Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, a versatile FX-format telephoto zoom lens designed to provide top-class performance and a long reach for a variety of shooting scenarios. Sporting a long 5x zoom range, the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G is capable of capturing vivid colors with exquisite sharpness, whether shooting stills or HD video. Ideal for sports and nature photography, the addition of the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR reaffirms Nikon’s commitment to providing a stable of lensing options for all types of photographers.
“Nikon’s next generation of the 80-400mm lens gives advanced photographers yet another top-quality NIKKOR lens to help capture every precise moment with intense detail and exceptional clarity,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “It’s a one lens solution that combines a versatile 5x zoom range, long focal length and core Nikon technologies to help create beautiful stills and HD video.”
High-Performance, High-Power Zoom
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.
Price and Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR will be available in early April 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,699.95.
I was happy to see that at first (I'm looking for something to replace the 70-300 VR) until I saw the price... at that price maybe I 'd rather get a 70-200 2.8 VRII and a TC
ytwong wrote:
I was happy to see that at first (I'm looking for something to replace the 70-300 VR) until I saw the price... at that price maybe I 'd rather get a 70-200 2.8 VRII and a TC
And you would be exactly where the 800-400 is price-wise, except that you would have a 5.6 lens everywhere and probably not so great optics, at least if Nikon's past TC2.0's are a guide. Not sure of the latest one though.
I doubt that Nikon would price it as they did if the IQ was merely equivalent to a 70-200 + TC
Compare the MTF charts new against the old one and it has to worth every cent
A very big step up. we can only wait to see what Morris from over on the Nature and wildlife forum does as he posts great stuff with the old one and equally old D200
Yes it is non-extending. Also fixed (non-rotating) front element for those who count on filters.
From the Nikon release this morning "Internal focusing is also employed in order to maintain an overall compact lens form-factor and to produce overall faster performance."
If it's halfway decent I'd love to have one. Do you think the collar has been improved? If you recall, those were one of the weak points on both the old 80-400mm and also the current 300mm f/4d.
ckcarr wrote:
. Do you think the collar has been improved? If you recall, those were one of the weak points on both the old 80-400mm and also the current 300mm f/4d.
Collar looks the same. Likely to be a weak point. You'll probably want to spring for an aftermarket collar, bringing the total price close to $3k.
rddayton wrote:
Yes it is non-extending. Also fixed (non-rotating) front element for those who count on filters.
From the Nikon release this morning "Internal focusing is also employed in order to maintain an overall compact lens form-factor and to produce overall faster performance."
IF means non-extending during zoom as well? I thought it just meant during focusing. Interesting.
I wonder if the lens is properly weather sealed? Internal zoom would certainly help that.
Hmmm. They finally release the lens, right after releasing the D7100 and D5200. I am planning on buying a D7200 in the very near future, and also a D5200. That's nearly $2,000 right there, minus $700 for selling my current cameras makes $1,300. Add $2,500 for the new lens and it's $3,800! I've already spent at least that much already this year on antique camera gear from c.1850. I could sell my 70-200mm f2.8 VR, but have been using it for weddings. It's a very key lens for me. SO.....upshot is purchase of the new lens will be delayed. Maybe the price will come down later this year. It looks like a great lens, but the price, not so much. For that $$ I could buy a 500mm f4 P.
Internal Focusing
Employed in order to maintain an overall compact lens form-factor and to produce overall faster performance. The lens will not change in size during AF operation,
Yep, almost all modern AF Nikkors are IF, otherwise it would take a huge motor to move all the elements! My 400/5.6 ED AI is not an IF design and the whole set of optics must be moved in order to focus.
At the MSRP of this lens it would be a real stretch unless the IQ was superb. Like Kent said though I could be a very very nice 500/4 AI-P for that price . . . ..
At the 400mm end it needs to be better than a 70-200/2.8VRII + TC20EIII for many folks who already own this combo in order to be attractive.
I may rent the current version and compare the 400mm end to my 400/5.6 ED AI, 70-200/2.8 VRII + TC20EIII and 70-200/4 + TC20EIII just to get a feel for the range of lenses currently available.
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