I left it set to the latter and a quick referral to the manual confirmed both VR settings can be used when a camera is used in combination with a monopod with no ill effects. Michael Topham testing the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR at Lords cricket groundĬomplementing the Normal VR setting, which is intended for stationary subjects, is a Sport setting that’s designed to be most effective for subjects that move erratically or unpredictably.

Currently the world’s lightest 500mm full-frame telephoto prime, it has found its way onto many serious sports and wildlife photographer’s wish lists. The £3,699 price tag might put you off buying it, but compare it to other 500mm primes and consider that it can be hired from £90 per day/weekend from lens hire companies such as and you’ll soon realise there’s no other lens quite like it. 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 lack of initial interest really wasn’t deserving of a lens with so much promise and potential. 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.

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. By the time you read this a year will have passed since Nikon unveiled its Z-series cameras to the world.

Nikon 500 f5 6 pf