Nikon Introduces AF-S Nikkor(R) 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II
New High-Performance Telephoto Lens More Compact, Lighter and Featuring
Nikon Silent Wave Motor Technology
MELVILLE, N.Y., Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon, the leader in precision
optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology, today introduced the
AF-S Nikkor(R) 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II, a high-performance, compact and
lightweight telephoto lens that offers superior optical performance and fast
autofocus operation. Weighing only 5.6 pounds, the lens is one pound lighter
than its predecessor, making it the lightest 300mm f/2.8 lens available (as of
February 2001). Further, its minimum focusing distance of 7.5 feet is
2.5 feet closer than the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF. The AF-S Nikkor
300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II exemplifies Nikon's commitment to provide the most
demanding photographers with cutting-edge technology. The lens' extremely
fast autofocus, small size and lightweight make it ideal for fast-action and
sports photography, photojournalism and nature photography.
"The AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II was designed with the
photojournalist and sports photographer in mind. The lens incorporates
magnesium alloy parts which significantly reduces its weight," said Richard
LoPinto, vice president, SLR Camera Systems, Nikon Inc. "At only 5.6 pounds,
it increases photographer's maneuverability and decreases the fatigue
associated with working with fast telephoto lenses."
Autofocus performance is optimized with the use of Nikon 35mm and digital
SLR cameras, including F5(R), F4(R), F100(TM), N90(R)s, N90(TM), N80(TM),
N70(TM), N65(TM), Pronea(TM) 6I, Pronea(TM) S 35mm SLR models, and the Nikon
D1(TM) and new D1X(TM) and D1H(TM) professional digital SLR models. The lens
is compatible with all other Nikon SLR models featuring the Nikon F lens mount
for manual focusing operation. With the addition of the AF-S Nikkor 300mm
f/2.8D ED-IF II to Nikon's Total Imaging System, photographers can now choose
from eight AF-S Nikkor lenses featuring Silent Wave Motors for a wide variety
of shooting situations. Nikon's Professional Total Imaging System, which
together with world-class Nikkor optics, Speedlights, System Accessories and
Nikon Professional Services Support, present a complete system that has
time-proven its durability and performance.
The AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II is an extremely fast focusing lens.
Its Silent Wave Motor design, Internal Focusing system and advanced M/A mode
combine to compliment Nikon's Multi-Cam 1300 Autofocus Sensor with
five-segment detection featured in Nikon's pro models. The combination
provides photographers with extremely fast and very accurate autofocus
performance. Autofocus performance is further enhanced as the lens/camera
combination performs with Dynamic AF and Focus Tracking with Lock-On(TM).
Generally, lenses are described with regard to the sharpness of the image
they produce, with little comment about the portions of an image that make up
the "out-of-focus" part of the picture. While concentrating on achieving
superb focused image sharpness, Nikon engineers also pay special attention to
the out-of-focus portion. They recognize that the impression of sharpness is
augmented by the viewer's perception of the sharp parts of the picture
contrasting with the out-of-focus portion. This aspect of design plays a role
in the full development of the optical formula, and also in the design of the
lens' aperture. For this and many other Nikkor lenses, the aperture features
more blades than typically offered, thus making the aperture more circular and
the appearance of out-of-focus highlights more natural and pleasing. It is
such attention to detail that makes Nikkor optics stand out.
The Silent Wave Motor does not have a gear transmission, so there is
virtually no noise coming from the lens focusing, as compared to gear-type
lens driving systems. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) built into the lens
provides communication between the lens and the camera body for exposure
compatibility with all of the exposure control systems in compatible camera
models. The lens' distance signal delivers information to the camera for
enhanced exposure calculations.
Three ED glass elements in the lens provide higher resolution and superior
contrast for greater sharpness and color correction. ED glass is critical for
minimizing chromatic aberration in telephoto lenses and in lenses with large
apertures. To enhance the performance of the lens elements, the AF-S Nikkor
300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II employs Nikon's Super Integrated Coating to help reduce
ghost and flare to negligible levels while enhancing color balance. In
addition, the nine-blade diaphragm produces images with more natural looking
highlights and sharper details.
The lens' IF (Internal Focusing) system keeps the lens design compact and
better balanced to ensure fast AF operation and closer focusing distance. The
IF design enables the lens to be both auto and manually focused without the
lens changing size. The result is precise handling throughout the focusing
range, from 7.5 feet to infinity. The lens' close focusing distance allows
photographers to capture brilliantly detailed close-ups. The lens works with
the Nikon AF-I Teleconverter TC-14E, enabling 420mm super-telephoto
photography.
The advanced M/A mode lets the photographer switch quickly from automatic
to manual focusing, even during AF servo operation, with virtually no time lag
or power usage. This mode is especially important for instances when the
photographer needs to focus the lens manually. Manual focusing operates
without need for battery power, conserving battery performance for other
camera functions.
The Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II lens is offered in black and light
gray and features a Ballistic Nylon Lens Case CL-L1 that is dust and water
resistant. The lens will be available in March 2001 at a suggested retail
price of $5740.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc., the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging
technology, is recognized for setting new standards in product design and
performance in consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc.
distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm
film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System
Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Coolpix(R)
compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; Nikonos(R)
underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics.
The company plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced
photographers through a variety of organizations, educational programs, events
and workshops. For product information, contact Nikon at (800) NIKON-US or
visit http://www.nikonusa.com , which links all levels of photographers to the web's
most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8D ED-IF II Lens Specifications
Focal length: 300mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Lens construction: 11 elements in 8 groups (including
three ED glass elements)
Picture angle: 8 degrees 10'
Focus distance: 7.5 ft. to infinity
(7.2 ft. to infinity in MF)
Max. reproduction ratio: 1/6.2
Aperture scale: f/2.8 to f/22
Attachment size of filter holder: 52mm NC filter provided
Dimensions: Approx. 4.8 x 10.6 in.
Weight: Approx. 5.6 lbs.
SOURCE Nikon Inc.
