Nikon UK Press Release 28/05/04

The world’s first f/2 aperture SLR lens to feature Vibration Reduction

A revolutionary SLR photographic lens, the AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED is the first* f/2 aperture lens to feature Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. Heralding an exciting breakthrough in photographic performance, the VR technology extends shooting opportunities beyond the limits of the currently available photographic lenses.

f/2 maximum aperture combined with Vibration Reduction
The unique combination of an f/2 maximum aperture combined with Vibration Reduction technology offers exciting photographic opportunities in low light conditions, previously impossible to achieve without resorting to grainy high-speed film or noise-prone digital ISO sensitivity settings.

The shallow depth of field created by the wide f/2 aperture offers a unique result, combined with a pleasing background blur and bright viewfinder image the AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED suites photographers seeking to freeze movement with fast shutter speeds in low lighting conditions.

Vibration Reduction
When light levels are at a minimum, VR can be activated, enabling sharp available-light images of still subjects or when using flash. The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED is the fifth* Nikkor lens to incorporate Nikon’s renowned Vibration Reduction system. The system comprises of a suspended lens element that is positioned according to data from gyroscopic sensors, compensating for accidental vertical or horizontal movement during slow shutter exposures. The Nikon VR system can also detect deliberate movement - such as panning - automatically. Exposures with three or more stops slower shutter speed compared to a lens without VR can be achieved depending on shooting conditions and the technique of individual photographers.

This VR performance can be applied in a choice of two modes to suit shooting conditions. Normal mode is ideal for common shooting conditions, including panning or when using a tripod, whilst Active mode is designed to compensate for specific shake caused when shooting at slow shutter speeds from moving platforms such as cars or aircraft.

New teleconverter for Magnified flexibility
Shorter and narrower than it’s manual focus predecessor (the Nikkor 200 f/2 IF-ED), the new lens is also 14mm shorter than the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED. These compact dimensions deliver real benefits when used in combination with Nikon teleconverters like the TC-14EII and TC-20E II.

A brand new TC-17EII 1.7x teleconverter is also introduced (sold separately) to enhance the range of focal length options to factors of 1.4x, 2.0x and now, 1.7x respectively.
The use of such teleconverters with a wide aperture lens is an ideal way of adding extra focal length versatility without the expense and weight of additional lenses. Indeed, just by carrying the AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED and the aforementioned three teleconverters, photographers can gain access to a range of focal lengths that would normally require four different lenses.

Super ED glass
The new lens also features a brand new development in optical glass manufacture, a Super ED glass element.

As its name suggests, Super ED glass offers increased contrast and reduced levels of aberrations over current ED glass, very important when shooting at wide apertures. The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2.G IF-ED incorporates a total of four ED elements, the most currently available in a Nikkor SLR lens.

Speaking about this important new SLR lens development Robert Cristina, Marketing Executive, SLR Systems, Nikon Europe said: “The new AF-S VR 200mm f/2 lens offers a unique combination of exceptionally sharp results with a bright viewfinder image and attractive background blurring (bokeh) for added impact. VR enables exposures in lighting conditions beyond the limits of previous lenses, with the risk of hand-shake kept to a minimum”. He added; “The f/2 aperture also comes into it’s own when adding teleconverters to bring substantial weight benefits for the busy travelling photographer. The new TC-17E teleconverter magnifies focal lengths by 1.7x but with just a 1.5 stop exposure adjustment and yet still maintains full Auto focus and VR functions”.

*As of June 2004.

RECOMMENDED RETAIL PRICE: ?3,299.99 / ?4,928.00
AVAILABLE FROM SEPTEMBER 2004

AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED Major Features
* Super ED and ED lens elements for a low refractive index and reduced dispersion
* Dual Mode Vibration Reduction
o Normal mode for general situations, panning and using a tripod
o Active mode for shooting from a moving platform (cars, aeroplanes)
* SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet, high-speed auto-focus
* Exclusive M/A option for instant manual focus override during AF
* AF Switch enables easy selection of settings:
o AF-L allows a desired focal length to be preset
o AF-ON allows fine manual manipulation
o Focus Preset reverts the lens to the preset focal length
* Meniscus protective glass
* Rubber mount gasket, tough magnesium construction
* Focuses down to just 1.9m
* Eco-Glass: environmentally friendly glass manufacturing processes

AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED Specifications
Focal length 200mm
Maximum aperture f/2.0
Minimum aperture f/22
Lens construction 13 elements in 9 groups (3x ED glass lens elements, 1x Super ED glass element), 1x meniscus protective glass lens
Picture angle 135 format 12?20’
Nikon DX Format 8?
Minimum focus range 1.9m (74.8 in/ 6.2 ft)
Max. reproduction ratio 1/8.1 (0.12)
Attachment size 52mm (drop in filters)
Dimensions approx. 124 x 203mm (4.9 x 8.0 in.)
Weight approx. 2.9kg (6.4 lb.)
Included accessories Slide-in filter holder (with 52mm NC), Front cap (non-interchangeable), Rear Cap (LF-1), Strap (LN-1), Hood (HK-31), Semi soft case (CL-L1)
Optional accessories Attachment-type polarized filter (C-PL3L), Teleconverter TC-14E II, TC-17E II, TC-20E II

Availability* July 2004 onwards
Price Approx 4500 Euro

Quick Comparison
AF-S VR 200mm f/2
Nikkor 200mm f/2
Auto focus
Yes
No
Elements/Groups
13/9
12/10
Dimensions (mm)
124 x 203
132 x 225.5
Closest focusing (m)
1.9
2.5
Weight (g)
2900
2550

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure specifications and claims are accurate they may be subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
(c) 2004 NIKON CORPORATION