Nikon super-telephotos may not be as iconic as their white Canon counterparts, but they’re still critically important to the estimated dozens of Nikon sports and wildlife photographers out there. These few and proud photographers will undoubtedly appreciate this morning’s announcement from Nikon: a newly designed AF-S 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR.
Let me dissect that lens name. The AF-S indicates that the lens uses Nikon’s “silent-wave” technology, Nikon’s take on Canon’s USM. The VR at the end indicates the presence of a “Vibration Reduction” system, and a relatively sophisticated one at that. The VR system offers two modes: Normal and Sport. Normal mode is the what all VR users have come to expect- about 4 stops of stabilization and somewhat slower lens performance. Sport mode is brand-new with this lens, providing intelligent stabilization for panning but also improved lens performance. Nikon claims that it “allows a continuous shooting frame rate and minimal release time lag similar to those that are possible when VR is turned off.”
The “FL” and “ED” refer to the lens’ new optical design, though why Nikon felt the need to stick these in the lens name I don’t know. Two of the largest elements of the lens have been replaced with lightweight fluorite glass to reduce the overall weight of the lens and move its center of gravity back towards the camera body. Two more of the 16 elements are special “ED” glass, a low dispersion formula that reduces chromatic aberration (color-fringing) and improves resolution. The “E” is tacked on so that you don’t need to buy a vowel if you find yourself spending time with Pat Sajak. Or it could be because the lens’ diaphragm is electromagnetically controlled.
Changes to the optical design of the lens mean that it is now about 800 grams (1.76 lbs) lighter than the previous model, which works out to be almost 20% lighter 1 about 18%, really, but the weight specs provided by Nikon are only approximate at this time . Furthermore, the lens is dust and weather sealed, so working with the lens in the field should be easier than ever.
The new lens will be available at the end of August for $11,999, a price increase of about $3000 over the previous model. You can pre-order yours now from B&H or Adorama.
Along with the new lens, Nikon has announced a new 1.4x teleconverter (AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III), which, when used with the 400mm f/2.8 lens would make it’s effective focal length 540mm (f/4). It’s a little smaller than the previous version with improved optics, and it’s weather sealed. It will set you back about $496.
Oh, that bit about there only being “dozens” of Nikon sports photographers was just a joke. Also the bit about Pat Sajak. I don’t think anyone reads these announcements anyway.
