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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4G ED VR

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Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR

Telephoto Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR
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Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR

Telephoto Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4G ED VR
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Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR vs Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR and Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR, two Telephoto Prime lenses by Nikon. Both cameras have the same focal length and max apertures of 500mm focal range and a max aperture of F4.0 so they are very comparable in this regard.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR Key Specs

  • 500mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 40mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 3090g.
  • Diameter: 140mm
  • Length: 387mm
  • Min Focus Distance:3.6m
  • Max Magnification:0.14x

Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR Key Specs

  • 500mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format:
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 3880g.
  • Diameter: 140mm
  • Length: 391mm
  • Min Focus Distance:4m

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 391mm. The Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR with a length of 387mm is 4mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 140mm.

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR weighs 3090g, which means it is 790g (25%) lighter than the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR which has a weight of 3880g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Prime Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f1.8G Lens Nikon 85mm f1.8G
73mm
80mm 350g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR Lens Nikon 800mm f5.6E FL ED VR
461mm
160mm 4590g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f4G ED VR Lens Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR
445mm
166mm 5060g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f4D ED-IF II Lens Nikon 600mm f4D ED-IF II
455mm
166mm 5900g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f1.4D Lens Nikon 85mm f1.4D
73mm
80mm 550g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4D ED-IF II Lens Nikon 500mm f4D ED-IF II
394mm
140mm 3800g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR Lens Nikon 300mm f4E PF VR
148mm
89mm 750g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR Lens Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR
237mm
61mm 1460g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR and Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 500mm and the fastest aperture of F4.0.

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4G ED VR

Weight 3090g vs 3880g 790g lighter
Length 387mm vs 391mm 4mm shorter
Filter Thread 40mm vs 52mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 3.6m vs 4m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.14x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots
Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4G ED VR over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing

Common Strengths of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4G ED VR
Image Stabilization Yes vs Yes Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR vs Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR
Brand Nikon Nikon
Lens Type Prime Prime
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Prime Telephoto Prime
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 500mm 500mm
Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method No Zoom Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F4.0 F4.0
Min Aperture F22.0 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 16 14
Optical Groups 12 11
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 3.6m 4m
Max Magnification 0.14X unknown
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 3090g 3880g
Diameter 140mm 140mm
Length 387mm 391mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Magnesium alloy barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 40mm 52mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code HK-34 HK-34
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - -
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