July 22nd, 2003

Nikon Announces

AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED
The AF-S VR supertelephoto 2x zoom lens that's
a winning match for digital or film SLR cameras

AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED Major Features

• Delivers super-high performance on both film and DX Format digital SLR cameras
  

• When mounted on a Nikon DX Format camera, the lens' picture angle is 8º ~ 4º, the
  equivalent of 300-600mm on a 35mm [135] format camera
  

• Vibration Reduction (VR) system delivers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed
  three stops (eight times) faster (As determined by Nikon performance tests)
  

• VR automatically detects panning as well as vertical shake
  

• Nikon's exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides swift autofocus with superior
  accuracy and ultra-quiet operation
  

• M/A and M modes allow rapid switching between AF and MF operation
  

• Four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimize chromatic aberration, for
  high quality images
  

• Nine-blade rounded diaphragms make out-of focus elements look more natural
  

• Internal Focusing (IF) design for smoother focusing and great body balance

• Lens mount fitted with rubber ring that is resistant to dust and drops of water

• New slip-on type Lens Hood HK-30 (supplied) greatly reduces stray light

• Soft lens case CL-L2 supplied

Note : VR operation works with the Nikon F5, F100, F80 (N80), F75 (N75), F65(N65), D2H, D1-series and D100.

Nikon press release:

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED supertelephoto 2x zoom lens.

The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED -- a significant advance for professional telephoto photography -- can be used with either film or Nikon D-series digital SLR cameras.

* When used with a DX Format digital SLR, this lens operates as a 300-600mm supertelephoto lens, with a picture angle up to the equivalent of 900mm with the TC-14EII and 1200mm with the TC-20EII teleconverter.

It features Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) system and exclusive built-in SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet autofocus.

Targeted at professional photographers, this lens complements the existing AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED in the AF Nikkor lineup. Combined, they cover unprecedented focal range while maintaining the image quality demanded by the most exacting professionals.

Vibration Reduction (VR) delivers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster*, for sharper focus and greater depth of field.

The VR system automatically detects panning and functions for both panning and vertical shake. Users can choose from [NORMAL] or [ACTIVE] modes, depending on the shooting conditions. [NORMAL] mode covers for regular hand shake with support for panning as well as tracking shots. For example, when panning (horizontally) while tracking a moving subject, vibration reduction suppresses only vertical hand shake. [NORMAL] mode is available whether shooting with the camera in the hand or using a tripod.

[ACTIVE] mode is available to suppress vibration when shooting while on a moving vehicle.

Four buttons in front of the lens' focus ring let the photographer easily select from the [AF-L], [MEMORY RECALL], and [AF-ON] functions. The Focus Preset function allows you to set a distance to which the focus will instantly and automatically return.

A new optical design features four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration, producing consistently high quality images. Nine-blade rounded diaphragms ensure a more natural look for parts of the scene intended to be out-of-focus.

In recognition of the need for immediate response in professional supertelephoto photography, this lens is designed for quick, intuitive operation. Users can switch quickly between AF and manual focus.
The protective glass uses a removable filter-type lens.
And the Internal Focusing (IF) design delivers smoother focusing and a balanced body.

With its unprecedented versatility, responsiveness and image quality, the new AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED sets a new standard among supertelephoto lenses.

Specifications