Digital Home Thoughts: Nikon Canada Announces Two New Nikkor Lenses

"Mississauga, ON, July 30, 2009 - Nikon Canada today announced the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II and the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. Further refined to provide photographers with exceptional optics for outstanding image clarity and sharpness, the two new telephoto zoom lenses feature Vibration Reduction (VR) II optical image stabilization. The 18-200mm, one of Nikon's best-selling premium high-ratio zooms ever (11x), offers enthusiasts excellent versatility.The 70-200mm f/2.8 retains its status as the preeminent choice fordiscerning professionals in a multitude of disciplines.

Both of these lenses use Nikon's VR II image stabilization technology, which is engineered specifically for and optimized to function most effectively for each lens design to substantially reduce camera shake-related image blur. VR II allows photographers to shoot handheld at as many as four shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, better assuring dramatically sharper images - even in challenging lighting conditions. Two VR modes are available:"Normal" mode, ideal for everyday use and panning a subject; and "Active" mode to reduce more extreme instances of camera shake."

OK, now this announcement gets me excited! I've had my eye on the 70-200 f2.8 Nikkor for many months now, but in the back of my head I kept thinking "You know, this lens hasn't changed since the late '90s 2002 - surely they're going to update it for the digital era?". Well, looks like they have now! No word on pricing, but I expect it to be in the same painful range as the previous lens - about $1900 CAD. The 18-200 lens is a bit of a puzzle though - it's the same f3.5-f5.6 as the lens I already own, and I didn't think it was released more than three years ago. No word on the pricing on this lens either. The full press release about both lenses is after the break.

"Nikon is committed to providing industry-leading lenses which drives us to constantly refine our optical formulas and lens coatings, such as those found in these two new lenses," said Gregory Flasch, Nikon Canada's Manager of Advertising and Communications. "It was fifty years ago when the Nikon F lens mount was introduced, and NIKKOR lenses continue as an industry standard. This is achieved by investing in research and being in step with the needs of both FX and DX-formatconsumers, providing them with the best lenses possible."

The 70-200mm f/2.8 VR: Essential Optics Refined The "go-to" lens of demanding professionals and serious enthusiasts, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is one of the most useful and sought after high-performance lenses for sports, wildlife, portrait, travel and news photographers. Nikon has further refined the lens with an enhanced optical formula featuring seven extra low dispersion (ED) glass elements. These elements provide the ultimate in rendering characteristics to capture vibrant, high-resolution images with optimal contrast. Image quality is further enhanced by Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat, which reduces instances of lens flare and ghosting, elevating optical performance, even in tricky conditions such as those found in professional sports setting and stage events.

Designed to deliver the pinnacle of image quality in a variety of conditions, the new 70-200mm VR lens also includes a Silent Wave Motor(SWM) for fast, quiet autofocusing. The SWM takes full advantage of 3D tracking autofocus (AF) systems, such as those found on the FX-format D3X, D3 and D700 digital SLR cameras. Three focus modes are available - M, A/M and M/A - for automatically focusing, manually focusing or fine tuning AF performance to best suit photographers' needs. Nine rounded diaphragm blades contribute to a more attractive bokeh, allowing photographers to create soft and more naturally separated backgrounds that better highlight the subject.

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Feature Highlights* Vibration reduction (VR II) equivalent to increases in shutter speed by four steps* A new optical design utilizing seven ED glass elements* Ghost and flare suppression with Nano Crystal Coat* A Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for superior autofocus that is smooth and quiet* Three focus modes built in: M, M/A, A/M* Aperture diaphragm utilizing an odd number of rounded blades (nine) for natural blur characteristics* Shooting at distances as close as 1.4m throughout the entire zoom range* High-quality exterior design

The DX 18-200mm VR: Class-Leading Versatility The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm, the next generation of Nikon's all-time best-selling premium high-ratio zoom, combines an 11.1x zoom range with VR II to provide DX-format enthusiasts with an extremely versatile zoom range in a compact form-factor. Nikon enhanced the construction of the lens to include a zoom lock switch, allowing photographers to secure the lens barrel at its minimum length, eliminating the natural gravitational effect that can draw the barrel downward during transport. VR II image stabilization helps to prevent blurry photos in a variety of lighting conditions, furthering versatility of the lens. Along with these features, Nikon's exclusive Super Integrated Coatings reduce instances of ghosting or flaring. Whether shooting artistic landscapes or vacation snapshots, this lens provides fast and quiet AF operation with the help of Nikon's SWM technology.

Designed to be a one-lens solution and weighing in at a mere 565 grams and only 96.5mm in length, this lens provides an extraordinary picture angle of 27-300mm (35mm equivalent) when mounted on any Nikon DX-format cameras such as the new D300S or D3000 digital SLR cameras.Additionally, the optical formula contains two ED glass elements and three aspherical lenses to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion.The resulting images exhibit extreme sharpness, extraordinarily vibrant colour, high fidelity and crisp contrast.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II Feature Highlights* A zoom lens offering a high zoom ratio with magnification of 11.1x* Equipped with a zoom lock switch* Equipped with a compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM)* Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR II)* Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) adopted

Availability and PricingThe AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II will be available at Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers beginning September 2009. The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II will be available at Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers beginning November 2009. Pricing will be announced at a later date. Exclusive Canadian WarrantyNikon Canada offers an exclusive five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer. Consumer's investment is protected by Nikon Canada's warranties with in-Canada service.

About the NIKKOR brandWith a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the new ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super-telephoto 600mm 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 was created by adding an "R" to "NIKKO", an abbreviation of Nippon Kogaku K.K., the original company name of Nikon Corporation at the time of its founding.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 NikonNikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM, 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 digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive EXPEEDTM advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers.For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find a Nikon Authorized Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca".