Five New Lenses From Nikon
Nikon introduced three new super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses that offer professional photographers the latest innovations in lens technology and optical design. The new AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR, and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR all offer unprecedented image quality, responsiveness and versatility along with new features such as Nikon’s VR II Vibration Reduction technology and Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat. These new lenses are designed for use with Nikon’s FX and DX format digital SLR cameras and together with Nikon’s current AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR lens, they complete Nikon’s range of super-telephoto lenses.
“An incredible number of the most famous moments in sports history have been captured faithfully and forever with NIKKOR super telephoto lenses,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. “And a long list of the world’s finest nature and wildlife photographers rely on NIKKOR super telephoto lenses to capture images that inspire and educate people the world over. With the introduction of the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, and the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm and 600mm f/4G ED VR lenses, we are thrilled to offer professional photographers the most sophisticated super-telephoto optics available today.”
These new super-telephoto lenses are equipped with Nikon’s VR II Vibration Reduction system that minimizes image blur caused by camera shake and offers up to four stops of compensation for clean, crisp images. When using Nikon’s VR function, photographers can view a stabilized image through the viewfinder and therefore are able to compose their pictures naturally and with greater accuracy. A Tripod mode in the camera reduces vibration that may occur at shutter release when shooting with a super-telephoto lens attached to a tripod.
The new optical design for all three lenses features three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration, producing consistently high-quality images. Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat – an extra-low refractive index coating – virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections across a wide range of wavelengths, and is particularly effective in reducing ghosting and flare. A meniscus protective glass element also minimizes the ghosting that occurs when light reflected from a digital camera’s image sensor is in turn reflected off an ordinary flat protective glass element.
All three new lenses feature ergonomically arranged controls that enable easy access and comfortable operation. The Focus Preset function instantly recalls a focal point preset with a simple push of a button while the Focus Limiter switch restricts AF-servo movement to a controlled shooting distance range. The lenses also feature an AF-L switch that makes it possible to lock focus from the lens; and AF-ON engages auto focus from the lens.
By employing magnesium die-cast in construction of the lens barrel, Nikon has achieved considerable weight reduction advantages without sacrificing rugged field-proven construction that’s resistant to both dust and moisture.
Price and Availability
The three new Super-Telephoto lenses will be available beginning November 2007. Estimated selling prices* for the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 500mm and 600mm f/4G ED VR lenses are $8,799.95, $7,899.95 and $9,499.95 respectively. These lenses will be compatible with all current F-mount Nikon cameras, as well as the NIKKOR 1.4x, 1.7x and 2.0x AF-Tele-converters.
* Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Nikon Also Announces The Release of Two New NIKKOR Lenses
Nikon also announced the new AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens and the new AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens. While designed for use with either of Nikon’s FX and DX format digital SLR cameras, these new lenses truly maximizes the potential of Nikon’s recently announced D3 FX-format professional digital SLR camera. Combined with Nikon’s venerable AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR, these new lenses now offer professional photographers the ideal three-lens solution with a constant f/2.8 aperture across all three lenses.
“The AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED represents one of Nikon’s best optical designs with performance that rivals that of prime lenses. And we anticipate the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED will become very popular among professional photographers due to its remarkable versatility and optical performance. Both lenses maintain an astounding level of sharpness from the center of a picture to its edges and corners throughout their zoom range,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Nikon produced its 40 millionth lens during the summer of 2007 and the introduction of these new lenses is a wonderful example of why NIKKOR lenses have been so successful.”
Optical Innovations for Outstanding Image Quality
The two new lenses feature a variety of Nikon innovations that address the needs of professional photographers from a standpoint of focal length versatility and optical performance. Both lenses feature optical designs that incorporate ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements for minimal chromatic aberration, and aspherical lenses including large-diameter PGM (Precision Glass Molding) elements to reduce coma and other types of aberration even at the widest aperture. Both lenses benefit from Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat – an extra-low refractive index coating that virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections across a wide range of wavelengths, and is particularly effective in reducing ghosting and flare. The lenses also feature Nikon’s highly regarded Silent Wave motor (AF-S) that provides super fast and quiet auto focus operation. The result of all these innovations produces images that are vivid, sharp and deliver optimum contrast.
The AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens is highly versatile and can be ideal for a range of different photographic applications. Photojournalists can tell the entire story with a single shot, interior photography can be done without fisheye distortion, or a breathtaking landscape can be captured in one frame.
The AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED is a highly practical and multi-talented lens that allows photographers to photograph anything from tight portraits to expansive landscapes with just one high-performance fast aperture lens.
Pricing and Availability
Both lenses will be available beginning in November 2007. The estimated selling price* for the AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens will be $1,799.95, and the estimated selling price* of the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED will be $1,699.95.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
