Nikon 500mm f/4G ED VR II AF-S SWM Lens

L ightweight (8.6 lbs) for a 500mm prime lens, convenient, super ultra telephoto lens optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both the Nikon FX- (23.9 x 36mm) and DX-format image sensors.

Vibration Reduction (VR II) minimizes the effects of camera shake allowing photographers to shoot at as many as four shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images.

The Nikon CT-504 Trunk Case has combination of interior cushions and partition enables the easy storing of camera bodies, Speedlights and other photographic equipment..  

New tripod detection mode reduces vibration that may occur due to shutter release when mounted on a tripod. Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-high-speed autofocusing with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation.

Exclusive Nano Crystal Coat and a meniscus protective glass element combine to further reduce ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity.

Three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements control chromatic aberrations while enhancing color, sharpness and contrast, even at the widest aperture settings.

Rugged, reliable and lightweight, this lens features a magnesium die-cast barrel and professional-grade dust- and moisture-resistant construction.

New A/M focus mode provides secure switching between auto and manual focus operation.

A great lens for the sports or wildlife photographer when tracking subjects with erratic motion. it will work on camera bodies as old as the 50s workhorse Nikon F to the most current F5(and everything in between).

Super Telephoto Lens
High Power telephoto lenses from 400 mm to 800 mm (APS-C 300 mm 500 mm) and longer are very expensive, even for the slower versions, but they provide the ultimate in telephoto photography. Deep pockets are needed for most lenses in this range, particularly the faster versions, as one lens can cost more than the average person may spend on photography in their life. A super-telephoto lens can reveal far-off objects barely visible to the human eye.
A professional-quality 400 mm ƒ/2.8 lens is the ultimate dream lens of many sports and wildlife photographers, which they may save for years to acquire. A 600 mm ƒ/4 lens is even more striking, but the 16-times magnification of an 800 mm ƒ/5.6 lens can also be used for astrophotography with clear, vivid results.

Professional photographers are the primary consumers of such magnificent lenses. A majority of the images we see in publications are shot with these lenses.

AF-S Autofocus lens featuring a Silent wave, coreless, integrated, focus motor (unwrapped in 1996). Basically an updated AF-I Autofocus-Silent sporting a "Silent Wave Motor" (ultrasonic) to focus near silently and fast.

A/M - autofocus encompassing manual override, AF precedence mode. that minimizes the sensitivity to the manual focus override to preclude surprising changes from auto mode to manual.

DX - NIKKOR - Compact and lightweight Nikon DX lenses feature a lesser image circle and are specifically created and optimized for the Nikon D-series, digital SLR camera bodies. An ideal option for photographers and enthusiasts who require shooting of expansive landscapes with Nikon DX DSLR

Three ED- (Extra-low Dispersion Glass Elements)
a necessary element of the Nikon telephoto lens Nikon engineered Extra-low Dispersion optical glass to facilitate the manufacture of lenses that provide superior color correction and sharpness by diminishing chromatic aberrations

FX-format
The leading factor setting the Nikon FX apart from other sensors is the large size of the pixels, which allows for more light collection.

G - labeled after the f-number. All the newer AF lenses, including AF-S and specifically G, are also D. Nikon no longer makes an effort to mark the D. G-lenses contains no aperture ring, therefore aperture may only be electronically controlled by the camera and only autofocus camera bodies featuring function dials have the capacity to control G lenses

IF- Internal Focusing
The ability to have a lens focus while it's size remains unchanged. Nikon’s IF engineering allows that to happen. All internal optical travel is contained within the inside of the non-extension lens container.

N-Nano Crystal Coat
Nano Crystal Coat consist of an antireflective coat that stemmed from the cultivation of Nikon NSR-series (Step and Repeat type) semiconductor fabricating devices

RD- Rounded 9 Blade Diaphragm
Soft-focus images of point light resources create accepted polygonal shapes that mirror the form of the cavity produced by the diaphragm blades.

SWM- Silent Wave Motor
Nikon AF-S engineering is yet one more rationale why professional photographers like Nikon telephoto optical lenses.

VR II Vibration Reduction system
Provides the equivalent of employing a 4 stops faster shutter speed This second generation VR is known as VR II, that was engineered to provide an additional 1-stop improvement over the initial VR

Tripod Detection Mode - A function of select NIkon VR lenses, Tripod Detection reduces shutter release vibration automatically when the camera tripod mounted

Rugged, reliable and lightweight, this lens features a magnesium die-cast barrel and professional-grade dust- and moisture-resistant construction.

• CT-504 Trunk Case. 
• HK-34 Hood
• LN-1 Strap
• 52mm NC Filter
• 52mm Slip-in Filter Holder
• Front Lens Cover
• LF-1 Rear Lens Cap
• Tripod/Monopod Collar

I think everyone considering this lens knows that it's a stellar piece of professional grade gear. Prior to using it there were a few questions on my mind that I will answer here.

1) Is the 500/4 hand-holdable? I use long primes mainly for bird-in-flight shots, and much prefer to dispense with a monopod or tripod. The answer is "kind of." At 6'5" and 250lbs, I have been able to hand hold the lens and get great results. I pay for it in sore muscles every time, and I have friends that simply cannot pull it off. Let's just say it's troublesome.

2) How does it work w/ teleconverters? Fantastic with TC17E-II or TC14E-II. I'm not a fan of the TC20E-II, noticeable softness with that option.

3) Is it a viable option to Best Prices for the cheaper 300mm f/2.8 VR and use the TC17E-II to achieve a 510mm f/4.8? Most definitely. I use this combination with outstanding results and can't really tell any difference between the naked lens and using the 1.7x teleconverter. The 300/2.8 combo is far more hand holdable too. Of course, with the 500/4 you can really reach out and reach 850mm with the same TC.

The lens is world class, so if you can spend the money don't even hesitate. It is very large, but makes no sacrifices in quality.