Top Features
- A fraction of the size of most full-frame 500mm lenses
- Specially designed Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element enables a compact design and outstanding optical performance
- Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization for sharper and steadier photos
- Durable construction with advanced weather sealing, internal focus and Nikon's nonstick Fluorine coating
When photographing birds, wildlife, sports or action, mobility can make the difference between nailing the shot or missing it altogether. The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a fraction of the size of most full-frame 500mm lenses, freeing you to be as nimble as your subjects.
Travel light
Nikon’s smallest, lightest full-frame 500mm prime lens ever—approx. 9.3 inches long and 3.2 lbs.
Bring the world in reach
Powerful 500mm focal length (750mm equivalent on DX-format) brings the shots that matter in reach.
Shoot in the moment
Handheld vibrations are tamed by VR image stabilization equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops* faster.Outstanding image quality When combined with Nikon’s Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and other NIKKOR glass elements, the Phase Fresnel element produces high resolution, high contrast images with beautiful background blur.
Fast autofocus
Lighter, more compact optics don’t just benefit your mobility—a lighter focus lens group allows the autofocus system to focus faster, too. With the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) is able to operate at peak performance for fast, quiet autofocus.
Use with Your Nikon DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is also compatible with the new Nikon Z mirrorless camera bodies. To attach it, all you need is the Mount Adapter FTZ and you’re good to go with no loss of image quality. Auto Exposure (AE), autofocus (AF), and in-body VR (Vibration Reduction image stabilization) seamlessly work.
More reach when you need it
When shooting with a DX format DSLR or a full-frame DSLR in DX-Crop Mode, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR produces a whopping 750mm equivalent angle of view. Add the optional AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III for 1.4x more reach with only 1-stop loss of light and maintain autofocus.
Near-silent AF with seamless manual override.
The Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) powers extremely fast, accurate and quiet autofocus. When manual adjustments are needed, just spin the smooth focus ring.
Internal Focusing
All focusing movements occur within the lens barrel, so the physical length of the lens never changes. You can also focus as close as 9.8 feet with a 0.18x reproduction ratio from your subject to reveal the finest details.
Ready for the field
The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is extensively weather-sealed and includes a protective front meniscus with Nikon’s Fluorine Coating (FLC), which repels water droplets, dust and grime and easily wipes clean.
Consistent, even exposures
Nikon’s Electromagnetic diaphragm (E) mechanism produces extremely consistent exposures, especially during high-speed shooting...shot after shot after shot.
Stable continuous shooting
When shooting sports or action, select SPORTS MODE VR for a specialized type of image stabilization that produces a more stable viewfinder image during high-speed continuous shooting and panning.
Focus recall
When you can predict where action might occur—say, a basketball hoop, or the corner of the racetrack
We offer in-store pickup as well as shipping
🚀 Most in-stock orders are fulfilled within 1 business day of receiving the order.
📦 Special Orders typically arrive at Looking Glass within 2-14 business days. If a delay is expected, we will notify you.
🚚 Unless otherwise specified, we use USPS Ground shipping service with tracking.
📷 Orders < $150, Ground Shipping is $8.95; Orders > $149, Ground Shipping is FREE.
🇺🇸 We only ship within the Continental USA; We do not ship to freight forwarders.
Free Shipping Over $150 & Easy Returns
We’ll get your gear to you quickly (when shipping makes sense), with clear delivery expectations and straightforward returns if it’s not the right fit. No runaround—just real help if you need it.
0% Financing Options
Want to spread out the cost? We offer financing options (including 0% offers when available) and flexible payment plans at checkout—so you can get the right gear now without the stress.
Gear Outfitting for Confidence
Need deeper help choosing the right camera, lens, or kit for your lifestyle and the photos you plan to make? Book a one-on-one session with a Photo Coach and leave with a clear plan—plus guidance you can come back.
Free 1:1 Photo Coach Sessions with Purchase of Camera or Lens
Help precisely when you need it. Key questions arise AFTER you’ve had a chance to use your new gear. Setup help? Can’t quite get the aesthetic you aspire to? We’re here for it. You’re not buying from a warehouse—you’re buying from a team that actually knows the gear and wants you to love using it.
Description
Description
Top Features
- A fraction of the size of most full-frame 500mm lenses
- Specially designed Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element enables a compact design and outstanding optical performance
- Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization for sharper and steadier photos
- Durable construction with advanced weather sealing, internal focus and Nikon's nonstick Fluorine coating
When photographing birds, wildlife, sports or action, mobility can make the difference between nailing the shot or missing it altogether. The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a fraction of the size of most full-frame 500mm lenses, freeing you to be as nimble as your subjects.
Travel light
Nikon’s smallest, lightest full-frame 500mm prime lens ever—approx. 9.3 inches long and 3.2 lbs.
Bring the world in reach
Powerful 500mm focal length (750mm equivalent on DX-format) brings the shots that matter in reach.
Shoot in the moment
Handheld vibrations are tamed by VR image stabilization equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops* faster.Outstanding image quality When combined with Nikon’s Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and other NIKKOR glass elements, the Phase Fresnel element produces high resolution, high contrast images with beautiful background blur.
Fast autofocus
Lighter, more compact optics don’t just benefit your mobility—a lighter focus lens group allows the autofocus system to focus faster, too. With the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) is able to operate at peak performance for fast, quiet autofocus.
Use with Your Nikon DSLR or Mirrorless Camera
The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is also compatible with the new Nikon Z mirrorless camera bodies. To attach it, all you need is the Mount Adapter FTZ and you’re good to go with no loss of image quality. Auto Exposure (AE), autofocus (AF), and in-body VR (Vibration Reduction image stabilization) seamlessly work.
More reach when you need it
When shooting with a DX format DSLR or a full-frame DSLR in DX-Crop Mode, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR produces a whopping 750mm equivalent angle of view. Add the optional AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E III for 1.4x more reach with only 1-stop loss of light and maintain autofocus.
Near-silent AF with seamless manual override.
The Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) powers extremely fast, accurate and quiet autofocus. When manual adjustments are needed, just spin the smooth focus ring.
Internal Focusing
All focusing movements occur within the lens barrel, so the physical length of the lens never changes. You can also focus as close as 9.8 feet with a 0.18x reproduction ratio from your subject to reveal the finest details.
Ready for the field
The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is extensively weather-sealed and includes a protective front meniscus with Nikon’s Fluorine Coating (FLC), which repels water droplets, dust and grime and easily wipes clean.
Consistent, even exposures
Nikon’s Electromagnetic diaphragm (E) mechanism produces extremely consistent exposures, especially during high-speed shooting...shot after shot after shot.
Stable continuous shooting
When shooting sports or action, select SPORTS MODE VR for a specialized type of image stabilization that produces a more stable viewfinder image during high-speed continuous shooting and panning.
Focus recall
When you can predict where action might occur—say, a basketball hoop, or the corner of the racetrack
Shipping
Shipping
We offer in-store pickup as well as shipping
🚀 Most in-stock orders are fulfilled within 1 business day of receiving the order.
📦 Special Orders typically arrive at Looking Glass within 2-14 business days. If a delay is expected, we will notify you.
🚚 Unless otherwise specified, we use USPS Ground shipping service with tracking.
📷 Orders < $150, Ground Shipping is $8.95; Orders > $149, Ground Shipping is FREE.
🇺🇸 We only ship within the Continental USA; We do not ship to freight forwarders.
Looking Glass Advantage
Looking Glass Advantage
Free Shipping Over $150 & Easy Returns
We’ll get your gear to you quickly (when shipping makes sense), with clear delivery expectations and straightforward returns if it’s not the right fit. No runaround—just real help if you need it.
0% Financing Options
Want to spread out the cost? We offer financing options (including 0% offers when available) and flexible payment plans at checkout—so you can get the right gear now without the stress.
Gear Outfitting for Confidence
Need deeper help choosing the right camera, lens, or kit for your lifestyle and the photos you plan to make? Book a one-on-one session with a Photo Coach and leave with a clear plan—plus guidance you can come back.
Free 1:1 Photo Coach Sessions with Purchase of Camera or Lens
Help precisely when you need it. Key questions arise AFTER you’ve had a chance to use your new gear. Setup help? Can’t quite get the aesthetic you aspire to? We’re here for it. You’re not buying from a warehouse—you’re buying from a team that actually knows the gear and wants you to love using it.