Digital Home Thoughts: Nikon Releases Four New Nikkor DSLR Lenses

"Mississauga, ON, August 19, 2010 - Nikon Canada today added four new lenses to the legendary NIKKOR line, meeting the needs of all types of photographers - from those looking for the ideal lens to capture memories of the school play to users who require a pro glass to capture client work in the studio. The new NIKKOR AF-S DX 55-300mm VR II, AF-S 28-300mm VR II, AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR II and AF-S 85mm f/1.4 deliver optical excellence and stunning image quality. Nikon's engineering experience and devotion to extraordinary standards have contributed to the strength and reputation of the NIKKOR brand. With the addition of these four lenses, 2010 has seen the launch of a total of seven new NIKKOR lenses, reinforcing Nikon's role as the world leader in optics."

Lenses: the true cost of any camera system isn't in the camera body, but the lenses. Digital camera bodies come and go as technology changes, but a good lens will last years. Nikon has brought some interesting lenses to the table - see any that you like?

"These new lenses come equipped with a variety of core Nikon technologies to empower users to produce stunningly sharp images with excellent clarity and colour reproduction, as well as to capture HD video that exhibits critical focus with a dramatic depth of field. The three zoom lenses utilize Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) II Image Stabilization system that provides up to four stops of correction to help create blur-free images while shooting handheld or in challenging lighting conditions. Found in the NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.4 and NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR II, Nikon's exclusive Nano-Crystal Coat reduces instances of ghosting and flare - even in difficult backlit scenes. In addition, all four lenses feature Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology to deliver fast,accurate and quiet auto-focus (AF) performance as well as Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) for colour consistency and reduced flaring. These lenses also include a nine-rounded blade diaphragm to help achieve a dramatic separation between subject and background with a natural out-of-focus area coveted by today's image-makers.

"The launch of new NIKKOR lenses once again solidifies Nikon's reputation as a preeminent manufacturer of lenses that offer high quality solutions across a wide range of platforms," said Gregory Flasch, National Advertising And Communications Manager at Nikon Canada Inc. "As the capabilities of cameras expand and the role of photographers evolves, Nikon continues to enhance NIKKOR lenses to meet the needs of beginner and professional photographers alike, while exceeding the expectations of optical excellence."

NIKKOR AF-S DX 55-300mm VR II: Making Super Telephoto Shooting Easy and Affordable: The new NIKKOR AF-S DX 55-300mm VR II is the ideal lens for family picture-takers and photo enthusiasts. It complements the 18-55mm VR DX-format lens, which is available in a kit package with the just-released D3100 digital SLR (see separate news release), and provides users with an affordable way to achieve super zoom focal lengths of 82.5-450mm(35mm equivalent). The AF-S DX 55-300mm VR II brings the benefits of longer focal lengths into range when capturing distant subjects, perfect for sporting events and nature walks. Additional features include a Tripod Detection Mode that allows users to keep VR image stabilization activated and automatically compensates for minute vibrations when mounted on a tripod. Additionally, a High Refractive Index (HRI) Lens Element is implemented to keep the lens compact while offering high contrast even at maximum aperture. The optical construction consists of two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.

NIKKOR AF-S 28-300mm VR II: High Performance, High Quality Telephoto Zoom: Building on the popularity and versatility of broad focal range lenses, the new NIKKOR AFS28-300mm VR II is Nikon's first FX-format lens with a 10.7x zoom range ideal for enthusiasts and professionals. The AF-S 28-300mm VR II is the all-in-one optical solution that is ideal for capturing landscapes, portraits and distant subjects. This lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format digital SLR cameras, and has an equivalent focal length of 42-450mm when attached to a DX-format digital SLR. Its optical formula includes two ED glass elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings, as well as three Aspherical Lens Elements that virtually eliminate coma and other aberrations at wide aperture settings. This high performance lens also incorporates an M/A Focus Mode Switch that enables quick changes between manual and auto-focus operation, and Internal Focus (IF) providing fast and quiet autofocus without changing the length of the lens while retaining working distance through the focus range.

NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR II: Defines Versatility: The new NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR II zoom lens redefines the wide-to-portrait lens category and provides users with a medium focal range lens with a constant aperture that is ideally suited for a wide variety of photographic disciplines. This high performance lens offers a constant maximum aperture of f/4 to maintain exposure settings throughout the entire zoom range. It is perfect for photographing landscapes, portraits, interiors and weddings. The NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR II also features two ED elements, three aspherical lens elements, a useful M/A Focus Mode Switch, Internal Focus and Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare for greater image clarity throughout the entire frame.

NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.4: Fast Medium Telephoto Lens Destined to Become a Classic: A highly anticipated lens for professional photographers with no room for compromise, the new NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.4 is an ultra-fast classic portrait lens boasting amazing picture quality, high performance and the ability to create dramatic background effects (bokeh).This lens is engineered for professional portrait, studio and wedding photographers wishing to shoot at fast maximum apertures while retaining the highest performance. The NIKKORAF-S 85mm f/1.4 lens is also well suited for portraits and low-light shooting situations because of its ability to create a shallow depth of field with exacting sharpness and detail.The NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.4 is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format digital SLR cameras, and features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual), to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooter's needs. Additional features include Internal Focus (IF) that allows the lens to focus without changing the barrel length, Nano Crystal Coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare and a rugged construction to endure aggressive field use.

Availability and Pricing

The new NIKKOR lenses are scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers beginning September 2010, at Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) as follows:

• NIKKOR AF-S DX 55-300mm VR II - $429.95
• NIKKOR AF-S 28-300mm VR II - $1,149.95
• NIKKOR AF-S 24-120mm f/4 VR II - $1,349.95
• NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.4 - $1,899.95"