Melville, NY—Nikon announced the AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II zoom lens, aimed at pro sports, nature and travel photographers. With a constant maximum aperture of f/4 and die-cast magnesium construction, the lens features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology and optimized autofocus modes.
“The AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm lens builds upon a proven design for professional level optics by incorporating the latest Nikon lens technologies to give photographers the edge in the field, and the ability to capture the most intricate of details with extraordinary fidelity,” said Lisa Osorio, general manager, Marketing, Nikon Inc. “As both camera capabilities and the roles of photographers expand, Nikkor enhancements will continue to meet demands and exceed expectations to remain the pinnacle of optical excellence for all types of photographers.”
The 200-400mm f/4 lens—designed as a tool for photographers who require long focal lengths and versatility—benefits from the addition of Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal Coat, developed to reduce ghosting and flaring. Additionally, its VR II image stabilization, which is specifically engineered for each lens to reduce image blur caused by camera shake and telephoto magnification, enables users to shoot four stops slower than otherwise possible. VR functionality is augmented with automatic panning detection and an active VR mode to help compensate for movement from an unstable position, such as a moving vehicle. VR is also engaged when shooting in D-Movie mode on select Nikon DSLRs, helping to stabilize HD video capture.
Sealed to resist dust and moisture, the lens offers professional focusing features to enhance functionality. Photographers can select from three focus modes to match shooting conditions: manual mode (M); autofocus with manual override mode (M/A); and the new A/M mode, which is used to avoid canceling the AF setting by unintentionally moving the focus ring. Photographers can also activate the AF recall mode at the press of a button for instant return to a predetermined point of focus.
Other features include: four Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to minimize chromatic aberration; Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology developed to enable high-speed autofocus performance with quiet operation; and super integrated coating to help suppress flare and offer color consistency throughout the frame.
The AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens is scheduled to be available in late May with an estimated selling price of $6,999.95. nikonusa.com
