Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
Lens for Nikon F · Announced August 2018
Official site on nikonusa.com (opens the maker's site in a new tab)
- Full frame lens
- Super-telephoto
Typically $1,997 new, from today's stores and the last 90 days
Best priceNew · in stock
$1,996.95
at Dodd Camera
- Used from
- $1,215 at eBay.com39% under new
- Used, typically
- $2,495.98
- Launch RRP
- $3,599.95Best new is 45% under
- Focal length: 500mm, Full frame lens
- Max aperture: f/5.6
- Optical stabilisation: Built in
- Autofocus motor: SWM
- Weight: 1,460 g
- Weather sealing: Sealed
- Max magnification: 0.18×, Focuses to 3 m
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR overview
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a 500mm f/5.6 prime for full-frame cameras on Nikon F, announced by Nikon in August 2018. 18 cameras we track take it without an adapter.
Going by its spec sheet, it suits wildlife and sport. It is a weaker pick for low light without a tripod and travelling light.
New, it sells for $1,996.95 to $3,596.95 at the 3 stores we track in the United States that have it in stock; used and refurbished copies start at $1,215. It launched at $3,599.95.
Where to buy the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR in United States
eBay.comAd
In stockCheapest live listing today: Used · 5chilipeppers
$1,215View at eBay.comPaid link
Amazon.comAd
Also check on Amazon: new, sold by Amazon and its sellers, the price shows there
Check Amazon at Amazon.comPaid link
Camera West
UsedIn stock
Authorized dealer · Nikon F version
$1,795
Dodd CameraBest price
NewIn stock
Authorized dealer · Nikon F version
$1,996.95
Pictureline
Open boxIn stock
Grade E · Authorized dealer · Nikon F version
Above typical used price
$3,196.95
11% off
$3,596.95Camera Wholesalers
NewIn stock
Authorized dealer · Nikon F version
$3,596.95
16% off
$4,296.95Precision Camera
NewIn stock
Authorized dealer · Nikon F version
$3,596.95
Camera West
UsedOut of stock
Authorized dealer · Nikon F version
$1,795
Camera West
NewOut of stock
Authorized dealer · Nikon F version
$3,599.95
Helix Camera
NewOut of stock
Authorized dealer · Nikon F version
$3,599.95
More used Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR on eBayPaid linkSingle sellers, auctions included: check the listing's condition and returns.
Sorted by price, body only first, cheapest in stock first. Kits are listed apart and never counted as the body price. Some links earn us a commission. The Amazon and eBay rows above are ads; the store rows keep their price order.
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Reviews
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Expert reviews
Each link opens that site's own search for the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR.
Member stories · AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
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Members' own words, not CamCompare's. All member stories
Things to know
- 500mm prime, f/5.6.
- Full frame lens; it also fits the mount's APS-C bodies.
- Autofocus (SWM motor); optical stabilisation.
- 1,460 g; 106 × 237 mm; 95mm filters.
- Focuses down to 3 m, up to 0.18× magnification.
- Weather sealed.
- Used, it typically sells for about $2,495.98 in United States (asking prices over 21 days); today from $1,215.
Good for
- Wildlife and sport (500mm-equivalent reach)
Not the best for
- Low light without a tripod (f/5.6 at its widest, though it is stabilised)
- Travelling light (1,460 g)
From the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR's published specs, not from a review.
Price history
Price around the world
Cheapest right here in the US: about 56% under the price in the UK, the next cheapest.
Prices are in each market's own currency. Under each: ≈ in USD at today's exchange rate. Body only; where a market lists only kits, its cheapest kit is shown and marked.
| Market | Lowest new | Lowest used/refurb |
|---|---|---|
| United States(you)Cheapest | $1,996.95 | $1,215 |
| United Kingdom | £3,419≈ $4,576 | — |
| Europe | — | — |
| Australia | — | — |
| Singapore | — | — |
Each price is in its own currency, as the store charges it. The ≈ figures are approximate, at today's exchange rate (ECB reference rates, 2026-11-06), rounded, and leave out shipping, import duty, GST/VAT and card fees. A camera bought abroad may not carry a local warranty: see grey-market cameras before you buy.
Used: what it should be worth
Should be worth, used
$2,495.98
Usually $1,795 to $2,495.98 · 21 days, 83 listings
Cheapest used today
$1,215
51% under what it usually goes for
| Month | Cheapest | Typical | Highest | Days seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2026 | $1,215 | $1,799.97 | $2,495.98 | 6 |
| Oct 2026 | $495 | $2,495.98 | $2,495.98 | 15 |
From used and refurbished asking prices at the stores we track, checked every few hours. Confirmed eBay sale prices will be added once eBay grants us access to its sold-listings data.
Videos
Reviews, comparisons and sample footage of the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, on YouTube.
Discussions & forums
What owners say about the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR elsewhere, and here.
On CamCompare
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Comments are members' own opinions, not CamCompare's. Votes never change the order of prices.
AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR specifications
Optics
- Focal length
- 500mm
- 35mm equivalent
- 500mm (full frame)
- Maximum aperture
- f/5.6
- Minimum aperture
- f/32
- Made for
- Full frame
- Elements / groups
- 19 / 11
- Aperture blades
- 9
- Closest focus
- 3 m
- Max magnification
- 0.18×
Focus & handling
- Autofocus
- Yes (SWM)
- Optical stabilisation
- Yes
- Weather sealed
- Yes
- Internal zoom
- —
- Aperture ring
- No
- Teleconverter compatible
- Yes
Size & weight
- Weight
- 1,460 g
- Diameter × length
- 106 × 237 mm
- Filter thread
- 95 mm
Cameras it fits
All 18 →
Nikon
D6
Full frame · 20.8 MP · 2020
- 4K 30p
- Weather sealed
Nikon
D780
Full frame · 24.5 MP · 2020
- 4K 30p
- Weather sealed
Nikon
D3500
APS-C · 24.2 MP · 2018
- 1080p video
- 5 fps
Nikon
D850
Full frame · 45.7 MP · 2017
- 4K 30p
- Weather sealed
Nikon
D7500
APS-C · 20.9 MP · 2017
- 4K 30p
- Weather sealed
Nikon
D5600
APS-C · 24.2 MP · 2016
- 1080p video
- 5 fps