Following up Nikon's big mirrorless announcement, Nikon also announced a much-anticipated F-mount lens: the AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR super-telephoto lens.
UPDATE: Pre-orders now available.
Nikon's newest super-telephoto is another addition to its PF series of lenses that use a phase fresnel lens element in order to reduce the size and weight of what would otherwise be a much larger lens similar to more traditional fast, super-telephotos. The maximum diameter of this 500mm f/5.6E PF lens is 106mm, and it's just 237mm long. It weighs about as much as the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens, which is quite a feat for a lens with such reach. Most fast 500mm lenses weigh about twice that much. Naturally, this lens features Nikon's dust- and drip-resistance as well as a fluorine coat on the front element to help repel dirt and moisture (and to also make it easy to clean).
This lens features a 4-stop VR system that helps compensate for motion while shooting hand-held. Three ED elements and Nano Crystal Coating increase sharpness and control flare. And Nikon is marketing this with the new Z-series mirrorless cameras, advocating for the use of this lens and the ZTF mount adapter for a lightweight, super-telephoto package.
Finally, a new Dot Sight DF-M1 accessory to be released separately will help keep track of the intended subject, even when it "exhibits sudden movement." This new dot sight's compatibility with other lenses is unclear, but it's highly likely it will work across a range of Nikon products.
The 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens will be available September 13 for $3,599.95 while the DF-M1 will ship at a later date for $174.95.
I just wanted to comment because this post looked so lonely and it made me sad.
For me this is more exciting news than the mirrorless cameras. If I would not have a 500mm already, this would make me jump the ship, and replace my 7DmII with a D500 for birding.
Isn't it a little Pricey?
The 500mm f/4 is over $10k. So considering you're paying just over a third of the cost, a one-stop difference is not bad for that price...if the optical performance is there (which I think it is/will be).
Oh I see, I was thinking of 3rd party, compared to the Nikon, yes I guess it's all down to good glass. Thanks for the heads up. I guess wildlife photographers will be excited by this.
I have no idea why you made this comment in response to mine; however, since you asked, I have no idea, it's not the sort of glass I have or will ever purchase.
I think fstoppers needs to take a look at their web application, because it is not very reliable. I posted the original comment twice because after posting I got an AJAX error popping up. Then the context menu of the comment is blank, so I cannot remove it. Neither on Safari, not on Chrome. :(
Ditto that for many of us this is bigger news than the Z7!
I don't understand why this article is not more popular than the mirrorless articles! Wish Canon would give us such a lens!
Nice to see Nikon is releasing lenses like this in that price range. It’s about time. It should be a winner with the D500.
Perhaps Canon will do the same. While I have the 400 DO ll, I’d like to see a 600 F5.6.