Nikon Announce Fast 70-200mm f/2.8 Zoom

Nikon has announced a new AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens for FX format cameras. 

It offers a consistently fast max aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. The new lens is 110g lighter than the current Nikkor 70-200mm lens and is weather resistant.

Nikon use an exclusive fluorine coat applied to the extreme front of the lens acheiving high antifouling performance. The lens also has sport mode, to maintain focus on rapidly moving subjects. 

Nikon said: "The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR supports even better resolution throughout the entire zoom range than the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, which is well-known for its superior resolution, and it consistently maintains that resolution all the way to the edges of the frame. Adoption of one fluorite, one High Refractive Index (HRI) lens, and six ED glass elements provides effective compensation for a variety of aberration. This, in conjunction with ghost- and flare-reducing Nano Crystal Coat, ensures the ultimate in rendering characteristics. In addition to the superior optical performance afforded by these technologies, support for the fast f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire 70-200mm zoom range enables the shallow depth of field and large background blur necessary for photographic expression that emphasizes the primary subject."

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 Key features: 

• Adoption of fluorite and High Refractive Index (HRI) lens elements, as well as a magnesium-alloy parts ensure superior agility with a lighter weight compared to the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II.
• Thorough adoption of anti-dust and waterdrop-resistant structure with which all moving parts of the lens barrel are sealed against dust and water droplets.
• Nikon's exclusive fluorine coat has been applied to the external surface of the front lens element.
• This highly durable fluorine coat effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt, and has superior anti-reflection characteristics that contribute to the capture of clear images.
• Consistently superior resolution, all the way to the edges of the frame, throughout the entire zoom range.
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted for its superior anti-reflection effects and effective reduction of ghost and flare for sharp, clear images.
• Vibration Reduction (VR) function optimized for sports photography with built-in SPORT mode, which is also effective with movie recording.
• This enables comfortable high-speed continuous shooting with no drop in frame rate or increase in release time lag.
• VR performance immediately after the camera is turned on has been greatly increased compared to the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II.
• In NORMAL mode, the VR function provides an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops* faster with measurement in accordance with CIPA standards.
• With the employment of a newly developed algorithm, barrel vibration transmitted to the hands and sound caused when the AF drive starts/stops are remarkably reduced and suppressed.
• AF tracking performance for subjects with unpredictable movement, including those whose speed of movement changes and those that move quickly toward the camera, has been increased.
• Adoption of an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism enables stable exposure control, even with high-speed continuous shooting.
• Compared to the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, minimum focus distance throughout the entire zoom range is reduced from 1.4 m to 1.1 m, and maximum reproduction ratio increased from 0.11x to 0.21x.
• Positioning of the zoom ring near the front of the lens and the focus ring closer to the mount ensures a better grip when shooting.
• Four focus function buttons that enable quick and certain focusing are positioned so that they are readily accessible regardless of shooting orientation (horizontal or vertical).
• Extremely durable bearings adopted for the tripod collar ring, enabling quick and smooth switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientation.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR will be available from the 10th of November 2016, with an RRP of £2649 / €3229.