Nikon just announced its new FX format AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens. The revamped lens features a new optical formula with 20 elements in 12 groups including Super ED Glass Element and four ED glass elements.
The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens should be available in April 2013 for around $2700. Check availability at B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon.com.
Key excerpts from the official press release:
Nikon’s newest telephoto zoom lens features a versatile 80-400mm focal length (5x zoom equivalent) that offers photographers a high-power FX-format lensing option to help capture stunning stills and HD video. Whether birding or shooting from the stands, the lens is also compatible with DX-format bodies to extend the maximum reach to 120-600mm (35mm equivalent). Additionally, alongside a 1.4x teleconverter, the lens can be expanded to an f/8 aperture to retain compatibility with the AF system on the most recent Nikon D-SLR cameras.
The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is loaded with essential NIKKOR technologies to help ensure top performance for the advanced photographer, including Vibration Reduction (VR) allowing for up to four stops of image stabilization while Auto tripod detection VR allows for effortless stabilization when mounted on a tripod. The lens sports Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to prevent ghost and flare, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to ensure fast and quiet AF operation, and two focusing modes including M/A (AF with manual override) and M (manual). A new optical formula features 20 elements in 12 groups and includes one Super ED Glass Element and four ED glass elements for maximum clarity in a wide variety of shooting environments.
$2700!!!!! Someone has had to much to drink
Once again the morons at Nikon USA have it wrong. The pricing is so far off the mark it’s embarrassing. It currently replaces a lens that sells for $1400.00. So, twice the price. I guess they really don’t want to sell any of them. At that price, I will look elsewhere.
Also, $1100 for a fixed lens APS camera? Hello Nikon.
It costs about the same as a 70-200VRII plus TC20EIII and hopefully the IQ at 400mm will be better. And you can use a converter on it. So it might actually be a cheaper alternative to the 200-400 although it is is a bit slower. But then I shoot wildlife at f/8 anyway. I suspect the refresh of the Canon 100-400 will be much more expensive than the current model as well if you look at the prices of the new 500 and 600 Canon lenses.
what is wrong with Nikon….are they that desperate to get rich
We are really frustrated after saw the price tag.
It is Nikon, ay twice the price it is still a bargain.?
Too expensive
Too late
Too much heavy breathing (260mm @ MFD)
Great job Nikon
Just what are you really getting for twice the price? The old lens worked on FX for $1100! Now if this was either 2.8 or at least a constant 4.0 but it ain’t!