Nikon Announces Two Zoom and Three Super-telephoto Lenses
Nikon today announced five lenses to complement the D3 and D300 digital SLRs.
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
August 23, 2007 - Nikon today introduced two zoom and three telephoto lenses
to complement its new D3 and D300 digital SLRs. Read on for details about the 14-24mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 400mm f/2.8, 500mm f/4, and 600mm f/4.
The AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED and AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED are compatible with FX and DX format DSLRs. According to Nikon, the lenses will be able to compete with prime lenses, known for their superior optics.
"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.
The zoom lenses use Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to reduce chromatic aberration, aspherical lenses to maintain clarity at wide apertures, and a Nano Crystal Coat to eliminate reflections, according to a Nikon press release. The lenses incorporate Nikon’s Silent Wave motor that enables quick and quiet autofocus. The 14-24mm f/2.8 and 24-70 f/2.8 will retail for $1,799.95 and $1,699.95, respectively. Both lenses will be available in November.
Along with the zoom lenses, Nikon unveiled three super-telephoto lenses: AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4G ED VR, and the AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4G ED VR, also compatible with FX and DX format DSLRs. The lenses utilize Nikon’s VR II Vibration Reduction technology, which reduces blur caused by camera shake, along with a Nano Crystal Coat to reduce reflections.
"…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," Fasano said.
The super-telephoto lenses were designed for quick and comfortable operation, according to the release. The lenses include Focus Preset and AF-ON functions and Focus Limiter and AF-L switches. The lenses are constructed with magnesium die-cast to reduce weight while maintaining durability.
The 400mm f/2.8 will retail for $8,799.95, the 500mm f/4 for $7,899.95, and the 600mm f/4 for $9,499.95. The lenses will be available in November.