Nikon Service Reports 500mm F/5.6 PF Discontinued

Nikon is hurting for chips in the current semiconductor shortage, but stopping production of its best-value lens seemed a bit extreme. Nikon Europe’s support was apparently telling customers (via Nikon Rumors) that the 500mm lens is now discontinued. This comes as Nikon has apologized for taking off its sales sheet a flash hot shoe adapter just yesterday due to production constraints. But Nikon Rumors indicated today that the firm indicates the lens isn’t discontinued, but merely out of stock.

While the 500mm f/5.6 lens is one of Nikon’s best sellers in terms of gross revenue, it is likely not a big contributor to profits, given its price of about $3,600 versus the amount of glass and technology that goes into each one. Tempting as it is to predict that this portends a lens design refresh, the lens is only a two and a half years old, and hasn’t collected any significant complaints.

While some retailers may be out, there appear to be plenty online who still have the lens.