Nikon 70-200 F4 VR Lens
Nikon has just announced a new lens, the 70-200 F4 VR Telephoto. This range lens has been on the Canon side for some time now and not sure why it took Nikon so long to introduce its own.
So what are the key features here, Nikon is pushing the fact that this is a NEW VR technology that allows you to hand hold up to five stops when using VR. That in itself is pretty insane but what does it really mean? To me hand holding to 1/5th of a second is kind of meaningless in most situations unless your subject its totally stationary. I want you to remember that VR does not keep fast moving subjects from blurring, it just counter acts your movements.
I am sure this is a top notch pro type lens with great build quality but is an F4 for you? Everyone knows my stance on glass, I like to say 2.8 or better. So would I recommend that you spend $1399.99 on a non 2.8 lens? This is of course a tough one especially being that the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS is the same price.
If you are shooting video I could fully see going with the Nikon because of the new VR. The 70-200 range is not the easiest to hand hold but add that new five stop VR and I think you may have a winning option. But when it comes to stills I still would say save up your money and purchase the 2.8 VRII.
I know a lot of people get bent out of shape when I suggest saving up for the 2.8 and I am going to stick by that now. Why spend $1,399.99 on a lens that almost gets you there? Sure I understand that gear is expensive but like I said in todays email to the Fro List, great lenses hold their value. I am not so sure that the F4 will hold its value as much as a 2.8.
With all of that said I am still interested in trying this lens out and putting it through its paces. The video angle really interests me and I think that is what could be a win for this lens.
If you would like to pre order please call AllensCamera.com at 215.547.2841 and ask to be put on the list.
Nikon Press Release
NIKON CONTINUES POPULAR SERIES OF F/4 LENSES WITH THE ADDITION OF THE NEW FX-FORMAT AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS
The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens is Nikon’s First Lens with up to Five Stops of Image Stabilization; Offers Outstanding Performance and Superior Image Quality
MELVILLE, N.Y. (October 24, 2012) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the newest addition to its legendary NIKKOR line of lenses, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR telephoto zoom lens that provides a popular and versatile focal length and a constant f/4 aperture for full frame FX-format photographers. The 70-200mm f/4 is the first NIKKOR lens to feature the third generation of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology to meet the still image and video demands of advanced photographers and videographers.
“With the new AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4, Nikon offers enthusiasts an essential telephoto zoom lens capable of amazing clarity and control, at a price point that’s easily attainable,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc., “With the introduction of Nikon’s third generation of VR technology, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4 lens offers superior performance and stunning image quality whether shooting beautiful stills or HD video in challenging lighting conditions.”
Legendary Image Quality and Performance
In an expansion of Nikon’s f/4 series of NIKKOR lenses, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4 is an uncompromising telephoto zoom lens ready for real-world creative applications by professionals and enthusiasts including sports, portraiture and wildlife shooting. Smaller and lighter than Nikon’s AF-S NIKKOR 70-200 f/2.8 lens, this 70-200mm f/4 lens offers a valuable alternative that maintains the superior image quality and lightning quick performance photographers have come to expect from Nikon.
Additionally, Nikon’s newest lens is the first to feature VR image stabilization technology that is able to vastly reduce camera shake and blur by offering the equivalent shutter speed of approximately five stops slower than otherwise possible. Now users are able to shoot confidently in lower light or while handheld to deliver razor sharp images and smooth HD video.
When used alongside the Nikon D4, D800 series and D600 D-SLR cameras, 70-200mm f/4 lens users can take advantage of Nikon professional grade teleconverters to increase the focal length without sacrificing AF and VR abilities. By utilizing the camera’s cross-type focus points at f/8 and below, users can effectively double the focal length of this f/4 lens to 400mm and still retain the AF ability to capture clear subjects at an even greater distance.
Constructed from 20 optical elements in 14 groups, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4 maintains several core Nikon technologies including the exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to significantly reduce instances of ghosting and flaring. In addition, Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides quiet and responsive autofocus (AF) operation. The lens also features two versatile focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual focus) to adapt to a users shooting preferences. The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4 achieves the top class feel, superior operability and solid handling that only NIKKOR glass can offer.
Price and Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR will be available in late November 2012 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,399.95*. Nikon also offers an optional Tripod Collar, available in the near future for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $223.95*. For more information on this and other NIKKOR lenses, as well as other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
