Nikon
Announces World's First Super Telephoto AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED Lens With
Vibration Reduction
New 2x Super Telephoto Lens Features Advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) and
Silent Wave Motor Technology and Can Easily be 'Hand Held'
MELVILLE, N.Y., Nikon, (http://www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography,
today announced the world's first AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G
IF-ED lens with Nikon's advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) technology and highly
regarded Silent Wave Motor technology incorporated into a compact design that
is easily hand held. Designed for news, sports/action, wildlife and nature
photographers, this innovative new lens is based on a new optical system that
features four ED glass elements.
Nikon's advanced VR technology overcomes one of the fundamental problems
photographers face while photographing under conditions where it is difficult
to hold the camera steady. VR technology eliminates image blur caused by
camera shake, particularly when shooting in low-light conditions, allowing
photographers to use shutter speeds up to three stops slower than they would
ordinarily use to get sharp, well exposed images.
"Nikon's new AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED is a boon for
professional sports/action photographers, photojournalists and nature
photographers, or anyone who needs a super telephoto zoom. With its advanced
VR technology, the lens not only allows photographers to use slower shutter
speeds while producing tack sharp images, it also allows them to use faster
shutter speeds with the added benefit of VR technology in well lit
environments to freeze the action and further diminish any camera shake blur
effect," said Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR camera systems at Nikon
Inc. "The addition of this lens to Nikon's Total Imaging System expands
Nikkor optics' broad range of VR enabled lenses, with coverage from 24mm all
the way up to 400mm," he added.
The VR technology in the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens
offers users a choice of either Normal or Active mode. Normal mode detects
camera shake when the lens is hand held and the photographer is on a stable
base. The Active mode goes a step further to detect vibration caused by
photographing from a moving platform, such as a car or a helicopter. Its VR
system is smart enough to detect a panning motion and correct vibration on the
vertical axis. Its new optical system features four ED glass elements that
minimizes chromatic aberration and produce high quality images. Through low
dispersion characteristics the lens' color performance is enhanced by
virtually eliminating secondary chromatic aberrations that are common to
telephoto optics that do not include ED glass. This technology enhances image
quality with added visible sharpness and contrast to the image.
In addition to VR technology and ED glass elements, the AF-S VR Zoom-
Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens includes a selection of Nikon advanced
technologies such as Manual/Automatic mode, Silent Wave Motor Technology (SWM)
and G-Type design (aperture control exclusively from camera body).
Offered exclusively in Nikon's AF-S optics, the Manual Automatic mode
(M/A) allows for instant switching between autofocus and manual focus,
virtually eliminating lag time in the transition and enabling photographers to
make a last minute adjustment, even if the autofocus system has locked onto
the subject. This performance is complimented by Nikon's automatic Focus
Tracking with Lock-on(R), a technology that will enable the system to maintain
sharp focus even if the subject is momentarily obscured from view, or if the
camera's AF sensor momentarily moves off the main subject.
The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens also features Nikon's
Silent Wave Motor technology. This innovative technology is highly regarded
by professional photographers for its silent and fast autofocusing with
superior accuracy and ultra-quiet operation. This technology is exclusive to
Nikkor optics and is incorporated in a large assortment of lenses that bear
the AF-S mark.
The G-Type feature in this lens is designed for the newest Nikon SLR
models, including both 35mm and digital, all of which feature a built in
Sub-Command Dial, from which aperture control is possible. The design
facilitates better lens handling, and helps photographers keep a more positive
grip on the camera as they use their right index finger to adjust aperture.
This firmer grip and excellent balance will help photographers get sharper
images, even as they adjust exposure and quickly shoot their pictures.
Nikon now has a selection of Nikkor lenses featuring VR technology that cover
a broad range of picture taking situations. This selection includes:
-- AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
-- AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED
-- AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED
-- AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED
The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED is fully compatible with all
Nikon SLR models that include a built-in aperture control Command Dial. It
will also operate using Shutter Priority and Program Mode operation in many
Nikon models that do not have a built-in aperture control. The lens will be
available in the fourth quarter of 2003.
About Nikon
Nikon ... If the picture matters, the camera matters(TM). Nikon Inc. is
the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and
is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and
performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic
equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer
and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights
and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras;
Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners;
Nikonos(R) underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational
optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM), the company, plays an active
role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of
philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For
more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links
all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and
sharing communities.
