--replaced it with the Wimberley foot.
My only complaint is that the included trunk case doesn't have room for a camera body.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
This is as good as it gets. No better lens on earth. But beware that it is extremely heavy compared to all smaller, more "normal" lenses. Best used with some type of support ie tripod or car window.
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Comments about Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR II Autofocus Lens - Black:
I've waited awhile for lens, but worth the wait. Mainly used for shooting surfing this lens is simply amazing. It's price is way up there but you don't find many used long lenses for a reason.
Displaying reviews 1-18