AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR and NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lenses

January 7, 2020 | Mark Goldstein | Digital SLR Cameras , Compact System Camera , Lenses | Comment |

The latest in the ever-expanding NIKKOR Z lens lineup, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is an indispensable workhorse lens which is great for capturing action and portraits. Equipped with the technological benefits of the Nikon Z mount, a versatile focal range, fast f/2.8 aperture, an impressive 5 stops of built-in optical VR image stabilization and a premium optical design complete with Nikon’s newly developed SR element, this lens gives mirrorless shooters the flexibility to capture astonishing images and videos.

Ideal for sports, wildlife and portrait photographers, the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 is a fast telephoto lens that offers sharp image quality across a range of focal lengths, replacing the need to carry multiple lenses.

The AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR will be available from early spring 2020, priced at £9,499 / $9,499.95.

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S will also be available from early spring 2020, priced at £2,399 / $2,599.95.

Nikon UK Press Release

TWO OUTSTANDING TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENSES

London, United Kingdom 7th January 2020: Nikon introduces two new professional telephoto zoom lenses. The AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR for DSLR cameras, and the NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras. These tough, telephoto zoom lenses raise the bar for lens design, delivering optical performance equivalent to a prime lens.

Whether shooting in sports venues or outside at night, the AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E excels with its extraordinary resolving power and AF performance. This remarkable lens also marks the introduction of a much-anticipated focal length range. Now, DSLR photographers who want to shoot at 300 mm no longer need to be tied to a single focal length. Nor do they need to risk optical performance by using a zoom lens with a teleconverter attached.

The fast, full-frame NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S is the second lens in the Nikon mirrorless family to be released. Whether shooting sports, events, or reportage, this S-Line telephoto zoom lens covers all the bases for stills and video. Focusing is fast, smooth, and silent. Sharpness is outstanding throughout the frame—even when shooting at the widest aperture. When shooting video, focus breathing is all but eliminated.

In a step forward for optical performance, both of these pro-grade lenses use Nikon’s new SR glass, as well as ED glass to combat chromatic aberration. As a result, colour fringing is greatly reduced, and harder-to-control blue light (short wavelength spectrum) is thoroughly compensated for. Images are sharper than ever before and contrast is exceptional.

Robert Harmon, Senior Commercial Planning Manager, Nikon UK, says: “With the most advanced optical designs of any Nikon zoom lenses to date, these new telephoto zooms set a new benchmark for professional lens performance. Nikon’s intelligent ergonomics and extensive weather sealing complete the picture: whatever you shoot, you’ll be ready to go the distance.”  

AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR

Professional F-mount telephoto zoom lens. Covers the versatile 120–300 mm focal length range with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture.

Smooth, precise AF. Performance equivalent to a prime lens keeps pace with fast-moving or erratic subjects. An electromagnetic diaphragm ensures precise exposures at high frame rates.

Advanced optical design. 25 elements in 19 groups, with Nikon’s ED glass and SR glass as well as ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings. Chromatic aberration, coma, ghosting, and flare are thoroughly countered.

Rock-steady VR. Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) gives you a four-stop advantage, even with a teleconverter activated.

Renowned Nikon ergonomics. Assignable function buttons, smooth switching between horizontal and vertical orientations, and more.

Integrated tripod foot. Faces the front of the lens for optimum balance and more comfortable transportation.

Tough build. Solid construction and extensive sealing readies this lens for trackside conditions in any weather.

NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S

Pro-grade Z mount telephoto zoom lens. Covers the versatile 70–200 mm focal range with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture.

Superb performance. Sharpness and contrast are exceptional throughout the frame. Focusing is smooth, fast, and silent.

Advanced optical design. 21 elements in 18 groups, with Nikon’s ED glass and SR glass as well as anti-reflective ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings. Chromatic aberration, coma, ghosting, and flare are thoroughly countered.

Ready for video. Focus breathing is all but eliminated, and stable aperture control delivers natural exposure changes throughout the scene.

OLED lens information panel. Quickly confirm aperture, focus distance, exact focal length, ISO, and depth of field right on the lens.

Fn button. Assign as many as 21 different functions to the lens’ Fn button, from AF lock to metering, bracketing, and more.

Workhorse. Tough, compact build with extensive sealing to protect from dust and moisture. 

Pricing and Availability

The AF-S NIKKOR 120–300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR will be available nationwide from early spring 2020 at an RRP of £9,499.

The NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S will available nationwide from early spring 2020 at an RRP of £2,399.


Nikon USA Press Release

NIKON ASSERTS COMMITMENT TO OPTICAL SUPERIORITY WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF CUTTING-EDGE Z MOUNT and F MOUNT PRODUCTS

The New NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Redefines a Quintessential Photographer Favorite for the Z System; The AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is a Ground-Breaking Pro Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens

LAS VEGAS -- CES BOOTH #14018 (January 6, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced two new innovative products that affirms the imaging brand’s commitment to bringing optical excellence to all levels of customers. First, the new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the latest in the ever-expanding Z mount lens line, giving users of Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras an indispensable workhorse lens for capturing action and portraits. For professional sports and wildlife photographers, the new AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is an enticing high-performance, professional super telephoto F mount NIKKOR lens.

“Nikon continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible in imaging and lens technology,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S takes advantage of the next-generation optical system offered by the Nikon Z mount to create a versatile 70-200mm lens with astounding sharpness and clarity, cementing this S-line lens as a staple for those who demand only the best from their lenses.”  

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S – Astonishing Details, Uncompromising Zoom

An essential pro-level telephoto zoom lens re-imagined to take advantage of the optical potential of the Z series, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is the latest addition to Nikon’s rapidly growing lineup of mirrorless lenses. The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 represents a pivotal lens for the Z series and a must-have for those shooting action, weddings, events, news, wildlife and portraits. Equipped with a versatile focal range, fast f/2.8 aperture and an impressive 5 stops of built-in optical VR image stabilization1, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm gives mirrorless shooters the flexibility to capture astoundingly sharp images and videos in a variety of scenarios. Additionally, multimedia and content creators using the lens will appreciate the stepping motor (STM) for extremely quiet autofocus operation and reduced focus breathing.

The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S demonstrates the technological benefits of the Nikon Z mount to reinvent a classic lens, while including new features to make this photographer favorite even more superior for Z series users. Parfocal support maintains focus when zooming, while a reduced minimum focus distance (0.5m wide, 1.0m telephoto) vastly increases versatility for photos and video. When used in combination with the in-body stabilization of the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 promises unparalleled stability with additional optical stabilization. Like other S line lenses, the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 boasts a premium optical design complete with a 9-blade diaphragm as well as Anti-Reflective Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings for maximum image quality in any light, with a Fluorine coating that resists dirt and smudges. In addition to a rugged weather sealed design the lens is ready to tackle any assignment with a dedicated Info Panel, two customizable Function buttons and an additional custom control ring. 

The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR are the first Nikon lenses to feature the newly developed SR (Short-Wavelength Refractive) lens element, a specialized-dispersion glass lens featuring characteristics that greatly refract light with wavelengths shorter than that of blue. By controlling short-wavelength light that is difficult to compensate, the lens can more effectively collect light of various specific wavelengths and achieve highly precise chromatic aberration compensation.

AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR: Impressive Reach, Incredible Speed, Absolute Versatility

The all-new AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is a versatile, professional lens for the Nikon F mount with a large focal range and fast constant aperture. It’s ideal for sports, wildlife and portrait photographers seeking a bright and fast telephoto lens that offers sharp image quality across a wide range of focal lengths. Thanks to its extensive 120-300mm focal range, the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 provides users with a pro-level single lens solution, replacing the need to carry multiple lenses. With Nikon’s reliable weather-sealed construction, the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 is equipped to handle any shooting scenario whether on the sidelines or in the wilderness. 

Users will appreciate the constant f/2.8 aperture which offers incredible low-light capability and depth of field that draws emphasis to a subject. The impeccably sharp image quality, beautiful bokeh and enhanced AF performance of the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 offer speed and sharpness reminiscent of a prime. Engineered with Nikon’s cutting-edge technologies, the AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is the first NIKKOR F mount lens to adopt Nikon’s new SR lens element as well as Nikon’s anti-reflective ARNEO coat to deliver superior chromatic aberration compensation and effectively reduce ghost and flare. The built-in VR function provides an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops1 and includes a Sport VR mode for rapidly moving subjects. 

Ready for professional use, the lens is sealed to resist the elements and is engineered for maximum usability, even when handheld. The zoom ring, focus function buttons, tripod collar ring and controls are all designed to ensure superior operability for more comfortable shooting. 

Pricing and Availability 

The new NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens will be available in February for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,599.95*. The AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR lens will also be available in February for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $9,499.95*. For more information about Nikon and their latest products, please visit www.nikonusa.com. 

Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. 

1. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to an FX-format digital SLR camera, with zoom set at the maximum telephoto position.

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