Nikon - first full frame VR wide angle zoom

[David Kilpatrick]

Nikon has today announced the new AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm VR f/4 ED G FX zoom, intended to balance well with cameras like the D700 (their words - they have no other camera 'like' the D700... yet!). Seems from this that the message with Sony A900/A850 and the benefits of stabilisation with all lenses, including extreme wides, may have hit home.

The lens is priced just a touch over £1,000 including VAT in the UK, probably $1300 US.

They also have just announced the long-awaited 24mm f/1.4 to compete with Canon's excellent lens of this type. Roughly double that price, at £1949/€2319.

Press releases:

THE NEW AF-S NIKKOR 16-35MM F/4G ED VR: DEFINES A NEW CLASS OF NIKKOR

RRP: £1049.99/€1249.00
Sales starts date: February 2010

Nikon UK today announces the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, the world’s first ultra-wide angle zoom lens with VR for FX-format cameras. The new lens offers an affordable and practical proposition for general photography with FX-format cameras such as the D700.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR covers all bases for wide angle shooting and addresses market feedback for a more affordable alternative to the professional AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED or more recent AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED ultra-wide-angle lens”.

Sharper handheld images at slow shutter speeds
The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is the world’s first ultra-wide angle zoom lens to feature Vibration Reduction technology, providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower. The application of VR complements the f/4 maximum aperture when shooting in low light.

Class leading image quality
The new lens’ complex optical design features Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, two ED glass elements and no less than three aspherical glass elements to minimize distortion and aberration, even at maximum aperture. The VR II system and Silent Wave Motor deliver extremely quiet, discrete operation and the nine bladed rounded diaphragm renders delightful bokeh.

Built for everyday use
The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR balances well with more compact FX format cameras such as the D700 and is consequently built to withstand the demands of everyday shooting. The robust magnesium construction and weather sealing will make it an ideal choice for the adventurous enthusiast and professional photographer. It comes complete with durable hood HB-23, and soft pouch.

Specifications

Focal length
16-35mm
Max/min aperture
f4 / f22
Lens construction
17 elements in 12 groups (with two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements, and Nano Crystal Coat)
Picture angle
107° - 63° (83° - 44° for Nikon DX format)
No. diaphragm blades
9 pcs. (rounded)
Closest focusing distance
0.29m at a focal length of 16mm or 35mm, 0.28m at a focal length between 20mm and 28mm
Filter/attachment size
77mm
Diameter x length
Approximately 82.5 x 125 mm
Weight
Approximately 680 g/24.0 oz

NIKON DELIVERS THE AF-S NIKKOR 24MM F/1.4G ED: THE ULTIMATE WIDE ANGLE LENS

RRP: £1949.99/€2319.00
Sales start date: March 2010

Nikon today announces a class leading ultra-fast aperture wide angle lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED. Designed for professional reportage and landscape photography, the new lens features a ground-breaking optical design for Nikon’s range of class leading FX-format DSLR cameras.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The new 24mm lens continues to strengthen Nikon’s professional lens line up which already includes a range of award winning NIKKOR zoom lenses such as the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED. The shallow depth of field and bright viewfinder image offered by this new fast aperture prime lens will appeal to many photographers, particularly in the photojournalism community.”

New NIKKOR optical design
The AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED features a unique optical design which provides improved image quality, with minimal distortion and excellent edge to corner sharpness especially at wider aperture settings. The new optical system combines Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, ED glass and aspherical lens elements to deliver brilliant, high contrast image quality with minimised distortion and aberration. The f/1.4 aperture and nine blade rounded diaphragm contribute to render images with stunning NIKKOR trademark bokeh.

Discreet and Durable
The lens boasts a dedicated Silent Wave Motor for smooth and discrete autofocus operation, and is built to last with extensive use of magnesium in its construction, and weather and dust sealing, including around the mount. The AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED comes complete with dedicated secure fitting hood HB-51, and soft pouch.

Specifications

Focal length
24mm
Max/min aperture
f/1.4 / f/16
Lens construction
12 elements in 10 groups (with two ED glass and two aspherical lens elements, and Nano Crystal Coat)
Picture angle
84° (61° with Nikon DX format)
No. diaphragm blades
9 pcs. (rounded)
Closest focusing distance
0.25 m/0.82 ft
Filter/attachment size
77mm
Diameter x length
Approximately 83 x 88.5 mm
Weight
Approximately 620 g/21.9 oz

[Dr. Harout]

I wonder which is better the Nikon or the Zeiss-Sony? (not counting the VR). That doesn't mean I'm a Sony fan (fanboy as Don would've said), I have utmost respect to Nikon (but not the "other" one ). How would they compare?

[Greg Beetham]

The Nikkor is probably a pretty good lens but it's not an f2.8 it's an f4, the upside is it weighs about 200g less, but I'd prefer a lens that keeps it's elements in a fixed position any day....B&H price on the Zeiss is $1900 about $600 more than the estimated price of the Nikkor, the f2.8 Zeiss is a better buy imho, if you don't mind the extra weight.
Greg

[bossel]

At least the Nikonians get something. Not that I'd need these lenses but they have at lease some announcements. Wonder when Sony will announce somthing substantial for us. Many lenses that where showcased at PMA 2008 are still not out I have put some money aside to buy 1 real good lens but I hold on until Sony can give us some confidence. How many 'advanced' new items have been released since A900? The 70-400 and 16-35 maybe and that's it (I am not counting A850 or A550).

[KevinBarrett]

Are we forgetting that we've already had a fairly affordable solution in this focal length range? I wonder how the new Nikon compares to a Tamron 17-35/2.8-4 at roughly $450...