Sublime prime
How time flies. By the time you read this a year will have passed since Nikon unveiled its Z-series cameras to the world. Such was the excitement surrounding Nikon's entry into the full-frame mirrorless market, the release of the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR that was announced at the same time went almost completely unnoticed. I still recall samples of the lens sitting lonely in the corner of a room as members of the photo press fought to get hands-on with the then-new Nikon Z 6 and Z 7. The lack of initial interest really wasn't deserving of a lens with so much promise and potential.
Unlike Nikon's colossal AF-S 500mm f/4E FL ED VR and AF-S 600mm f/4 E FL ED VR lenses that cost £9,969 and £11,869 respectively, the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is an ultra-small, lightweight and considerably cheaper super-telephoto prime. The £3,699 price tag might put you off buying it, but compare it to other 500mm primes and consider that it and you'll soon realise there's no other lens quite like it. Currently the world's lightest 500mm full-frame telephoto prime, it has found its way onto many serious sports and wildlife photographers' wishlists.
