Nikon Produces Phase-Fresnel Lens

2018.08.23

Today Nikon introduced their first lens to use a Phase-Fresnel element which concentrates light more tightly than conventional glass. This makes it possible to produce light weight telephoto lenses such as the new Nikkor AF-S 500mm F/5.6E PF ED VR.

This new super-telephoto prime offers a 500mm focal-length with Full-Frame coverage. On an APS-C camera, DX in Nikon terms, it gives an equivalent field-of-view of 750mm. It has a maximum F/5.6 aperture which is typical for such long lenses. As required when the angle-of-view is so small, the AF-S 500mm F/5.6E is equipped with a state-of-the-art Vibration Reduction system which is effective to 4 stops.

The use of new Phase-Fresnel elements makes this lens lighter than any comparable one. It weighs 1.4kg which is less than half any 500mm standard lens. The only one lighter would be a fixed aperture mirrorless. This lens is compact relative to its peers with a length of less than 24cm and 11cm wide front-element. This whole thing is weatherproof.

Adorama and B&H Photo are already accepting pre-orders for $3600 USD. While the exact ship-date is not known, pre-ordering does not put a charge on your credit-card until the item ships while putting you among the first to receive it.

• Lens