Nikon Unveils Three New Nikkor Lenses: 24-70mm F/2.8 VR, 200-500 F/5.6 VR, and 24mm F/1.8

Nikon added three new lenses to its Nikkor arsenal tonight: the AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR, and the AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED.

Here’s a rundown on the new Nikkor glass from Nikon.

AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

The big news with the AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is it adds Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology. According to Nikon, the new VR offers up to four stops of image stabilization, making the new 24-70mm f/2.8 VR designed to tackle “the challenging light of a wedding ceremony or on-the-spot news, while Tripod Mode helps to banish blur for landscape shooters. VR is also a huge benefit to filmmakers shooting handheld or on a rig who already appreciate the lens’ depth-of-field control and precise sharpness.”

The new Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 has Nikon’s Electromagnetic Aperture control, which allows for consistent exposures during high-speed shooting bursts. This lens also improves upon image quality with new optical construction to provide clarity and consistently sharp images, and is designed for capturing portraits, landscapes and weddings.

In a first for Nikkor lenses, a new Aspherical Extra-Low Dispersion (ASP/ED) element is paired with traditional aspherical, ED and High-Refractive Index (HRI) elements for better optical precision. Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat is also employed to reduce instances of ghosting and flare.

The lens is sealed and gasketed against the elements, and features a fluorine coating on the front and rear element to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges from the lens surface. The optical formula consists of 20 elements in 16 groups, while a 9-blade diaphragm helps to create a pleasing, natural out of focus area with beautiful bokeh. Additionally, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR features a new filter diameter of 82mm and will accept the new Nikon CPL2 Circular Polarizer and 82mm NC (Neutral Color) filters.

AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

The new Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a compact super-telephoto zoom designed for bringing distant subjects closer, including birds, sports, wildlife and motorsports. This lens offers a maximum reach of 500mm on FX-format Nikon cameras and an impressive 750mm equivalent reach on DX-format cameras.

This lens also features Nikon’s Electromagnetic Aperture for more consistent exposures, as well as VR with 4.5 stops of image stabilization. Additionally, the VR features Sport Mode, which is designed to help capture sharp images of distant subjects at high frame rates or when panning with fast-moving action. The lens also lets users focus as close as 7.2 ft. throughout the entire focal range, such as for when a play comes closer than expected, or capturing details of nature.

The new Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6 is surprisingly lightweight at 5 lbs 1.2 oz. (2300 grams) including the tripod collar, making it easier to use handheld for extended periods. Photographers looking for even more reach can increase the zoom power using an optional compatible Nikon 1.4x, 1.7x or 2x E series Teleconverters to capture even the most distant subjects.

The new AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR’s optical formula features three ED elements to enhance sharpness and minimize chromatic aberration. A 9-blade aperture provides a desirable, smooth bokeh, while Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology helps to quickly and quietly achieve critical focus. The filter diameter of the new 200-500mm lens is 95mm, and Nikon will also offer optional 95mm NC (Neutral Color) and the 95mm Circular Polarizer CPL2 filters.

AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED

The AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED is designed to let photographers capture landscapes, interiors and architecture with clarity and minimal distortion, while a fast maximum aperture delivers good bokeh and low-light ability.

The new Nikkor 24mm f/1.8 complements features Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat. Additionally, this compact lens has ED and Aspherical lens elements for better sharpness while minimizing ghosting and flare.

The new AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR will be available in late August for $2399.95. The AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR will be available in mid-September for the $1399.95. The AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED will go on sale in mid-September for $749.95.

COMMENTS
rhyder's picture

I really enjoy your articles and have for a long time. The articles are well written and informative. However, (yeah I hate that word too) your statement "and an impressive 750mm equivalent reach on DX-format cameras." is just perpetuating the myth of the "crop sensor reach". There is no "reach" the crop does NOT bring you any "closer" to tour subject. The lens has a narrower FOV on a crop sensor. The "reach" myth would break the laws of physics, which anyone with a high school degree knows is impossible. Please stop spreading this misinformation.

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