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Nikon Introduces Phase Fresnel 500mm f5.6 Nikkor
23 August 2018
Nikon has announced the its AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR, a fixed focal length super-telephoto lens compatible with full-frame Nikon cameras. The use of a Phase Fresnel lens element significantly reduces the size and weight of the lens, the company said, comparing it to the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8E FL ED VR in weight.
The AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR is dust- and drip- resistance in addition to the fluorine coat applied to the front lens surface.
Nikon is also planning to release the Dot Sight DF-M1, a helpful accessory for super-telephoto photography where a narrow field of view in the viewfinder makes it difficult to track a subject. The Dot Sight DF-M1 makes it easy to keep track of the intended subject within the frame, even if the subject exhibits sudden movement, the company said.
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the 5o0mm lens include:
- F-Mount lens
- FX fFormat
- Aperture range: f5.6 to f32
- One Phase fresnel element
- Three extra-low dispersion elements
- Nano crystal and super integrated coatings
- Fluorine-coated front lens element
- Silent wave motor AF system
- Vibration reduction, sport/tripod modes
- Electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism
- Detachable, rotatable tripod collar
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the new Nikkor include:
16-80mm KIT LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount F Mount Focal Length 500mm Aperture f5.6 to f32
9 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View 5° Minimum Focus 9.84 inches Magnification 0.18x Optical Design 19 elements in 11 groups
3 Extra-Low Dispersion elements
One Phase Fresnel element
Nano Crystal and Super Integrated coatings
Flouine-coated front lens elementAutofocus Yes Image Stabilization Yes Filter Thread 95mm Dimensions 4.17 x 9.33 inches Weight 3.21 lbs. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Nikon said the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR will be available Sept. 13 for $3,599.95 with the Dot Sight DF-M1 for $174.95. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders for the 500mm for $3,596.95.
Nikon Releases the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6e PF ED VR, a Fixed Focal Length Super-Telephoto Lens Compatible With the Nikon FX Format
Delivers Exceptional Agility that Makes Hand-Held Super-Telephoto Photography Enjoyable, as Well as Offering Superior Optical Performance and Functionality
MELVILLE, N.Y. -- Nikon Inc. has announced the release of the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR, a fixed focal length super-telephoto lens compatible with Nikon FX-format dSLR cameras.
The AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR is a high-performance, FX-format, super-telephoto lens that supports 500mm focal length. The adoption of a Phase Fresnel lens element has significantly reduced the size and weight of the lens, making hand-held super-telephoto photography easier and more enjoyable.
With a maximum diameter of 106mm and length of 237mm, the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR, which weighs 1,460g (roughly the same weight as the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8E FL ED VR) is significantly lighter than previous 500mm lenses which can typically weigh up to more than 3,000g. The AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR is designed with consideration to dust- and drip- resistance, which in addition to the fluorine coat applied to the front lens surface, allows greater agility when shooting.
The use of one PF lens element and three ED glass elements enables extremely sharp and detailed rendering that is compatible with high pixel-count digital cameras. In addition, the materials used in the new PF lens element have been developed effectively to reduce PF (diffraction) flare, allowing light sources to be reproduced in near-original colors. In combination with Nikon's coating technologies, such as the Nano Crystal Coat, effective in controlling ghost and flare, extremely clear images are achieved.
AF speed has been increased by making lens elements in the focusing group lighter. The AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR is equipped with a VR mechanism that offers camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.01-stop increase in shutter speed. The SPORT VR mode that has been adopted is especially effective when photographing fast-moving and unpredictable subjects such as wild birds or in scenes such as sporting events. The stabilization of the image displayed in the viewfinder is also an effective feature for recording movies.
Additionally, the use of the Mount Adapter FTZ will allow the lens to be used with mirrorless cameras Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6, also has announced. Users will be able to enjoy super-telephoto shooting at the 500mm focal length with a system that is even more compact than ever before.
We are also planning to release the Dot Sight DF-M1, an accessory that is highly effective with super- telephoto photography. With super-telephoto shooting, a narrow field of view in the viewfinder tends to be made visible -- making it easy to lose track of the subject. The Dot Sight DF-M1 makes it easy to keep track of the intended subject within the frame, even if the subject exhibits sudden movement.
PF (Phase Fresnel) Lens Elements
The PF (Phase Fresnel) lens, developed by Nikon, effectively compensates chromatic aberration, utilizing the photo diffraction phenomenon2. It provides superior chromatic aberration compensation performance when combined with a normal glass lens. Compared to many general camera lenses that employ an optical system using the photorefractive phenomenon, a remarkably compact and lightweight body can be attained with fewer lens elements.
Primary Features
- Significantly smaller and lighter with the adoption of a Phase Fresnel lens element, making 500mm hand-held super-telephoto photography easier and more enjoyable
- Designed with consideration to dust- and drip-resistance; fluorine coat applied to front lens surface, effectively repelling water droplets, grease and dirt
- Adoption of one PF lens element and three ED glass elements for extremely sharp and detailed rendering, compatible with high pixel-count digital cameras
- Optical performance that is not compromised with the use of the TC-14E III AF-S teleconverter
- Materials used in the new PF lens element effectively control PF (diffraction) flare
- Ghost and flare effectively suppressed with the adoption of the Nano Crystal Coat, enabling clear images
- AF speed increased by making lens elements in the focusing group lighter
- Equipped with a VR mechanism that offers camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.01-stop increase in shutter speed, in two modes: NORMAL and SPORT
- Electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism adopted for extremely precise aperture control
Optional Accessories
We will release the Dot Sight DF-M1 (available separately), an accessory that is highly effective with super-telephoto photography. This accessory makes it easy to keep track of the intended subject, even if the subject exhibits sudden movement.
Price and Availability
The AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR will be available Sept. 13 for the suggested retail prices of $3599.95. The Dot Sight DF-M1 will be available for $174.95 SRP. For more information on these and other Nikon products, visit http://www.nikonusa.com.