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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR
vs
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR

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Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR

Telephoto Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR
CHECK PRICE
BUY from B&H PHOTO
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Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR

Telephoto Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR
CHECK PRICE
BUY from B&H PHOTO

Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR vs Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR for the F(FX) Mount and the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR for the F(FX) Mount, two Telephoto Prime lenses by Nikon. Both lenses have the same focal range of 500mm but different max apertures: Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR has a max aperture of F5.6 while the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR has a max aperture of F4.0.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the following section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR Key Specs

  • 500mm Focal Range
  • F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 95mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 1460g.
  • Diameter: 61mm
  • Length: 237mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 3m
  • Max Magnification: 0.18x

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 AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR Nikon AF-S 500mm F5...
Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR Nikon 500mm F4E FL E..
Nikon AF-S 500mm F5...
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Nikon 500mm F4E FL E..
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What type of photography are the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR and Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR and the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR
Bird/WildlifeExcellentExcellent
SportsExcellentExcellent
PortraitFairFair
TravelPoorPoor
StreetPoorPoor
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundPoorPoor
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapePoorPoor
MacroPoorPoor


Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 387mm. The Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR with a length of 237mm, is 150mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR also has a larger diameter of 140mm compared to the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR's 61mm diameter.

The 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 AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR weighs 1460g, which means it is 1630g (52%) lighter than the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR which has a weight of 3090g.


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 500mm f4G ED VR Lens Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR
391mm
140mm 3880g 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

Lens Mounts

Both the Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR and the Nikon 500mm F4E FL 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 but while Nikon AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR has the fastest aperture of F5.6, the Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR's widest aperture value is F4.0.

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR

Weight 1460g vs 3090g 1630g lighter
Diameter 61mm vs 140mm 79mm smaller in diameter
Length 237mm vs 387mm 150mm shorter
Minimum Focus Distance 3m vs 3.6m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.18x vs 0.14x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR

Max Aperture - Wide 4 vs 5.6 Wider aperture at wide end
Distance Scale Yes vs No Distance Scale to assist focusing
Filter Thread 40mm vs 95mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR and Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR
Image Stabilization Yes vs Yes Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Tripod Collar Yes vs Yes More balanced connection with Tripod Heads
Compatibility with Teleconverters Yes vs Yes Longer tele reach with optional Teleconverters
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during 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 AF-S 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR vs Nikon 500mm F4E FL ED VR Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
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 No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F5.6 F4.0
Min Aperture F32 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 19 16
Optical Groups 11 12
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 3m 3.6m
Max Magnification 0.18X 0.14X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale No Yes
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale No Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No Yes
Physical Specs
Weight 1460g 3090g
Diameter 61mm 140mm
Length 237mm 387mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 95mm 40mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code - HK-34
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
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