Technical specifications comparison between the new Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR lens (left) and the previous 500mm f/4G ED VR version (on the right):
| Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4E FL ED VR | Nikkor AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR | |
| Focal Length | 500mm | 500mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Format | FX/35mm | FX/35mm |
| Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) | 3°10′ | 3°10′ |
| Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) | 5°00′ | 5° |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.14x | 0.14x |
| Lens Elements | 16 | 14 |
| Lens Groups | 12 | 11 |
| Compatible Format(s) | FX DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film | FX DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film |
| VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Nano Crystal Coat | Yes | Yes |
| ED Glass Elements | 3 | 3 |
| Aspherical Elements | — | — |
| Super Integrated Coating | Yes | Yes |
| AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.9ft.(3.6m) | 12.6ft.(4.0m) |
| Close Range Correction | — | — |
| Focus Mode | Manual Manual/Auto Auto/Manual Memory Recall | Auto Manual Manual/Auto Auto/Manual |
| Rear Focusing | — | — |
| Filter Size | 40.5mm | 52mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Slip-in | Slip-in |
| Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 5.5in.(140mm) x 15.2in.(387.0mm) Based on CIPA Standard | 5.5in.(139.5mm) x 15.4in.(391mm) |
| Approx. Weight | 109oz. (3090g) Based on CIPA Standard | 136.9oz. (3,880g) |
| Price | $10,296.95 | $8,295.00 |
