While they were busy reaching the incredible milestone of 100 million lenses produced, Nikon somehow also found the time to release the fastest 105mm full-frame lens ever made.
The newly announced AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f1.4E ED is the fastest auto-focus, full-frame lens of it’s kind. It features 14 elements in 9 groups, including 3 ED glass elements and a dust and moisture seal body. The 9-blade rounded diaphragm as well as the mid-range telephoto focal length and huge f/1.4 aperture make this a candidate for the top of the bokeh leaderboard. Portrait photographers will undoubtedly be interested for the favourable compression that comes with a 105mm focal length as well as the soft, out-of-focus elements in the background from the shallow depth-of-field.
The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED, according to Nikon’s press release, will be available starting August 25, 2016 at $2,699.00. The matching HB-79 lens hood will be available as well for $39.95.
See the rest of the press release below:
July 27, 2016
Glamorous glass: Nikon celebrates the 100 million NIKKOR milestone and the introduction of the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED
MISSISSAUGA, ON –Today, Nikon Canada is celebrating a momentous NIKKOR production milestone as well as the announcement of the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED,, a premium lens for the most discerning photographers. This luxurious new medium-telephoto lens is engineered to help create flattering images with gorgeous bokeh, while delivering impressive sharpness and beautiful colour rendition. As a testament to a lasting legacy of high-calibre lenses, Nikon has also announced that NIKKOR lens production has reached the landmark achievement of 100 million units produced worldwide.“Reaching the milestone of 100 million lenses produced is a great honour and a testament to the photographers who both love and rely on NIKKOR glass to get the job done,” said Amanda Mohammed, Communications and Nikon Professional Services Manager at Nikon Canada. “The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED, represents the embodiment of the NIKKOR line of high-quality lenses, giving photographers a robust, well-balanced lens that provides intense sharpness, astounding image quality, and stunning background bokeh. It is sure to be a favourite among portrait photographers.”Captivating Image QualityThe AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED, is a fast, full-frame (FX-format), medium-telephoto prime lens and is the world’s first1 to strike the impeccable balance of 105mm focal length and large f/1.4 aperture for a truly outstanding optic. This new NIKKOR lens is ideal for professional and advanced enthusiast photographers, especially those capturing portraiture, from in-studio fashion to golden hour engagement sessions on the beach. These users will love the precise sharpness, providing a flattering compression to subjects with a sensational bokeh. Beyond the gorgeous image quality lies stellar resolving power, especially when used with Nikon D-SLRs such as D5, D810 or D750.
The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is a fast lens offering stellar optical performance, even in the peripherals. Sharp rendering is attained for shooting distant subjects throughout the aperture range — from maximum aperture to being stopped down by several stops. Gradual alteration from the focal plane helps render subjects in high-fidelity with a natural depth, giving colourful portraits and landscapes that little bit of extra “pop” to help create a truly distinct image. The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is also an excellent choice for low-light photography, as its large maximum aperture allows photographers to shoot at the fastest possible shutter speeds. The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED can also reproduce point light sources faithfully without sagittal coma flare, even on the edges of the frame.
Masterful Lens Construction
Decades of precision knowledge and experience are put forth into every NIKKOR lens, and the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is an exceptional example of brilliant craftsmanship and Nikon technologies merging. Packed with the latest advanced optical innovations, the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED features Nikon’s electromagnetic aperture control technology for consistent exposures, even during high speed continuous shooting.2
On the outside, solid build quality is well-balanced for all-day shooting, while the lens is sealed and gasketed to resist dust and moisture. Additional Fluorine coatings are used on the front and rear elements, so that smudges, dirt and moisture are easily removed. Inside the lens, the optical formula consists of 14 elements in nine groups, which include three ED glass elements. A nine-blade diaphragm further helps to create a circular, pleasing out of focus area. The lens also features Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat technology to significantly reduce instances of ghosting and flare.
The new AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED joins other NIKKOR f/1.4 lenses in the Gold Ring Series, which include only premium primes with Nano Crystal Coat and pro-grade build quality. These other lenses include the AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G.
A Landmark in the NIKKOR Legacy
Nikon is also pleased to announce the total production of NIKKOR lenses for Nikon interchangeable lens cameras reached the landmark 100 million milestone in mid-July 2016.
With a robust line-up of high-quality lenses for all types of photographers, the NIKKOR name has become synonymous with a rich history of superior lenses. Nikon continues to introduce new NIKKOR lenses that further optical technology, utilizing cutting-edge techniques and knowledge from experience cultivated over its long history. Such revolutionary advancements include Nano Crystal Coat, which acts as a powerful anti-reflection coating, and significantly reduces instances of ghosting and flare.
More recently, NIKKOR lens technologies such as the use of Phase Fresnel (PF) and Fluorite elements have helped to create smaller and lighter lenses with superb balance and handling. Many NIKKOR lenses now also feature a fluorine coat that helps repel a variety of contaminants such as dust, dirt, water, oils and grease. The introduction of an electromagnetic diaphragm has also helped to create lenses that provide consistently crisp exposures, even during high-speed shooting.
Pricing and Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED will be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers beginning August 25, 2016, for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $2,799.953.
For more information, please visit www.nikon.ca.
About the NIKKOR Brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 800mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the “Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables users to tell their stories through amazing photos and videos. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; the Nikon DL series of premium compacts and COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 compact interchangeable lens camera system. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently announced the production of 100 million NIKKOR lenses in 2016, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
Photos are available upon request and can be accessed in the Nikon Canada Press Room
1: Among AF lenses for digital SLRs compatible with FX-format image sensor; as of July 27, 2016; statement based on Nikon research
2: The lens incorporates an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism. The following cameras are compatible with this lens: D5, D4 series, D3 series, Df, D810, D810A, D800 series, D750, D700, D610, D600, D500, D300 series, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3200, D3100, Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, J4 with FT-1, Nikon 1 V1, V2, V3 with FT-1, Nikon 1 S1, S2 with FT-1
3: MSRP listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
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