Nikon unveils AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens

Side view of the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR lens. (Source: Nikon.)

A key feature of the new lens is its Phase Fresnel (PF) lens element, which uses diffraction to compensate for chromatic aberration. By using refractive and PF lens elements to cancel out chromatic dispersion, Nikon has been able to reduce the number of lens elements and, hence, the overall weight of the lens, which is designed for Nikon’s FX format cameras. Constructed with 19 elements in 11 groups, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR combines a PF lens element with Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and includes Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat technology for minimising ghosting and flare. Weighing approximately 1460 grams, the new lens enables mobile handheld shooting with its compact and light body. Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) provides up to four stops of shutter speed compensation, while the adoption of a lighter focusing group enables fast autofocusing, without compromising image quality, regardless of focus distance. Other features include a dust- and drip-resistant structure and fluorine coating on the front element’s surface to repel dirt and grease. This lens will be usable on the new Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 cameras, via the Mount Adapter FTZ.

An optional Dot Sight DF-M1 accessory that makes it easy to keep track of the intended subject, will be available when the lens goes on sale. The local release date and pricing have yet to be announced but a US press release states the lens will go on sale on 13 September for a MSRP of US$3,599.95. The Dot Sight DF-M1 accessory will cost US$174.95. For more information, visit www.nikon.com.au.