Today, Nikon announced three very intriguing lenses. The 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, the 24mm f/1.8G ED and the 200-500m f/5.6E ED VR. This trio of lenses updates a current lens with VR, another with a cheaper f/1.8 versions and the larger of the three, is meant to compete with offerings by its competitors.
NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
This update to Nikon’s already incredible 24-70mm f/2.8 will be a staple in the bags of professionals and serious ethusiasts around the world just as its predecessor has been for many years. It adds Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology allowing for four stops of image stabilization and will be one of the go-to lenses for photojournalists as well as wedding photographers shooting in tough lighting conditions.
This version also adds a Tripod Mode which Nikon says will “banish blur” when your camera and this lens are sitting atop a tripod.
It has a new, internal lens configuration for a “new level of optical precision”, Nano Crystal Coating to significantly reduce ghosting and flare, an Electromagnetic Aperture control, a fluorine coating, weather sealing, 20 elements in 6 groups, a 9-blade aperture and a larger filter diameter of 82mm.
Available for pre-order now for $2,396.95, this lens is set to be released August 27, 2015.
NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED
Designed to be a cheaper alternative to its 24mm f/1.4G, this news Nikkor 24mm f/1.8 is smaller, lighter, features Nano Crystal Coating to cut way back on ghosting and flare, has ED and Aspherical lens elements, a Silent Wave More AF system, internal focusing and the popular 72mm filter thread size.
Available for pre-order now for $746.95, this lens is set to be released September 17, 2015.
NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
This is a lens I had hoped Nikon would make, but didn’t think I’d see anytime soon.
Designed to compete with offerings from its competitors like the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3 Di VC USD and the Sigma 150-600mm f/5.6-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary, this lens has a fixed f/5.6 aperture so bests them in that department. The Tamron and Sigma are both great lenses, but having that constant 5.6 aperture is handy.
This lens is targeted toward the serious enthusiast who shoots sports and wildlife, but who can’t afford the incredibly expensive 400mm f/2.8 and 200-400mm f/4 pro lenses which go for multiples of this.
On a DX crop-sensor body such as the great Nikon D7200, this is effectively a 300-750mm f5.6 lens for added reach so that’s going to be very appealing for many.
Surprisingly, this beastly lens weighs just 5.1 lbs (2300g), making it possible to handhold. But if you prefer, a tripod color is attached for use with a monopod or tripod should you choose.
It also features an Electromagnetic Aperture, 4.5 stops of Vibration Reduction (VR), Nikon’s Sport Mode VR technology for improved stabilization while panning, a 9-blade aperture, 7.2 foot minimum focusing distance, Silent Wave Motor for speedy, nearly silent focusing and a ginormous 95mm filter thread size.
Available to pre-order now for a reasonable $1,396.95, this lens will be released September 17, 2015.
SUMMARY
All three of these lenses are very exciting each for their own reasons.
The 24mm f/1.8G has long since been requested and I suspect that many will pull the trigger on this lens now that they can save a whopping $1,450 over the f/1.4 version. That’s enough to pick up the 200-500mm f/5.6 as well. The latter is going to be a great choice for sports/wildlife shooters on a budget. Then there’s the 24-70mm f/2.8 VR which is going to be outside the price range of most, save for professionals and serious enthusiasts.
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