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Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f4G ED VR vs Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4G ED VR

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Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR

Telephoto Prime | Nikon F (FX)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f4G 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 600mm f4G ED VR vs Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR and Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR, two Telephoto Prime lenses by Nikon.

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 600mm f4G ED VR Key Specs

  • 600mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 5060g.
  • Diameter: 166mm
  • Length: 445mm
  • Min Focus Distance:5m
  • Max Magnification:0.12x

Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR Key Specs

  • 500mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 52mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 3880g.
  • Diameter: 140mm
  • Length: 391mm
  • Min Focus Distance:4m

What type of photography are the Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR and Nikon 500mm f4G 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 600mm f4G ED VR and the Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR
Bird/WildlifeExcellentExcellent
SportsExcellentExcellent
PortraitPoorFair
TravelPoorPoor
StreetPoorPoor
WeddingPoorFair
Walk AroundPoorPoor
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapePoorPoor

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 445mm. The Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR with a length of 391mm is 54mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR also has a larger diameter of 166mm compared to Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR's 140mm diameter.

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 f4G ED VR weighs 3880g, 23% (1180g) lighter than the Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR's weight of 5060g.


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 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
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f4D ED-IF Lens Nikon 300mm f4D ED-IF
223mm
90mm 1440g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Nikon 600mm f4G 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

Nikon 600mm f4G ED VR is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 600mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 900mm.
Nikon 500mm f4G ED VR is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 500mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 750mm.

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f4G ED VR over Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm f4G ED VR

Focal Length - Tele 600mm vs 500mm 100mm more Tele coverage
Max Magnification 0.12x 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 600mm f4G ED VR

Focal Length - Wide 500mm vs 600mm 100mm Wider coverage
Weight 3880g vs 5060g 1180g lighter
Diameter 140mm vs 166mm 26mm smaller in diameter
Length 391mm vs 445mm 54mm shorter
Minimum Focus Distance 4m vs 5m can focus closer to the subject

Common Strengths of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 600mm f4G 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
Internal Zoom Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during zooming
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs Yes Depth of Field 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 600mm f4G ED VR vs Nikon 500mm f4G 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 600mm 500mm
Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method Rotary (internal) 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 15 14
Optical Groups 12 11
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 5m 4m
Max Magnification 0.12X unknown
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ultrasonic Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale Yes Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 5060g 3880g
Diameter 166mm 140mm
Length 445mm 391mm
Materials Magnesium alloy barrel, metal mount Magnesium alloy barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 52mm 52mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code HK-35 HK-34
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - -
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