Nikon Nikkor T ED 500mm f/11

Nikon Nikkor-T-ED 500mm f/11 is the ED-glass long-telephoto LF lens at 500mm — among the most-popular Nikkor T-ED focal lengths for distant landscape work.

Key features

• Mount: Copal 1 shutter (1s to 1/400, X-sync at all speeds)
• Focal length: 500mm (effective)
• Maximum aperture: f/11
• Image circle: ~320mm at f/22 — covers 4×5 with movements; covers 5×7 tightly; covers 8×10 limited
• Optical formula: ED-glass telephoto
• Multi-coating standard

Use case + rendering

The 500 T-ED is the Nikkor 4×5 + 5×7 long-tele — used for distant landscape isolation, mountain detail, architectural compression. ED glass reduces fringing visible in older long-tele designs at infinity focus on color film. Slow f/11 aperture; focusing aids recommended.

Compatible cameras

• Toyo 45A / Toyo 45AII / Toyo 45G — extension rails likely needed
• Cambo SC / Cambo Calumet 45NX
• 5×7 + 8×10 view cameras

Related lenses

• Nikon Nikkor-T-ED 360mm f/8 — wider T-ED sibling
• Nikon Nikkor-T-ED 720mm f/16 — longer T-ED sibling
• Schneider Apo-Tele-Xenar HM 400mm f/5.6 — Schneider tele alternative