Nikon has announced the AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR, a comparatively affordable, stabilized, variable aperture, standard zoom lens for full frame cameras. It comes as Nikon celebrates the sale of the 70 millionth NIKKOR lens since 1933, and the 30 millionth silent-wave motor lens since the system’s introduction in 1996.
The new 24-85mm and 18-30mmVR lenses are ideal standard zoom for any FX-format photographer. These optics were designed to meet the needs of all types of photographers, from those looking to capture everything at family outings to elusive wildlife and stunning landscapes. The new 24-85mm and 18-30mm lenses deliver the performance and superior image quality that photographers of all levels have come to expect from NIKKOR lenses whether capturing still images or HD videos.
To capture stunningly sharp images with excellent clarity and color reproduction or HD video that exhibits sharp critical focus with a dramatic depth of field, the new 18-80mm and 24-85mm VR lenses will empower photographers with a variety of exclusive core NIKKOR technologies. Both lenses are equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II image stabilization system which provides the equivalent of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. The built-in Vibration Reduction will help photographers create blur-free images and video while shooting handheld and in challenging lighting conditions. Two focus modes, manual-priority autofocus and manual focus, are easily selected in both lenses as well. Users will be able to instantly switch from autofocus to manual focus operation by simply rotating the focus ring, even during AF servo operation. Additionally, both lenses features an internal focusing system, providing fast focus without changing the length of the lenes while retaining working distance through the focus range, and Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology designed to deliver fast, accurate and quiet AF performance. The lenses also boast Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC) which provides superb color reproduction, color consistency and reduced flaring.
“Whether a pro on assignment, a photo enthusiast, or an indie cinematographer, all Nikon users appreciate and rely on the vast selection and reliability of NIKKOR lenses for all of their imaging needs. The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm VR and AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm VR lenses are fully optimized to capture stunning images and videos while meeting the growing needs of photographers of all levels around the world.”-Bo Kajiwara, director of marketing, Nikon Inc.
The NIKKOR 18-300mm VR Lens: Nikon’s Longest Focal Range
Building on the popularity and versatility of Nikon’s telephoto zoom lens lineup which includes both the NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 and 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lenses, the new 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is Nikon’s longest focal range ever, with an astounding 16.7X ultrahigh-ratio zoom range. The DX-format 18-300mm VR lens is surprisingly compact, lightweight and covers a focal range from wide-angle 18mm to super-telephoto 300mm, equivalent to a focal length of 27mm to 450mm in FX/35mm format. At the 300mm focal length setting, the lens’ large f/5.6 aperture enables photographers to shoot at faster shutter speeds with shallow depth-of-field. This new super telephoto zoom lens is ideal for taking stills when travelling and for all around general photography, including landscapes, portraits and distant subjects. The 18-300mm lens is also excellent for recording HD video as it can be used for wide, establishing shots, medium close-up shots, and extreme telephoto sequences when the users want to separate the subject from the background.
The NIKKOR 24-85mm VR Lens: The Standard Zoom for FX Shooters
Ideal for photographers seeking an FX-format compatible standard zoom lens, the new AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens delivers sharp, crisp, and high-quality images and can be assigned as an everyday walkabout lens. Covering the frequently used focal-length range of 24mm to 85mm, this lens is a great companion for any FX-format shooter and is ideal for shooting stills of landscapes, architecture, head and shoulder portraits, candid shots, or group shots. For HD video shooters, the 24-85mm VR lens is a natural choice when filming landscapes, large groups of people, or when wide-field establishing shots or medium close-ups are needed. The 24-85mm lens is a great everyday lens that is compact, lightweight, and easy to carry on any photo assignment or family adventure.
Price and Availability
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens will be available at the end of June, 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $999.95. The AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens will also be
available at the end of June 2012 and will have a suggested retail price of $599.95. For more information on these new NIKKOR lenses and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
You Tell Me
Which lens do you think will be better, the 18-30mm or the 24-85mm lens?
