NIKKOR Legacy Continues Commitment to Optical Superiority With the Announcement of Four New Lenses

MELVILLE, N.Y. Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Nikon Inc. announced four new lenses to the legendary NIKKOR line to meet the needs of all types of photographers, from those looking for the ideal lens for capturing memories of the school play to pro glass that captures client work in the studio. The new AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR and AF-S 85mm f/1.4G deliver the optical excellence and stunning image quality that consumers have become accustomed to with AF-S NIKKOR lenses. Nikon's optical engineering experience and devotion to extraordinary standards of excellence have contributed to the strength and legend of the NIKKOR brand. With the addition of these four lenses, 2010 has seen the introduction of a total of seven new NIKKOR lenses, reinforcing Nikon's role as the world leader in optics.

Ideal for producing stunningly sharp images with excellent clarity and color reproduction or capturing HD video that exhibits critical focus with a dramatic depth of field, these new lenses will empower photographers with a variety of core Nikon technologies. The three zoom lenses utilize Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) II Image Stabilization system which provides up to four stops of correction* to help create blur-free images while shooting handheld or in challenging lighting conditions. Found in the 85mm f/1.4 and 24-120mm f/4, Nikon's exclusive Nano-Crystal Coat reduces instances of ghosting and flare – even in challenging backlit scenes. Additionally, all four lenses feature Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology to deliver fast, accurate and quiet AF performance and Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) for color consistency and reduced flaring. The construction of each of these lenses also includes a nine rounded blade diaphragm, to help achieve a dramatic separation between subject and background with a natural out of focus area coveted by today's image-makers.

"The AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR, 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, 24-120mm f/4 VR and 85mm f/1.4 build upon Nikon's reputation as a preeminent manufacturer of high quality lenses delivering tack-sharp, high contrast images whether shooting stills or video," said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc.  "As camera capabilities expand and the role of photographers evolves, NIKKOR enhancements continue to meet the demands of beginner and professional photographers alike, and we continue to exceed expectations of optical excellence."  

AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR: Making Super Telephoto Shooting Easy and Affordable

The new AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR fills a variety of roles as the perfect lens for family picture takers and photo enthusiasts alike. This lens is the ideal complement to the 18-55mm VR DX-format camera kit lens, such as the one coupled with the just-released D3100 D-SLR camera, and provides users with an affordable way to achieve super zoom focal lengths from 82.5mm to 450mm (35mm equivalent). The 55-300mm VR lens brings the benefits of longer focal lengths into range for users when capturing distant subjects, such as at athletic events, family gatherings and summer vacations. Additional features include a Tripod Detection Mode, which allows users to keep VR image stabilization activated and automatically compensates for minute vibrations when mounted on a tripod. Additionally, a High Refractive Index (HRI) lens element is implemented to keep the lens compact while offering high contrast even at maximum aperture. The optical construction consists of two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.

AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR: High Performance, High Quality and Telephoto Zoom

Building on the popularity and versatility of broad focal range lenses, the new AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is Nikon's first FX-format lens with a 10.7X zoom range for enthusiasts and professionals. The new 28-300mm is the all-in-one optical solution that is ideal for travel, landscapes, portraits and capturing distant subjects. The 28-300mm VR lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLR cameras, and has an equivalent focal length of 42-450mm when attached to a DX-format D-SLR. It's optical formula includes two ED glass elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings, and three Aspherical Lens Elements that virtually eliminates coma and other aberrations at wide aperture settings as well. This high performance lens also incorporates an M/A Focus Mode Switch that enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation, and Internal Focus (IF) providing fast and quiet autofocus without changing the length of the lens while retaining working distance through the focus range.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR: Defines Versatility

The new AF-S 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR zoom lens redefines the wide-to-portrait lens category, and provides users with a medium focal range lens with a constant aperture that is ideally suited for a wide variety of photographic disciplines. This high performance lens offers a constant maximum aperture of f/4 to maintain exposure settings throughout the entire zoom range and is perfect for photographing landscapes, portraits, interiors and weddings. The 24-120mm f/4 also features two ED elements, three aspherical lens elements, a useful M/A Focus Mode Switch, Internal Focus and Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare for greater image clarity throughout the entire frame.

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G ED: Fast Medium Telephoto Lens Destined to Become a Classic

A highly anticipated lens for professional photographers with no room for compromise, the new AF-S 85mm f/1.4G ED is an ultra-fast classic portrait lens boasting amazing picture quality, high performance and the ability to create dramatic background effects (bokeh). This lens is engineered for professional portrait, studio and wedding photographers wanting to shoot at fast maximum apertures while retaining the highest performance. The 85mm lens is also well suited for portraits and low-light shooting situations because of its ability to create a shallow depth of field with exacting sharpness and detail. The AF-S 85mm f/1.4 is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLR cameras, and features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual) to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooters needs. Additional features include Internal Focus (IF) that allows the lens to focus without changing the barrel length, Nano Crystal Coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare, and a rugged construction build to endure aggressive field use.  

Price and Availability

The compact telephoto AF-S NIKKOR DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens has an estimated selling price of $399.95**. The versatile AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR has an estimated selling price of $1049.95**. The AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR zoom lens has an estimated selling price of $1299.95**. The ultra-fast AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G has an estimated selling price of $1699.95**. These four lenses will be available starting in September 2010. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About the NIKKOR Brand

With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon's photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon's own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the "Aero-NIKKOR" for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon's lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Under Nikon measurement conditions.

**Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

SOURCE Nikon Inc.