Nikon 500mm f/4.0G ED VR AF-S SWM Super Telephoto Lens for Nikon FX and DX Format Digital SLR

by Nikon

• Lightweight, convenient, Super Telephoto lens optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both the Nikon FX (23.9 x 36mm) and DX-format image sensors
• Vibration Reduction minimizes the effects of camera shake allowing photographers to shoot at as many as four shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images
• New Tripod Detection mode reduces vibration that may occur due to shutter release when mounted on a tripod
• Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation
• Exclusive Nano Crystal Coat and a meniscus protective glass element combine to further reduce ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 20.1 x 9.1 x 12.2 inches ; 10 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 21 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000VDCT14
• Item model number: 2172
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: November 24, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR
Powerful, lightweight super telephoto, ideal for nature and sports features Nikon’s VR II image stabilization and Nikon Nano Crystal Coat for exceptional performance.

Features:

• Lightweight, convenient, super telephoto lens optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both the Nikon FX- (23.9 x 36mm) and DX-format image sensors.


• New tripod detection mode reduces vibration that may occur due to shutter release when mounted on a tripod.


• Exclusive Nano Crystal Coat and a meniscus protective glass element combine to further reduce ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity.


• Rugged, reliable and lightweight, this lens features a magnesium die-cast barrel and professional-grade dust- and moisture-resistant construction.


• Compatible with TC-14EII (AF/MF), TC-17EII (MF), TC-20EII (MF) and TC-20EIII (MF) Teleconverters.


• Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture.


• Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation.


• Three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements control chromatic aberrations while enhancing color, sharpness and contrast, even at the widest aperture settings.


• New A/M focus mode provides secure switching between auto and manual focus operation.




Supplied Accessories:

• HK-34 Slip-on lens hood


• CT-504 trunk case


• Slip-in filter holder


• 52-mm screw-in NC filter


• LN-1 strap


• Monopod collar




How to read the MTF curve chart

Lens Construction

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Big heavy awesome lens! March 30, 2012

By R. Adams

Amazon Verified Purchase

First off, the bad news - this lens is HEAVY! I am coming from using a 300 2.8 and could hand hold that lens. No chance here. Well maybe for a few shots - but that's it.

Good news, this is everything I need to shoot motorsports. Some people take pictures of birds - which is great. I shoot cars on the race track. The only other option is to buy a 400 2.8, which is even heaver, larger, and more expensive.

Shooting with this lens is best done with a tripod or, in my case, a monopod. Once the sheer size of the lens is mounted, it is easy to pan back and forth. The AF focus is fast and the reach is great. In addition to the lens, I also received the hard case inside the shipped box. Amazon. com also had their concierge services call up and verify that everything was ok with the order and lens. Good job there Amazon!

The only accessory I'd recommend is the "Lenscoat" to help protect the surface of the lens. (Not the glass - but the hood, focus ring etc.)

Overall a fantastic fast clear lens. Just big and heavy.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome lens July 11, 2012

By Juan Estevez

Amazon Verified Purchase

I know it cost well beyond of what most people can afford but you get your money worth, superb wide open, excellent with a 1.4 TC. IF you are coming from consumer grade lens you'll be in awe when you see the pictures coming out of this baby. Autofucus is lightning fast and VR works as advertised.

Cons:
The foot, c'mon Nikon! no one mounts this lens directly on a tripod, please supply an Arca Swiss compatible foot or plate. Some people might get away with a quality ballhead (RRS, Kirk) but you really need a gimbal setup. I went for the Wimberley replacement foot.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars When you look at the resulted images, you forget the cost September 3, 2012

By Eric

Amazon Verified Purchase

This is the most convenient and portable long tele-lens you can get without break your back. It will likely break your bank anyway as it costs almost a small car. But you will forget it when you look at the resulted images. BTW, you typically need to do AF fine tune with this lens.