Digital Camera News and Reviews

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Nikon has announced a new high end prime lens with a pretty extreme focal length at 300mm. This telephoto lens from Nikon is fast with its f/2.8 and it has the new Vibration Reduction technology. The lens also has a new focus mode, weatherproof sealing and focus limit switcher.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens will be available in January 2010 and cost about $5900 so you need a big budget to be able to purchase this lens.

Press release:
Nikon Introduces the AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II

Raising the bar for hand held telephoto photography

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, December 10, 2009 – Nikon Europe today announces a new super telephoto lens to replace the AF-S VR NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED. The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it an ideal choice for sports, action and wildlife photographers. This lens is designed for those who are serious about photography.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: “The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II comparatively light weight and compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for hand held super telephoto photography, particularly when used with a teleconverter. The new VRII system offers four or more stops of compensation, and makes this a really practical solution for the news and wildlife photographer”. The evolution of the NIKKOR lens reflects a commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and it strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Sharper action images
The AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II features the second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved when using the camera for hand-held shooting. In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting. Weighing in at 2,900g this is a lens that ticks every box for those who are serious about action photography.

Built for any environment
This super telephoto lens is designed with the photographer in mind and has the same excellent optical system as its predecessor. Those who need extreme speed and quiet to capture wildlife, can rely on the autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure you won’t disrupt the action. To top off the extensive features,, this lens is also sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture, allowing photographers to keep shooting whatever the conditions. Finally, the lens construction features eleven elements in eight groups, including three ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat.

Specifications
Focal length 300mm
Max/min aperture Min f/22 Max f/2.8
Lens construction 11 elements in 8 groups
Picture angle 8◦10’
No. diaphragm blades 9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance 2.3m/7.5ft. (AF); 2.2m/7.2ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size 52mm
Diameter x length Approx. 124 x 267.5 mm/ 4.9 x 10.5 in.
Weight 2,900g

Nikon 24mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor

SLR Gear has tested the Nikon 24mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor prime lens. This wide angle lens from Nikon has a compact construction and has auto focus.
Let us hear what the reviewer thinks about the lens and see if it is worth the $360 price tag. They have tested the Nikon 24mm f/2.8D lens on a full frame Nikon DSLR camera.

SLR Gear ends up giving the Nikon 24mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor a pretty good review as the lens is able to take very sharp pictures especially when you stop it down to f/5.6. The lens has some shortcomings like corner softness when taking pictures wide open and a bit of chromatic aberrations. Some Nikon camera bodies are able to correct the chromatic aberrations.
Read the full review of the Nikon 24mm f/2.8D AF Nikkor prime lens here.

Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Photozone.de has reviewed the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens for the FX mount. They have tested the Nikkor lens on a Nikon D3x DSLR camera body. With its hefty price tag it will be interesting to see if this lens is a good performer.

Photozone ends up giving the Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens a “Highly Recommended” rating. The Nikon lens is able to produce of high quality and it is very well built. The constant f/2.8 is great for low light shooting and for getting a shallow depth of field. The only downsides are some vignetting at the wide end, a bit chromatic aberration and not possible to attach filters.
Read the full review of the Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens here.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

SLRgear has reviewed a prime lens from Nikon, the Nikon 105mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor. This lens is quite interesting for portrait photographers with its f/2, but the Nikon lens is quite expensive. The lens also feature “defocus control” where you can the appearance and nature of the out of foucs areas in photos.

SLRgear ends up giving the Nikon 105mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor lens a very good review as you get good results wide open and if you stop it down to f/2.8 you get excellent results. The lens handle chromatic aberration and there is about zero vignetting and distortion. The reviewer also enjoyed the defocus control. So I guess the only downside for the Nikon 105mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor is the high price, but when it comes to optics you get what you pay for.
Read the full review of the Nikon 105mm f/2D AF DC Nikkor lens here.