Nikon unveils three new lenses, including a wide prime, a VR-enabled 24-70mm and a versatile 200-500mm supertelephoto
posted Tuesday, August 4, 2015 at 12:01 AM EDT
Normally, when new lenses are released simultaneously, they tend to fall within the same section of a given manufacturer's lens categories. Not this time though. Nikon has officially lifted the veil on three brand new lenses, each of which fall into an entirely different category of lens: an AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8E ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR, and AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED.
Nikon’s new AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8E ED VR strives to improve upon one of the most used and versatile lenses in any photographer’s camera bag. The lens improves upon its predecessor across the board. Most notably, the workhorse of a lens now includes Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology.
Additionally, the lens now uses Nikon’s Electromagnetic Aperture control, which ensures that even when shooting at full speed in burst mode, each shot is the exact same aperture. Optical construction further improves the quality of the lens, which is compounded by updated glass elements. Specifically, the AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8E ED VR includes a new Aspherical Extra-Low Dispersion (ASP/ED) element in addition to ED and High-Refractive Index (HRI) elements, and adds Nikon's proprietary Nano Crystal Coat, which is said to further reduce flaring and ghosting in images. Bokeh is as good as ever, too, with its 9-blade rounded aperture design.
The lens is protected from the elements thanks in part to its gaskets, seals and fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges from the lens’ surfaces in the event it does get dirty.
Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8E ED VR is set to go on sale in late August with an MSRP of US$2399.95.
Next up, the new AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR opts to carve its own space in Nikon’s glass line-up, offering powerful zoom with impressive image quality. Weighing only 5 lbs 1.2 oz. (2,300 grams) including the tripod collar, the lens is more than manageable handheld for short periods of time, further increasing its usefulness in a number of wildlife and sports situations.
The lens features three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and a 9-blade rounded aperture to create the smooth and buttery bokeh. Following in line with Nikon’s newer lens lineup, the AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR uses Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology for quick and quiet autofocus.
Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm f/5.6E ED VR is set to go on sale in mid-September with an MSRP of US$1399.95.
Lastly, Nikon’s new AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED adds to the company's growing collection of wide-angle primes. Unlike the two other lenses released today, the 24mm f/1.8 features a 7-blade rounded aperture design. The optical formula includes two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) elements and Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal Coating for reduced flaring and ghosting.
The new AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED will go on sale in mid-September with an MSRP of US$749.95.
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