Nikon Australia is has announced two new lenses – a Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f2.8E FL ED VR fast zoom lens available from November 10, and a PC Nikkor 19mm f4 ED ultra wide-angle available from October 27.

The ‘next-generation’ 70-200mm lens is 110 grams lighter than its predecessor thanks to a magnesium-alloy build, while offering superior resolution and functionality.

Compared to the predecessor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, minimum focus distance throughout the entire zoom range is reduced from 1.4m to 1.1m, and maximum reproduction ratio is increased from 0.11x to 0.21x.

The fast 2.8 lens has one fluorite, one high refractive index, and six extra-low dispersion lens elements to compensate for a variety of aberrations. Combined with a nano crystal coat these minimise ghosting and flare, while adding to the overall optical performance.

It also has improved autofocus tracking for subjects with unpredictable movement.

A Vibration Reduction function which can track an erratically moving subject with stability. In Normal mode it has an effect equivalent to a shutter speed of 4.0 stops faster.

‘Whether a photographer is faced with the challenge of shooting fast-moving objects at a distance or in low-light conditions, the innovation in the new AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR provides photographers with even more freedom,’ said James Murray, director of Sales & Marketing, Nikon Australia. ‘Delivering a vibration reduction system of up to 4.0 stops, improved autofocus tracking performance and an electromagnetic aperture mechanism for auto exposure accuracy, the AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is an advanced lens that professionals have been waiting for.’

No local pricing, but US recommended price is US$2800.

The tilt in action.

Perspective under control
The ‘PC’ in PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED stands for ‘perspective control’, a rotation mechanism allowing photographers to set the way shift and tilt relate to each other from parallel to perpendicular.

This lens has the widest angle of view available in the PC Nikkor series, and is an ideal addition to a landscape or architecture photographer’s lens kit.

The FX-mount lens is made with three ED lens elements to reduce chromatic aberration, and two aspherical lens elements to effectively compensate for aberrations including distortion.

It, too, has the trusty Nano Crystal Coat. US recommended price is US$3400. Nikon Australia doesn’t supply local prices.