NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: arthurking83 on June 14, 2018, 15:45:42

Title: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: arthurking83 on June 14, 2018, 15:45:42
Nikon  have recently announced the development of thee up coming 500/5.6 PF VR lens

https://mynikonlife.com.au/news/gear/nikon-australia-announces-development-of-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr/ (https://mynikonlife.com.au/news/gear/nikon-australia-announces-development-of-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr/)

Interesting turn of marketing lately in announcing the 'development of' .. eg. the D850 before it was released ... and now this lens(that it seems so many have been lusting for.

I don't really remember Nikon in recent history as the company type to announce developments of products.
But, in some ways good to see them 'communicating' more openly with this kind of thing .. and hopefully more to come(annoncements and products) .. oh! and at sane prices too!
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Macro_Cosmos on June 15, 2018, 09:19:51
Nikon had their days of putting out groundbreaking stuff, and I'm happy to see them back at it. Nikon is also known to flip-flop, there's many substantial cases throughout history, nonetheless Nikon survived with a happy customer base.  ;)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Akira on July 09, 2018, 03:05:59
Further rumored info on the 500/5.6: a total length is 24cm, and the estimated price is 4,300USD.

https://nikonrumors.com/2018/07/06/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-additional-information-price-and-length.aspx/
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ann on July 09, 2018, 03:16:26
I am actually very disappointed that the 500 Pf is to be only an f/5.6 lens.

500 mm is still very short for bird photography and this lens will be too slow for use with Auto AF with the necessary TCs.

Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Akira on July 09, 2018, 03:31:00
I am actually very disappointed that the 500 Pf is to be only an f/5.6 lens.

500 mm is still very short for bird photography and this lens will be too slow for use with Auto AF with the necessary TCs.

I hear you as nature photographer.  Probably Nikon wanted to promote the drastic reduction in size of the 500/5.6 PF compared to the current 500/4.0.  The diameter will be the same and the weight won't be very much lighter, so long as the speed remains the same.  For the sports photographer, 500/5.6 could be an attractive alternative to 500/4.0, now that there is D5 with the excellent high-ISO performance.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Mongo on July 09, 2018, 04:22:42
this is a move in the right direction but have the same concerns as Ann. 500mm is the minimum length needed for long lenses especially for wildlife/birding. In all likelihood this lens will require a TC a lot of the time and therefore, its real usefulness will depend on how it performs with TC attached. Not afraid of shooting at f8 and in fact, do  a lot of the time even though faster apertures  are available. However, this new lens will need to be able to give great IQ with a converter wide open at at least f8.......in short, there will be no room for stopping down to get sharp results. Personally, a 600mm f5.6 of this lens is by far the better option if eventually made available. It was in the past as an AI-s manual lens and it should be reproduced today in modern form.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on July 09, 2018, 14:35:04
Nikon already have a lightweight 500/4. In a fast tele, PF would lead to only small weight and size savings and yet the bokeh and contrast would be inferior to refractive designs, so Nikon do not offer such a design. In a smaller aperture version the size and weight savings are much more substantial.

There are subjects for all focal lengths.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Akira on July 09, 2018, 22:12:22
Ann and Mongo, here is a good news for you.   ;)

https://nikonrumors.com/2018/04/16/nikon-to-announce-a-new-nikkor-600mm-f-5-6-pf-lens-soon.aspx/
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Roland Vink on July 09, 2018, 23:12:04
I wonder if they will develop a 400/5.6PF? That would seem to strike a good balance between reach and affordability for many amateurs, and give better quality than zooms or 300/4+TC which cover the same range. Nikon is rather lacking in 400mm primes apart from the 400/2.8.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Akira on July 09, 2018, 23:15:41
I wonder if they will develop a 400/5.6PF? That would seem to strike a good balance between reach and affordability for many amateurs, and give better quality than zooms or 300/4+TC which cover the same range. Nikon is rather lacking in 400mm primes apart from the 400/2.8.

I would agree.  I don't remember how many times I wanted to switch to Canon because of their 400/5.6 prime which is much more modern than the venerable Ai(s) 400/5.6 ED IF.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Frank Fremerey on July 10, 2018, 10:03:14
I wonder if they will develop a 400/5.6PF? That would seem to strike a good balance between reach and affordability for many amateurs, and give better quality than zooms or 300/4+TC which cover the same range. Nikon is rather lacking in 400mm primes apart from the 400/2.8.

the 300pf with the 14E III and only this is breathtakingly phantastic. very little room for a 400/5.6
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Erik Lund on July 10, 2018, 12:16:03
Further rumored info on the 500/5.6: a total length is 24cm, and the estimated price is 4,300USD.

https://nikonrumors.com/2018/07/06/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-additional-information-price-and-length.aspx/ (https://nikonrumors.com/2018/07/06/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-additional-information-price-and-length.aspx/)


24cm now that is compact! Wow ;)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on July 10, 2018, 14:17:24
I wonder if they will develop a 400/5.6PF? That would seem to strike a good balance between reach and affordability for many amateurs, and give better quality than zooms or 300/4+TC which cover the same range. Nikon is rather lacking in 400mm primes apart from the 400/2.8.

A Nikon patent mentions 400/5.6, 500/5.6 and 600/5.6, all PF. But of course we cannot know which of them (or if all three) will be realized into products, apart from the 500mm which was announced to be in development.

Given that there is already a 300/4 PF, the annoucement of 500mm next makes sense since 1.67x is a reasonable ratio between consequtive focal lengths that you might carry at the same time. 1.33x is perhaps too dense a spacing between primes, in my opinion. I understand the cost argument but a new 400/5.6 would likely be priced quite high (2500-3000€?). This would make it a hard sell when compared with the Canon 400/5.6, which has been in the market for a very long time.  500/5.6 has some novelty which means the price is not dieectly compared with existing older products.

Which would I prefer? As a user of 300 PF I would like to add a 500/5.6. Of course, the cost is a big issue, and the lens needs to be high quality, reasonably fast and accurate focusing, and lightweight and compact. We know the length but it is interesting to see how the tripod collar is; is it built in and non-removeable, fully removeable or with removeable foot but not collar? How well does it handle vibrations? Etc. How much image quality is lost compared to the 500/4G and E VR and is there some area where the 500 PF is actually better? For example, LoCA could be very well corrected and it may be optimized for near distances and offer a high maximum magnification (for small subjects a fast maximum aperture may give too little depth of field, whereas for large or faraway subjects the f/4 aperture is beneficial and useful).

If it gives excellent close up capability with high level of optical correction, and yet give better results at longer distances than 200-500, and very good  corner sharpness (I am thinking about architectural and landcape details not only moving subjects) then I think it will find its users. I don't care for TCs, and happy if lightweight long glass is made available so that I never have to use a TC.

If the image quality is not as good as the 300 PF then I will not be trying to stretch myself to be able to afford it, rather I will consider the second hand market for the 500/4 VR. I have tested it a bit (G version) and liked it a lot, but currently I have some back pain (having been foolish enough to lift something extremely heavy at work, now suffering the consequences) and so I have to consider the PF to be on the safe side for recovery.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Frank Fremerey on July 11, 2018, 11:41:17
I did not care about TCs before I saw the results of the 14E3 with the 300PF. There is simply no reduction in IQ, AF and mechanical performance. I did not really believe it before I tried it but now I can confirm it. I also have the glassless 14E and mechanical it is great plus optical. Highly recomnended!!!
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on July 11, 2018, 20:52:01
I did not care about TCs before I saw the results of the 14E3 with the 300PF. There is simply no reduction in IQ, AF and mechanical performance.

I do not has such a good experience with mine. My 300 PF performs much better without TC. Sharper, cleaner, more confident in focusing. I use the TC when I need to but want a 400 or 500 with better quality and AF.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Frank Fremerey on July 12, 2018, 09:10:34
I do not has such a good experience with mine. My 300 PF performs much better without TC. Sharper, cleaner, more confident in focusing. I use the TC when I need to but want a 400 or 500 with better quality and AF.

maybe you ask NPS to review the interplay of your 14E3 with your 300PF?

My 17E2 reduces IQ and AF significantly.

I hear that the 14E2 and earlier have the same problem
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on July 12, 2018, 14:50:50
At a length 62% of the 500 f4E, its ergonomics are the main attraction. It will be significantly shorter than the 400 f5.6AIS, so an airline friendly telephoto. But according to the latest info on NR, this 500 f5.6 PF could cost $4,300 or €4,300. At that price, I would hope for a more versatile telephoto with the specs of a 400 f4, optimized to work well with TC14E.

It's accepted the marriage of the 300 f4E PF with  TC14 is a sound one. Threads on this forum and others. Mine are rarely parted.


https://nikonrumors.com/2018/07/06/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-additional-information-price-and-length.aspx/ (https://nikonrumors.com/2018/07/06/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-additional-information-price-and-length.aspx/)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on July 12, 2018, 18:12:36
These TC stories about no degradation in image quality or AF are seemingly never reproduced in actual measurements nor have found supportive evidence in my own real-world photography situations.

Photographylife Imatest MTF 50 measurements

300 PF + TC-14E III at f/5.6: 2337 / 1728 / 1563
300 PF                    at f/4:    2863 / 1998 / 1740
300 PF                    at f/5.6: 2973 / 2270 / 2001

Brad Hill recently compared 300 PF with TC-14E III with 180-400 at 400mm Here is a few sentences of what he said:
"With only a few very limited exceptions (at very small apertures), the Nikkor 180-400mm f4E @ 400mm easily optically outperformed both the Nikkor 300mm plus TC-14EIII ...." "At long distance the difference between the optics of the 3 lenses was even more pronounced, especially on the edges" ...

I don't have the 180-400 but in my experience, at long distances, the AF of the 300 PF + TC-14E III makes it very difficult to obtain sharp results. The usual situation with Nikon DSLR equipment is that both the combination of TCs and long distances amplify problems. At near distances the 300 PF is very good and the damage due to TC use is less than at longer distances.

In Steve Perry's map comparison images the 300 PF (no TC) was sharper than the 180-400 at 300mm in the corner areas.

Attaching a TC gives a bit better detail than cropping, perhaps half of the gain you'd expect if using a prime lens of the longer focal length.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Frank Fremerey on July 12, 2018, 18:45:08
thank you. did I mix up facts and emotion?
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: BruceLeventhal on July 13, 2018, 13:57:39
I agree with Ilkka's statements regarding the usefulness of a 500mm f/5.6 PF paired with the 300mm f4 PF. While some may think that the lens is not adequate for small bird photography and might require a converter, I suggest that you pair the lens with a D500 when shooting smaller bird species. If one works from a hide and the close focus of the new lens is less than 10 meters, you can certainly produce full frame pics with just the slightest of crops.

As a photographer who spends more time pursing mammals, animal landscapes, and larger birds, the 500mm PF would provide me with plenty of reach and the flexibility to hike without the burden of a bulky and heavy lens. Furthermore, the smaller footprint of this lens will facilitate trouble-free travel. I currently carry a 200-400VR while my wife's bag holds the 200-500VR and 300mm PF. The combination of the two lenses in her bag is 300g lighter than my one lens. If the PF comes in at a weight and length of a unextended 200-500, I gain a level of handhold-ability that I currently do not have. ...as for pricing, I'd expect something around $4000 US/Euros... but time will tell.
cheers,
bruce
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on July 13, 2018, 15:15:10
The 300 PF is exciting to shoot with, it's easy to be emotional about it.

The distances I use with mine to photograph moose and deer may be too long, the light often too dim, the subject too well camouflaged and thus results with TC not quite what I would hope. At close range (small birds at 5m in bright daylight) I too have been satisfied. It is especially in the long distance range where I hope the 500/5.6 to give a significant improvement over the 300 PF + TC-14E III.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Macro_Cosmos on July 14, 2018, 00:36:20
The rumoured retail price will be $4500. I'm glad to see the lens being confirmed.

As an amateur in this nature stuff, I can't splurge $10k for the superb 500/4, and of course another $3k on a gimbal head, a high end tripod, and a fluid head. $4500 is actually reasonable! I think it's possible to get away with a Sirui gimbal head or the Wimberly sidekick on my overpriced BH-55 from RRS. Considering how much the 300PF dropped, I'm fairly optimistic here. The lens could be had for $4000 or less new probably 1 or 2 years after its release. Also copies can be obtained in the used market.

Need to really give some serious thoughts though. The 300PF with a TC-14E3 on a D500 gives 420mm, crop factor makes it the FoV of a 630mm lens. F/5.6. While the 500/5.6 PF no doubt will beat such a combination, is it worth it though?

D500: $1500 new (wow, it's that low now?)
300 PF: $1300-1500 used
And I have $1500 lying around.

So is the extra IQ worth it? We're talking about nature here, and to me the centre is all I care (please don't give me stares, I'm admittedly an amateur) I'll have to wait till real world reviews are out. Steve Perry is almost definitely going to do one.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on July 14, 2018, 10:07:26
Sharpness in the outer areas can be important for "animals in landscape" type shots. Also sometimes the eyes may have to be placed close to the edge even in a portrait, if the frame is tight. I guess it is more common that the animal is small in the frame and the image has to be cropped. But with a prime lens you sometimes run into the situation where the framing is tight and in that case it is good to have the image quality hold up to the edges.

I sometimes photograph landscape and architectural details with long lenses and there I would prefer sharpness to be even across the frame at least when the lens is stopped down.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: rs on July 14, 2018, 21:57:38
A real one, spotted in the wild...

https://nikonrumors.com/2018/07/14/the-new-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-spotted-at-a-nikon-world-cup-party.aspx/
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: richardHaw on July 15, 2018, 06:40:03
this is a game changer for many Nikon tele shooters  :o :o :o

your back will complain less and you won't need a big bag to carry this one around! well done, Nikon!
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Frank Fremerey on July 15, 2018, 09:55:46
question: what wil be the size/weight/IQ comparsion to the 5.6/200-500 that is only a tad more than a quarter in price
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: gryphon1911 on July 15, 2018, 13:39:05
I can understand Frank's emotional statements about the 300/4PF and TC14E3.  I too have the same feelings.  In real world use for my particular use cases...I have no issues IQ or performance wise with the combo.   However, I do and can concede that the combo will not always work for everyone in every situation.   Some people have more demanding  standards for acceptability than perhaps Frank and I do.

What I do find exciting is the size reduction while still keeping the high IQ we have come to expect.  i welcome the lenses that Nikon is bringing out.   My gut is telling me that this is a first step into what we can expect from Nikon to give us a great set of lenses for our existing gear and a stepping stone into what we can hope to expect for what they will release in their new mirrorless caeras to be announced here soon.   I'm saving up my pennies and anticipation of that.

For the 500/5.6PF....even at $4300...that is still more manageable for someone like me....more so than the 500/fg (size, weight,portability)...although we do have alternatives like the much loved 200-500/5.6VR for around $1000.    I still consider that lens from time to time when shooting sports...plunked onto a monopod.    That has me thinking....I might need to rent one of those and give it a whirl on the D500 and see how it works.    I'll need to research and see if it works with the TC14EIII.     In good light I can work with f/8!  :D
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: richardHaw on July 15, 2018, 14:37:38
who knows, this may work very well with another TC combo  :o :o :o

in my experience, the 1.4 TC won't degrade the image by much. ::) but that's just me shooting birds at the beach.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on July 16, 2018, 07:47:56
Judging from responses to the 500 PF, and no lack of forum threads on the 300 PF, Many of us share similar interests in the ergonomics of these dinky primes. Equally on the benefits and uses of TCs. As with the lenses they extend, not everyone couples that well with a TC. The tests on Photography Life, and elsewhere, put numbers on the IQ penalty.

The real questions are how much the TC detracts in photos in actual use. With the TC14, and TC2 III, the 300 f4E PF on the D500 and D850 are well worth the penalties. IME, I find the impacts more in AF performance. In my experience shooting birds and other wildlife, these TCs make possible what would otherwise be impossible. Again, the 400 f2.8, 300 f2.8 and 200 f2 work even better with TCs.

Here's a photo - Appended - of the 500 f5.6E PF, recent leak via NR... Note the Gold Ring

https://nikonrumors.com/2018/07/14/the-new-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-spotted-at-a-nikon-world-cup-party.aspx/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NikonRumors+%28NikonRumors.com%29


I can understand Frank's emotional statements about the 300/4PF and TC14E3.  I too have the same feelings.  In real world use for my particular use cases...I have no issues IQ or performance wise with the combo.   However, I do and can concede that the combo will not always work for everyone in every situation.   Some people have more demanding  standards for acceptability than perhaps Frank and I do.

What I do find exciting is the size reduction while still keeping the high IQ we have come to expect.  i welcome the lenses that Nikon is bringing out.   My gut is telling me that this is a first step into what we can expect from Nikon to give us a great set of lenses for our existing gear and a stepping stone into what we can hope to expect for what they will release in their new mirrorless caeras to be announced here soon.   I'm saving up my pennies and anticipation of that.

For the 500/5.6PF....even at $4300...that is still more manageable for someone like me....more so than the 500/fg (size, weight,portability)...although we do have alternatives like the much loved 200-500/5.6VR for around $1000.    I still consider that lens from time to time when shooting sports...plunked onto a monopod.    That has me thinking....I might need to rent one of those and give it a whirl on the D500 and see how it works.    I'll need to research and see if it works with the TC14EIII.     In good light I can work with f/8!  :D
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Macro_Cosmos on July 16, 2018, 14:05:47
That looks about the size of a standard 70-200 zoom. Terrific.

So the 300/4 PF is the size of a 24-70, the 500 is the size of a 70-200. This is really pleasing to see! I can handhold the 70-200 all day.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on August 06, 2018, 12:59:00
That looks about the size of a standard 70-200 zoom. Terrific.

So the 300/4 PF is the size of a 24-70, the 500 is the size of a 70-200. This is really pleasing to see! I can handhold the 70-200 all day.
Another image put out on NR
https://nikonrumors.com/2018/08/05/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-next-to-the-500mm-f-4e-and-180-400mm-f-4.aspx/#more-124299
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Jan Anne on August 23, 2018, 07:14:05
Screenshot of the new 500mm PF.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on August 23, 2018, 07:54:26
More details

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-nikkor-500mm-f%252f5.6e-pf-ed-vr.html (https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-nikkor-500mm-f%252f5.6e-pf-ed-vr.html)


https://nikonrumors.com/2018/08/23/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-officially-announced.aspx/ (https://nikonrumors.com/2018/08/23/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-officially-announced.aspx/)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Birna Rørslett on August 23, 2018, 07:59:14
Here it is, maybe JA's next purchase?

Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on August 23, 2018, 13:45:11
It's a little annoying how the 500 PF launch is getting such little attention online.

Does anyone here plan on getting one for testing or ownership?

It is tempting because I've found the 300 PF almost always in my bag, and frequently in use.  :)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Birna Rørslett on August 23, 2018, 13:55:35
Agree -- the 500 ought be be drawing much more attention to itself. However, such is the fate of being announced together with the long awaited Z system :(

For my own use, the 500 is a tad long in most scenarios, so for now I make do with the 300 PF. I do have requested a sample for review, though.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Jan Anne on August 23, 2018, 14:35:58
Here it is, maybe JA's next purchase?
Maybe, I loved shooting at 500mm with the 200-500VR a lot but also used the ability to zoom out on a few occasions and size wise the zoom was also a pleasure to use.

So the 500PF has the be a lot better IQ wise to tempt me into buying a lens probably four times the zoom.

Lets start with the Z7 and zee from there what the next will be ;)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chris dees on August 23, 2018, 14:46:34
It’s 4K€ in Holland :(
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Kim Pilegaard on August 23, 2018, 15:21:35
I would certainly love to have one for wildlife photography. I see a big advantage of the low weight compared to the 200-500mm f.5.6 and to the 500mm f.4. I am looking forward to see some tests, where the new lens is compared to the other 500mm options, including using converters. The 500 PF would most likely make a great combination together with the D500. The price, however, is probably reasonable, but still quite high.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on August 24, 2018, 10:11:22
I would certainly love to have one for wildlife photography. I see a big advantage of the low weight compared to the 200-500mm f.5.6 and to the 500mm f.4. I am looking forward to see some tests, where the new lens is compared to the other 500mm options, including using converters. The 500 PF would most likely make a great combination together with the D500. The price, however, is probably reasonable, but still quite high.

Well, I have preordered the 500 f5.6 PF, even though its TCF is too low (scores a T1C-0.75 because only TC14 can fit with impacts on AF performance).  The low weight @ 1.4kg and compactness (TL 237mm) of this 500 Nikkor are overriding factors. But the price makes it a tough call against the excellent 500 f4 Sigma Sport, which works well with TCs BUT as we all know weighs so more (3350g) and costs even more (approx +1000 pounds based on official Yen price announced yesterday).
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Erik Lund on August 24, 2018, 10:18:03
Well, I have preordered the 500 f5.6 PF, even though its TCF is too low (scores a T1C-0.75 because only TC14 can fit with impacts on AF performance).  The low weight @ 1.4kg and compactness (TL 237mm) of this 500 Nikkor are overriding factors. But the price makes it a tough call against the excellent 500 f4 Sigma Sport, which does will with TCs BUT as we all know weighs so more (3350g) and costs even more (approx 1000 pounds based on official Yen price announced yesterday).


TCF T1C  :o


I think you need to use a few more words,,, Thank you!  ;)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on August 24, 2018, 10:45:12

TCF T1C  :o


I think you need to use a few more words,,, Thank you!  ;)
My apologies Erik

Teleconverter Factor = TCF The T Score – Telephoto-Gain – of 1, 2 or 3 summarizes whether the lens can work effectively with 1, 2 or 3 of the respective TCs. The C index – Converter-Scope – values: 5 [f2.8] 4 [f3.3] 3 [f4] 2 [f4.5] 1.5 [f5.6] -0.25 (6.7] and -0.75 [f8]

https://chambeshiphotographyblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/20/optimal-telephotos-the-optical-space-race/ (https://chambeshiphotographyblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/20/optimal-telephotos-the-optical-space-race/)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on August 24, 2018, 11:07:42
more info - note the impressive MTF data.
These 2 photos on the Nikon Japan site encapsulate the key +ve factors of Argument to buy this unique telephoto prime !

http://www.nikon-image.com/products/nikkor/fmount/af-s_nikkor_500mm_f56e_pf_ed_vr/features01.html (http://www.nikon-image.com/products/nikkor/fmount/af-s_nikkor_500mm_f56e_pf_ed_vr/features01.html)

https://nikonrumors.com/2018/08/23/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-additional-coverage.aspx/ (https://nikonrumors.com/2018/08/23/nikon-af-s-nikkor-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-additional-coverage.aspx/)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on September 07, 2018, 09:27:21
Hidden promotional video discovered

https://nikonrumors.com/2018/09/06/only-nikon-can-produce-a-marketing-video-and-then-hide-it-from-everyone-500mm-f-5-6e-pf-ed-vr-lens-promo.aspx/
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 07, 2018, 12:16:21
Interesting find, thanks
Impressive lens, given the MFT it indicates to be better than the 500/4 E FL lens.

I am not sure whether it suits me. Currently for me the 200-500/5,6 appears to fit my need for this specific slot (relatively compact lightweight tele range that hikes and travels) better
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Ilkka Nissilä on September 07, 2018, 13:38:55
Impressive lens, given the MFT it indicates to be better than the 500/4 E FL lens.

Do you mean the G VR?

The 500/4E MTF is higher than the 500/5.6E until the very last 4 mm of the image circle where the meridional 30lpmm line diverges with the f/4 version, the other lines stay higher in the f/4E. Both are given wide open. At f/5.6 the corners of the f/4 should be improved further.

Knowing how the 300 PF is, I would expect lower contrast and some residual diffraction in the 500 PF as well (compared to the corresponding fast supertele primes), but time will tell how the images look. Also distance may affect the different lenses differently.

I do agree the 500 PF MTF is very exciting, hopefully the lens meets expectations in practice.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 07, 2018, 14:06:17
Do you mean the G VR?

The 500/4E MTF is higher than the 500/5.6E until the very last 4 mm of the image circle where the meridional 30lpmm line diverges with the f/4 version, the other lines stay higher in the f/4E. Both are given wide open. At f/5.6 the corners of the f/4 should be improved further.

Knowing how the 300 PF is, I would expect lower contrast and some residual diffraction in the 500 PF as well (compared to the corresponding fast supertele primes), but time will tell how the images look. Also distance may affect the different lenses differently.

I do agree the 500 PF MTF is very exciting, hopefully the lens meets expectations in practice.

No I meant the E derived from this comparison
https://nikonrumors.com/2018/08/24/nikon-500mm-f-5-6e-vs-500mm-f-4e-vs-200-500mm-f-5-6e-specifications-comparison.aspx/

I am still not too used in reading MFT charts but  was irritated by the sag in the corner (we all now that the extreme corners are the most important part of the image composition ;-)
After reviewing it, I realize that the 500/4 E is indeed better although it is different to see

clearly the 200-500 ist not that good IQ wise. Its advantage is its versatility.

I am also looking forward how the also rumored 600/5,6 PF will be.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on September 07, 2018, 14:42:31
The MTF of this new PF is most impressive given it is a built around a  phase-fresnel prime. Compare MTF below - against E FL 400 and 500 primes, and 200-500 (tele MTF) and 300 PF

I agree we need to see filed tests of the IQ  but a 500 only 35mm longer and 35g more than the 70-200 f2.8E is remarkable. And good to see it have the locking-clip in the hood (also like the 70-200). I have lost the flimsy twist-on hood on my 300 PF walking in brush etc (but luckily found it each time)

Even if it is f5.6 with the TC Factor, but then feedback on TM thread said the AF was decent with TC14

Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 07, 2018, 15:08:15
Chambeshi, something in the assignment of the small MTF chart appears to have gone wrong,the 200-500 cant be that good

Furthermore I did a web search for the 200-500s MTFs and found several non consistent results
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Birna Rørslett on September 07, 2018, 15:20:21
Must be a mix-up of data, somewhere.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: F2F3F6 on September 07, 2018, 19:50:26
Millirehm, have a better look on chambeshi's post : the data (MTF charts) for the 200-500 is the second one, (above the line "Nikon 5,6/200-500 ED tele).
The third is for the 4/500 E, the fourth is for 4/300E PF and the last 2,8/400E...so the 200-500 is way behind the new 5,6/500 (at less in the MTF charts !).
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: MILLIREHM on September 07, 2018, 20:16:30
Millirehm, have a better look on chambeshi's post : the data (MTF charts) for the 200-500 is the second one, (above the line "Nikon 5,6/200-500 ED tele).
The third is for the 4/500 E, the fourth is for 4/300E PF and the last 2,8/400E...so the 200-500 is way behind the new 5,6/500 (at less in the MTF charts !).

OK i got it wrong (need new glasses for monitor view evidently), misaligned the text, i see it now thanks
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on September 08, 2018, 17:00:41
see this short field report, which would appear to confirm what we hypothesize about IQ from the MTF comparisons above:

"I didn’t expect this baby lens to be capable of the same image quality as the F4E, but it is! The D850’s 46 megapixels place a huge demand on any lens, and the 500mm F5.6E PF really delivers. Bokeh looks great, I couldn’t persuade it to flare while shooting against backlighting and I didn't notice any issues with chromatic aberrations.

All-in-all, I couldn’t find any drawbacks compared to the F4E when it comes to image quality."

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/3889977670/shooting-with-nikon-s-new-500mm-f5p6-pf-in-kamchatka (https://www.dpreview.com/articles/3889977670/shooting-with-nikon-s-new-500mm-f5p6-pf-in-kamchatka)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Roland Vink on September 08, 2018, 21:37:33
It's worth noting that the MTF graphs are for the lens at full aperture. That the 500/4 FL is better than the 500/5.6 PF (except for the outer 4mm) is remarkable given it is a stop faster. At f/5.6 I imagine the MTF is even better. The 500/5.6 PF is amazingly good, but then, I wouldn't expect any less for a long telephoto prime which is wide open at f/5.6...
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: chambeshi on September 12, 2018, 22:50:05
Here is the link to Lenstip's review of the 500 f5.6E PF "...resolution test of the Nikkor AF-S 500 mm f/4E PF ED VR was based on RAW files from the Nikon D3x...tested Nikkor got as high as almost 43 lpmm so it should be praised. It is as close to perfection as it was possible."

https://www.lenstip.com/index.php?test=obiektywu&test_ob=540 (https://www.lenstip.com/index.php?test=obiektywu&test_ob=540)
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: MFloyd on July 02, 2019, 18:01:12
I made now about 3'500 pictures with this lens. One of my best acquisitions ever.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47865508801_7054a0b79c_h.jpg)
Monza 2019
Nikon D5
Nikkor 500.0 mm f/5.6E PF
ƒ/6.3  500.0 mm 1/125s  ISO 100

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48119073147_2fbedef911_h.jpg)
24h du Mans 2019
Nikon D5
Nikkor 500.0 mm f/5.6E PF
ƒ/8.0  500.0 mm 1/160s  ISO 180

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32771470797_0ca89a510d_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/RVUmwz)
_8505146.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/RVUmwz)
Jura Suisse (already published)
Nikon D850
Nikkor 500.0 mm f/5.6E PF
ƒ/8.0  500.0 mm 1/500s  ISO 200

And one of the 3 pictures, out of 3'500, showing a phenomenon which might be attributable to the Fresnel lens type of construction:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48078415778_dfc6af9569_h.jpg)
powerful LED lights shining directly in the lens.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: atpaula on July 02, 2019, 21:41:44
Nice images.
You're making me reconsider the decision of not purchasing this lens.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Roland Vink on July 02, 2019, 23:37:43
I'm assuming the colored flare and concentric rings around the headlights in the last image are the result of the PF lens. They don't greatly detract from the picture, and even add some character. The 500/5.6PF is obviously an outstanding performer, and selling very well for Nikon - it has been on the market for less than a year and has already outsold most previous 500/4 models which were on the market for many years.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: MFloyd on July 03, 2019, 00:30:41
Nice images.
You're making me reconsider the decision of not purchasing this lens.

Thank you  :) The only remark I have, is that in some situations, having an extra stop might be an advantage by gaining more light, or reducing the depth of field.

I'm assuming the colored flare and concentric rings around the headlights in the last image are the result of the PF lens. They don't greatly detract from the picture, and even add some character. ...

Yes, that was the reason for this 4th picture; but this happens only in extreme conditions; and it might give a nice outcome. Thank you, Roland, for your visit.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: Bill De Jager on July 03, 2019, 22:39:47
The 500/5.6PF is obviously an outstanding performer, and selling very well for Nikon - it has been on the market for less than a year and has already outsold most previous 500/4 models which were on the market for many years.

Performance is certainly part of that but so is price.  If you're willing to give up a stop and accept the backlit performance it's an absolute bargain compared to the f/4 lens.
Title: Re: Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF VR lens confirmed
Post by: MFloyd on March 06, 2020, 03:24:18
A little update of this lens. After 10 months of usage, we are now 11’000 clicks further with this lens. Certainly one of my best acquisitions ever.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49595934903_1c0c10ed48_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iyC8xV)
_8520887.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iyC8xV)
Porsche RSR - World Endurance Championship (WEC) Feb 2020 - Austin (Tx) Circuit Of The Americas (COTA)