Nikon announced a trio of new lenses today: two F4 telephoto behemoths designed for sports shooters, wildlife photographers and others that need as much range as they can get, as well as a 16-80mm, a DX lens for APS-C sized sensors getting the pro treatment.
AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR
The 16-80mm is an all-purpose zoom for Nikon’s crop sensor bodies. It looks to be a higher-quality replacement for people looking to upgrade on their kit lenses. While not quite as telephoto on the long end as the 18-140 lenses, it is a full stop brighter with a F2.8-4 aperture. It also has Vibration Reduction (VR) that Nikon says compensates for 4 stops.
It’s the first Nikon DX lens with an “N” emblem, which means it features Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat, which Nikon claims “reduces instances of ghosting and flare for the highest quality images”. 17 elements in 13 groups is packed into the relatively light and compact lens, which also has 7 aperture blades for smooth bokeh.
The 16-80mm F2.8-4 will have a suggested price of $1,349.95.
AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR / AF-S Nikkor 600mm F4E FL ED VR
Although Nikon’s two new telephoto primes are rather huge, they already represent a significant size and weight reduction over their predecessors.
For example, the old Nikon 500mm F4G ED VR weighed 8.5 pounds, almost two pounds heavier than the new 500mm F4E FL ED VR. The comparatively svelte 600mm F4E FL ED VR saves more than three pounds over the old one, weighing in at 8.3 pounds.
Part of the weight savings can be attributed to the addition of flourite (FL) elements, which also help reduce chromatic aberrations. There’s also some of Nikon’s latest autofocus technology and both lenses are dust and weather sealed.
The 500mm will have a estimated price of $12,999.95 and the 600mm, $15,799.95.
See more from both press releases below.
Nikon Canada announces the powerful and versatile AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E VR wide-angle lens
First DX lens with an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure during high speed shooting
MISSISSAUGA, CANADA –Today, Nikon Canada announced the new wide-angle zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR lens – an amazingly versatile DX-format lens that is well-suited for advanced and enthusiast photographers. The NIKKOR 16-80mm features a combination of the best Nikon lens technologies, some never before seen in a Nikon DX-format lens, such as Nikon’s legendary Nano Crystal Coat. The lens gives photographers an all-purpose optic to help take their photography further.“The NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR is a very exciting addition to the NIKKOR DX-format lens lineup, and a new milestone in the NIKKOR legacy – it combines the most advanced optical technologies with an useful focal range to capture photos and HD video,” said Amanda Mohammed, Communications and Nikon Professional Services Manager at Nikon Canada. “This new lens is an essential companion for Nikon’s high performance, lightweight series of DX-format HD-SLR cameras.”DX-Format versatilityThe new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR is premium glass for those who desire a fast and highly capable wide-angle zoom lens. The lens features a popular, wide 24-120mm (FX-format equivalent) focal range, which makes it ideally suited for a variety of shooting disciplines. From wide-angle landscapes to tight portraits, this lens does it all. The large f/2.8 – f/4 aperture lets photographers shoot in challenging light with ease, with the creative flexibility afforded by a shallow depth of field.Whether capturing creative close-ups with friends or a memorable meal, the 16-80mm’s fast aperture lets users blur the background to emphasize and flatter a subject, creating a dramatic separation. The lens has a useful minimum focusing distance of merely 1.2 feet throughout the entire 5x zoom range.Low-light and handheld shooting are enhanced with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology, which provides up to 4 stops of image stabilization* to help create sharp images. VR with automatic tripod detection counteracts vibrations when mounted on a tripod – perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.Latest optical technologies
The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm F/2.8-4E ED VR boasts some of the best optical innovations from Nikon, and is the first Nikon DX-format lens to wear the gold “N” emblem to indicate the presence of Nikon’s exclusive Nano-Crystal Coat. This advanced optical coating significantly reduces ghosting and flare. The front and rear elements integrate a fluorine coating to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges from the lens surface. This is also the first Nikon DX lens to feature an electromagnetic diaphragm, which electronically adjusts the aperture within the lens, resulting in consistent exposure during high speed shooting.
The new NIKKOR 16-80mm lens features robust construction while retaining a lightweight and compact body. The lens features four Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements and three aspheric elements to further combat instances of ghost, flare and chromatic aberration. The lens is constructed of 17 elements in 13 groups, and features a seven-blade diaphragm to create a circular, natural bokeh for a pleasing out of focus area of the image. For fast, accurate and quiet AF performance, the 16-80mm also features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology.
Price and availability
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR will be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on July 16, 2015 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,349.95.**
Pack lighter to go further: Nikon announces two new professional super telephoto NIKKOR lenses
The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR dominate the sidelines with superior optical and AF tracking performance, while new design reduces weight
MISSISSAUGA, CANADA –Today, Nikon Canada announced two new super telephoto lenses, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR. These two NIKKOR lenses use the latest Nikon lens technologies to enhance autofocus (AF) tracking and optical performance, while significantly reducing weight. Ideal for sports, action, wildlife and press events, these lenses capture striking images from afar with brilliant clarity and sharpness.“The new AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR were developed to give photographers the advantage on the sidelines or in the field, with a lens that can keep up with the action and get the decisive shot,” said Amanda Mohammed, Communications and Nikon Professional Services Manager at Nikon Canada. “By the fourth quarter or final period, professional photographers will sincerely appreciate the weight reduction of these lenses, which allows for extended shooting, even into overtime.”Increased performance, reduced weightThese new super telephoto NIKKOR lenses have been optimized for today’s high-resolution image sensors and fast-shooting Nikon HD-SLR cameras. The new lens designs significantly improves AF tracking performance to capture dynamic wildlife or athletes with precision, even when subjects are moving erratically, at random speeds, or at the camera. Both lenses also feature Nikon’s Electromagnetic Diaphragm, helping to maintain consistent exposure during high-speed burst shooting of fast action.The addition of fluorite lens elements helps to reduce chromatic aberration and weight, saving nearly two pounds (lbs.) for the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR, and nearly three lbs. for the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR. For extended shooting days in the field, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR also employ magnesium alloy construction for enhanced durability and further weight reduction.Because the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR weighs in at just 6.8 lbs./3090 grams (vs. 8.5 lbs./3880g for its predecessor), super telephoto performance has never been so light. This is a premium NIKKOR lens that is ideal for nature and sports photographers who are always travelling on assignment and need a fast, constant aperture lens to capture photos and HD video from a distance. The combination of agility, low-light capability and superior optical performance makes this lens an obvious choice for tack-sharp images of birds in flight, airplanes or other fast moving subjects when a tripod is not always an option. The optical formula of this lens combines two fluorite elements and three Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to further reduce chromatic aberration and provide superior sharpness and colour accuracy.For long reach with superior optical performance, professional photographers should consider the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR, which provides the ultimate in fast-aperture and focal distance for challenging subjects. With a constant aperture of f/4, the new AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR gives the photographer the ability to fill the frame, and create dramatic separation between subject and background. With a weight of merely 8.3 lbs./3810g (vs. 11.5 lbs./5060g for its predecessor), the lens features two fluorite lens elements and four ED elements to provide discerning photographers with unrivaled sharpness.
NIKKOR lens technologies
In the tradition of Nikon’s legendary optics, both lenses feature the most advanced NIKKOR lens technologies, including the addition of Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to further reduce instances of ghosting and flare, an essential feature for capturing outdoor sports or action under the lights. Nikon Vibration Reduction (VR) technology has been incorporated into both lenses, affording up to four stops of image stabilization*, with automatic tripod detection to counteract vibrations when mounted on a tripod. For professional sports shooters, the SPORT VR mode yields a more stable viewfinder image, whether handholding the lens, using a monopod, or even when panning.
Both lenses are sealed and gasketed against the elements, and have a fluorine coating on a front protective meniscus element to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges from the lens surface. For shooting from extreme distances, the new lenses are also compatible with select Nikon teleconverters** that provide photographers with the ability to autofocus up to f/8 with many Nikon professional HD-SLR bodies.
Price and availability
The new AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR will be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on July 16, 2015 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $12,999.95***. The AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR will be available on July 16, 2015 for an MSRP of $15,799.95***. Both lenses also come with a redesigned, lightweight, custom-fit hard case for transport. For more information on these new NIKKOR lenses as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikon.ca.