Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
The Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its lightweight design, sharp image quality, and fast autofocus, making it a favorite for bird and wildlife photography. A few users report autofocus issues in low light or with small subjects, but most find it a significant upgrade over heavier alternatives like the 200-500mm. The lens is praised for being handholdable and well-balanced on cameras like the D500 and D850, though some note minor wear on button lettering over time.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Sharp image quality
- Fast autofocus
- Excellent VR for handheld shooting
- Well-balanced on D500 and D850
Cons
- Autofocus issues in low light
- Autofocus hunts with small subjects
- Button lettering wears off over time
- Swirly backgrounds when pointed at sun
- Expensive for non-professionals
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
The Sigma 15mm f/1.4 Fisheye DG DN Art Lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified buyers, who praise its exceptional image quality, fast autofocus, and stellar performance for astrophotography. Users note it is heavy and large, but consider the trade-off worthwhile for the unique fisheye perspective. A few practical concerns include limited bag compatibility and the lack of filter options.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Excellent for astrophotography
- Unique fisheye perspective
- Great build quality
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Limited bag compatibility
- No front filter thread
- Expensive
- Not for everyone
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm | Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | super-telephoto | fisheye |
| Focal Length Min | 500 mm | 15 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 500 mm | 15 mm |
| Elements | 19 | 13 |
| Groups | 11 | 11 |
| Aspherical Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 3 | 4★ |
| Coating | Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings, Fluorine coating | Front Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/32 | f/1.4 |
| Min Aperture | f/5.6 | f/1.4 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.46 kg | 0.22 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 95 mm | 58 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | stepping motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 3.00 m | 385 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:5.55 | 1:7.9 |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm
- Strong social proof (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Below average aperture (5th percentile)5th %ile
- Below average bokeh (8th percentile)8th %ile
- Below average build (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (23rd percentile)
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm
- Strong aperture (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong bokeh (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average social proof (30th percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
- Below average stabilization (34th percentile)
Pricing
Sigma Contemporary 15mm f/1.4 DC 15mm offers 8.0x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 85 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
