Melville, NY—Nikon announced the AF-S DX Nikkor 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR lens—a versatile DX-format lens for advanced and enthusiast photographers—as well as the AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR and AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR super-telephoto lenses for pros.
AF-S DX Nikkor 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR. Incorporating the best Nikon lens technologies, some never before in a DX-format lens, this is the first Nikon DX lens to wear the gold “N” emblem, indicating the presence of Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat. The front and rear elements also integrate a fluorine coating to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges. And it is also the first Nikon DX lens with an electromagnetic diaphragm that electronically adjusts the aperture within the lens for consistent exposure during high-speed shooting.
“The Nikkor 16–80mm f/2.8–4 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 extremely useful focal range to capture photos and HD video,” said Masahiro Horie, director, Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “This new lens is a great companion for Nikon’s high-performance, lightweight series of DX-format DSLR cameras.”
The all-purpose lens features a popular, wide 24–120mm (FX-format equivalent) focal range, making it suited for various disciplines, including wide-angle landscapes, tight portraits and travel photography. The f/2.8–4 aperture lets photographers shoot in challenging light, with the creativity afforded by a shallow depth of field. The fast aperture lets users blur the background to create that dramatic separation between subject and background that emphasizes a subject. For close-ups, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2 feet throughout the entire 5x zoom range.
To enhance its low-light capability, it employs Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology, which provides four stops of image stabilization. VR helps to create sharp images while shooting handheld or in challenging light. As an added benefit to landscape and wildlife photographers, it features VR with automatic tripod detection, to counteract vibration when mounted on a tripod.
Other Nikkor 16–80mm lens features include: a lightweight and compact body; four extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and three aspheric elements to combat ghosting, flare and chromatic aberration; 17 elements in 13 groups; a seven-blade diaphragm to create a circular bokeh for a pleasing out-of-focus area; and Nikon’s SWM (silent wave motor) technology for fast, accurate, quiet AF performance.
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16–80mm f/2.8–4E ED VR has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,069.95.
Two New Nikon 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 lenses use the latest Nikon lens technologies to enhance autofocus (AF) tracking and optical performance, while benefitting photographers with a reduction in weight. The super-telephoto lenses are geared for sports, action, wildlife and press events.
“The new Nikkor 500mm and 600mm f/4 lenses 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,” added Masahiro Horie. “By the fourth quarter or final period, users will sincerely appreciate the weight reduction of these lenses which allow for extended shooting, even into overtime.”
Optimized for high-resolution image sensors and fast-shooting Nikon DSLRs, the lenses offer improved AF tracking to help crisply capture images of dynamic wildlife or athletes, even when subjects are moving erratically or at the camera. Both lenses also utilize Nikon’s electromagnetic diaphragm to aid in maintaining consistent exposure during high-speed burst shooting of fast action. In addition, fluorite lens elements reduce chromatic aberration, while decreasing the weight of the lenses. This saves nearly two pounds for the 500mm f/4E FL ED VR and nearly three for the 600mm f/4E FL ED VR.
AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR. This lens is targeted at nature and sports photographers who travel on assignment and are looking for a fast, constant aperture lens to capture photos and HD video from a distance. The optical formula of the lens combines two fluorite elements and three extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements to further reduce chromatic aberration. The AF-S 500mm weighs in at 6.8 pounds. $10,299.95.
AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR. With a constant aperture of f/4, the 600mm lens is engineered to enable photographers to fill the frame and create dramatic separation between subject and background. With a weight of 8.3 pounds, it has two fluorite lens elements and four ED elements. $12,299.95.
Other shared features include: Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare; Vibration Reduction (VR) technology for up to four stops of image stabilization, with automatic tripod detection to counteract vibrations when mounted on a tripod; sport VR mode, to yield a more stable viewfinder image whether handholding the lens, using a monopod or when panning; seals and gaskets for protection against the elements; a fluorine coating on a front protective meniscus element to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges; and compatibility with select Nikon teleconverters that provide the ability to autofocus up to f/8 with many Nikon pro DSLRs. nikonusa.com
