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Nikon has a 'significantly smaller and lighter' 500mm lens in the works

But ironically no pictures to prove it.

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Joshua_Goldman.jpg
Joshua Goldman Managing Editor / Advice
Managing Editor Josh Goldman is a laptop expert and has been writing about and reviewing them since built-in Wi-Fi was an optional feature. He also covers almost anything connected to a PC, including keyboards, mice, USB-C docks and PC gaming accessories. In addition, he writes about cameras, including action cams and drones. And while he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he spends entirely too much time playing them.
Expertise Laptops, desktops and computer and PC gaming accessories including keyboards, mice and controllers, cameras, action cameras and drones Credentials
  • More than two decades experience writing about PCs and accessories, and 15 years writing about cameras of all kinds.
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Joshua Goldman
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Nikon's upcoming 500mm lens uses the same phase fresnel (PF) lens elements as its 300mm f4 lens (pictured).

 Nikon

Nikon announced today that its developing a super-telephoto 500mm f5.6 lens with image stabilization that's small and light enough to be used handheld. 

Super-telephoto lenses are a prized possession for sports and wildlife photographers, but they are large and back-breaking to haul around. The upcoming AF-S Nikkor 500mm f5.6E PF ED VR, designed for the Nikon's full-frame FX-format cameras, uses phase fresnel (PF) lens elements that makes it possible to reduce the overall size and weight of the lens.    

Nikon introduced a 300mm f4 lens back in 2015 (pictured above) using the same lens design. Although Nikon did not announce any other specifications or pricing, the 300mm f4 lens is 30 percent shorter and 1.5-pounds lighter (680 grams) than its predecessor and sells for $2,000, £1,709 and AU$2,700. Nikon expects it to be available later this year.