Nikon announces three new wide-angle lenses

Nikon has announced three new wide-angle lenses. The emphasis behind these new lenses appears to be completing a lineup in the wide-angle end.

“Nikon continues to push the limits of optical excellence, while making new perspectives more attainable than ever before with our latest wide-angle NIKKOR offerings,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “Whether a photographer is a novice learning the art of landscapes, an enthusiastic video creator or a working professional shooter, Nikon now makes the wide-angle perspective achievable for everyone.”

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR

This brand new lens represents a more affordable version of the 10-24mm, and a shot across the bow to Sigma's popular 10-20mm DC lens. Nikon's new lens will have a MSRP of US$309.99, which is substantially less expensive than the Sigma. While the Sigma offering has a constant f/4 aperture, Nikon has included VR image stabilization into the lens as well as its new quiet AF-P autofocus motor, making it a very attractive lens indeed. Intended for a subframe camera using an APS-C sensor, the lens will offer an equivalent field of view of 15-30mm. Nikon touts 3.5 stops of hand-holding stability with its VR system. The Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens will be available in late June.

Nikon AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED

Nikon hasn't had a super-wide angle zoom lens like this up until now: Canon has, and it appears that Nikon has taken its design for this lens from Canon's playbook. The lens offers full-frame, super-wide performance, producing a circular 180-degree image at 8mm. At 15mm, the image will fill the frame, with approximately 175 degrees of coverage. The lens offers three extra-low dispersion (ED) elements as well as two aspherical elements, as well as superior build quality: nano-crystal coating, fluorine coating on the front and rear elements, and a high level of dust- and water-resistance complete the design. The lens uses the new E-series electromagnetically controlled diaphragm, and also features a hood and cap system that can be removed.

The MSRP for the Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E lens will be US$1,249.95 and is available now.

Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.4E ED

Nikon has made a considerable effort to create a set of f/1.4 prime lenses in the FX mount, and this lens rounds out the set nicely: now currently available are

• 24mm f/1.4G

• 28mm f/1.4E

• 35mm f/1.4G

• 50mm f/1.4G

• 58mm f/1.4G

• 85mm f/1.4G

• 105mm f/1.4E

The highlight of the new Nikon 28mm f/1.4E is its E designation, specifying that the lens employs an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism to adjust the aperture rather than the traditional mechanical mechanism. Otherwise, the lens is built to a high standard of design, offering two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and three aspherical elements, nano-crystal coating, fluorine coating on the front and rear elements and weather sealing. The lens is quite large, with a generous focusing ring; a nine-bladed diaphragm rounds out the design.

The MSRP for the Nikon 28mm f/1.4E lens will be US$1,999.99 and it will be available in late June.