photoxels
Pack lighter to go further: Nikon announces two new 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 dominate the sidelines with superior optical and AF tracking performance, while new design reduces weight
Mississauga, ON, July 2, 2015 – Today, Nikon Canada announced two new super telephoto lenses, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR. These two NIKKOR lenses use the latest Nikon lens technologies to enhance autofocus (AF) tracking and optical performance, while significantly reducing weight. Ideal for sports, action, wildlife and press events, these lenses capture striking images from afar with brilliant clarity and sharpness.
“The new AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR 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,” said Amanda Mohammed, Communications and Nikon Professional Services Manager at Nikon Canada. “By the fourth quarter or final period, professional photographers will sincerely appreciate the weight reduction of these lenses, which allows for extended shooting, even into overtime.”
Increased performance, reduced weight
These new super telephoto NIKKOR lenses have been optimized for today’s high-resolution image sensors and fast-shooting Nikon HD-SLR cameras. The new lens designs significantly improves AF tracking performance to capture dynamic wildlife or athletes with precision, even when subjects are moving erratically, at random speeds, or at the camera. Both lenses also feature Nikon’s Electromagnetic Diaphragm, helping to maintain consistent exposure during high-speed burst shooting of fast action.
The addition of fluorite lens elements helps to reduce chromatic aberration and weight, saving nearly two pounds (lbs.) for the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR, and nearly three lbs. for the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR. For extended shooting days in the field, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR also employ magnesium alloy construction for enhanced durability and further weight reduction.
Because the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR weighs in at just 6.8 lbs./3090 grams (vs. 8.5 lbs./3880g for its predecessor), super telephoto performance has never been so light. This is a premium NIKKOR lens that is ideal for nature and sports photographers who are always travelling on assignment and need a fast, constant aperture lens to capture photos and HD video from a distance. The combination of agility, low-light capability and superior optical performance makes this lens an obvious choice for tack-sharp images of birds in flight, airplanes or other fast moving subjects when a tripod is not always an option. The optical formula of this lens combines two fluorite elements and three Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to further reduce chromatic aberration and provide superior sharpness and colour accuracy.
For long reach with superior optical performance, professional photographers should consider the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR, which provides the ultimate in fast-aperture and focal distance for challenging subjects. With a constant aperture of f/4, the new AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR gives the photographer the ability to fill the frame, and create dramatic separation between subject and background. With a weight of merely 8.3 lbs./3810g (vs. 11.5 lbs./5060g for its predecessor), the lens features two fluorite lens elements and four ED elements to provide discerning photographers with unrivaled sharpness.
NIKKOR lens technologies
In the tradition of Nikon’s legendary optics, both lenses feature the most advanced NIKKOR lens technologies, including the addition of Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to further reduce instances of ghosting and flare, an essential feature for capturing outdoor sports or action under the lights. Nikon Vibration Reduction (VR) technology has been incorporated into both lenses, affording up to four stops of image stabilization*, with automatic tripod detection to counteract vibrations when mounted on a tripod. For professional sports shooters, the SPORT VR mode yields a more stable viewfinder image, whether handholding the lens, using a monopod, or even when panning.
Both lenses are sealed and gasketed against the elements, and have a fluorine coating on a front protective meniscus element to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges from the lens surface. For shooting from extreme distances, the new lenses are also compatible with select Nikon teleconverters** that provide photographers with the ability to autofocus up to f/8 with many Nikon professional HD-SLR bodies.
Price and availability
The new AF-S NIKKOR 500mm F/4E FL ED VR will be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers on July 16, 2015 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $12,999.95***. The AF-S NIKKOR 600mm F/4E FL ED VR will be available on July 16, 2015 for an MSRP of $15,799.95***. Both lenses also come with a redesigned, lightweight, custom-fit hard case for transport. For more information on these new NIKKOR lenses as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikon.ca.
About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 800mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the “Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional DSLR and HD-SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system. In 2013, Nikon Corporation celebrated the 80th anniversary of the launch of its NIKKOR brand of photographic lenses, and announced the production of more than 90 million NIKKOR lenses in 2014, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED, EXPEED 2, EXPEED 3, EXPEED 4, EXPEED 4A or EXPEED 5A advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
*Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when FX-format compatible lenses are attached to a FX-format HD-SLR camera and zoom lenses are set at the maximum telephoto position.
**Compatible with TC-14E series teleconverters (AF not possible). Compatible with TC-17E and TC-20E series teleconverters. AF is only available when used with DSLR HD-SLR cameras that offer f/8 support. These include: D4, D4S, Df, D600, D610, D750, D800, D800E, D810, D810A, D7100, and D7200.
***MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NikonCanada
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NikonCanada
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/NikonCanada
You can pre-order/buy the lenses at B&H:
