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.
