Nikon Adds Nikkor Lens Pair

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 2/9/2010

Melville, N.Y. - Nikon introduced Tuesday two new Nikkor d-SLR lenses for professional and enthusiast photographers.

The AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED lens (shipping in March at a $2,199 suggested retail) is described by the company as an ultra-fast professional lens for wide-angle applications, and the AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR (shipping in February at a $1,259 suggested retail) is described as Nikon's widest FX-format focal range with Vibration Reduction (VR).

"The 16-35mm f/4 VR and 24mm f/1.4 are two new lenses designed to address the needs of an ever-expanding number of Nikon FX-format photographers, delivering dramatic perspectives, amazing clarity, contrast and color when capturing stills or HD video," stated Edward Fasano, Nikon SLR systems products marketing general manager. "Customers that choose these new lenses will experience excellent image quality and sturdy handling, which is made possible through our commitment to excellence and expert Nikkor engineering."

Both lenses feature Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance. The optical construction of both lenses uses Nikon ED glass elements and multiple aspherical elements to suppress chromatic aberrations, the company said. Resulting images are said to be sharp with high contrast.

A Nano-Crystal Coat on the lenses minimizes instances of internal "ghosting" and flaring, further ensuring exceptional image integrity, Nikon said.

The 24mm f/1.4G ED lens blends a 24mm wide angle with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture to expand the Nikkor lens assortment. The f/1.4 maximum aperture allows photographers to shoot handhelds in low light with dramatic separation between subject and a softened background, Nikon said.

In a wide variety of photographic situations, both FX and DX-format shooters will be able to realize the extra-bright benefits of f/1.4 aperature with dramatic perspectives afforded by a picture angle of 84 degrees (61 degrees when mounted on a DX-format body), the company said.

The 16-35mm f/4 VR lens brings a new perspective to VR, offering a constant maximum aperture and ultra-wide angle zoom versatility with VR II image stabilization, Nikon said.

As the widest FX-format Nikkor zoom lens with VR, users can shoot up to four shutter speeds slower than otherwise possible, expanding low light shooting opportunities for sharper handheld photography and video capture.