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Nikon today announced the new 200 mm F2.0 AF-S VR G lens, a very fast prime telephoto lens with Vibration Reduction capability when the light gets low. This promises to be a very interesting and very sharp lens which will provide photographers with some great possibilities for shots with very nice soft bokeh. In addition Nikon also announced a new teleconverter, the TC-17EII 1.7x. Combined with the TC-17EII 1.7x teleconverter this lens becomes a 340 mm F3.3.
Phil: A very interesting lens, and now with AF and VR. This lens comes into its own on a digital SLR ('DX format') and especially in combination with the TC-17EII teleconverter. This lens and a TC-17EII on a D2H would approximately equivelant to a 510 mm F3.3 on a 35 mm camera.
Quick Conversion Guide
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width=480 align=center><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=94>AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G</TD><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=47>135</TD><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=45>DX</TD><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=105>Exposure adjustment (stop) </TD><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=79>Max f/stop</TD><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=77>Combination weight (g)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdcontentsm width=94>TC-14E II</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=47>300</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=45>450</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=105>1</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=79>2.8</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=77>3100</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdcontentsm width=94>TC-17E II</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=47>340</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=45>510</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=105>1.5</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=79>3.3</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=77>3150</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdcontentsm width=94>TC-20E II</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=47>400</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=45>600</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=105>2</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=79>4</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=77>3255</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>ress Release:
Nikon announces world's first f/2 aperture SLR lens to
feature Vibration Reduction
AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width=480 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tdcontentsm></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Amsterdam May 28th 2004: 07:00 CET: Nikon Europe today announces the introduction of a revolutionary new SLR photographic lens, the first* f/2 aperture lens to feature Vibration Reduction (VR) technology.
The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED heralds an exciting breakthrough in photographic performance to extend shooting opportunities beyond the limits of currently available photographic lenses.
Vibration Reduction, maximum aperture of f/2
The unique combination of an f/2 maximum aperture combined with Vibration Reduction enables new photographic opportunities in light conditions previously impossible to achieve without resorting to grainy high-speed film or noise-prone digital ISO sensitivity settings. The shallow depth of field created by the wide f/2 aperture offers a unique appearance to pictures combined with a pleasing background blur and bright viewfinder image and will find favour with photographers seeking to freeze movement with fast shutter speeds in low lighting conditions.
Vibration Reduction
When light levels get really low, VR can be activated to enable sharp available-light images of still subjects or when using flash. The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED is the fifth* Nikkor lens to incorporate Nikon's renowned Vibration Reduction system. The system comprises of a suspended lens element that is positioned according to data from gyroscopic sensors and that compensates for accidental vertical or horizontal movement during slow shutter exposures. The Nikon VR system can also detect deliberate movement - such as panning - automatically. Exposures with three or more stops slower shutter speed compared to a lens without VR can be achieved depending on shooting conditions and the technique of individual photographers.
This VR performance can be applied in a choice of two modes to suit shooting conditions. Normal mode is ideal for common shooting conditions, including panning or when using a tripod, whilst Active mode is designed to compensate for specific shake caused when shooting at slow shutter speeds from moving platforms such as cars or aircraft.
New teleconverter for Magnified flexibility
Shorter and narrower than it's manual focus predecessor (the Nikkor 200 f/2 IF-ED), the new lens is also 14mm shorter than the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED. These compact dimensions deliver real benefits when used in combination with Nikon teleconverters like the TC-14EII and TC-20E II.
A brand new TC-17EII 1.7x teleconverter is also introduced (sold separately) to enhance the range of focal length options to factors of 1.4x, 2.0x and now, 1.7x respectively.
The use of such teleconverters with a wide aperture lens is an ideal way of adding extra focal length versatility without the expense and weight of additional lenses. Indeed, just by carrying the AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED and the aforementioned three teleconverters, photographers can gain access to a range of focal lengths that would normally require four different lenses.
Super ED glass
The new lens also features a brand new development in optical glass manufacture, a Super ED glass element.
As its name suggests, Super ED glass offers increased contrast and reduced levels of aberrations over current ED glass, so important when shooting at wide apertures. The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2.G IF-ED incorporates a total of four ED elements, the most currently available in a Nikkor SLR lens.
Speaking about this important new SLR lens development Robert Cristina, Marketing Executive, SLR Systems, Nikon Europe said: "The new AF-S VR 200mm f/2 lens offers a unique combination of exceptionally sharp results with a bright viewfinder image and attractive background blurring (bokeh) for added impact. VR enables exposures in lighting conditions beyond the limits of previous lenses, with the risk of hand-shake kept to a minimum". He added; "The f/2 aperture also comes into it's own when adding teleconverters to bring substantial weight benefits for the busy traveling photographer. The new TC-17E teleconverter magnifies focal lengths by 1.7x but with just a 1.5 stop exposure adjustment and yet still maintains full Auto focus and VR functions".
*As of June 2004.
AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED Major Features
- Super ED and ED lens elements for a low refractive index and reduced dispersion
- Dual Mode Vibration Reduction
- Normal mode for general situations, panning and using a tripod
- Active mode for shooting from a moving platform (cars, aeroplanes)
- SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet, high-speed auto-focus
- Exclusive M/A option for instant manual focus override during AF
- AF Switch enables easy selection of settings:
- AF-L allows a desired focal length to be preset
- AF-ON allows fine manual manipulation
- Focus Preset reverts the lens to the preset focal length
- Meniscus protective glass
- Rubber mount gasket, tough magnesium construction
- Focuses down to just 1.9m
- Eco-Glass: environmentally friendly glass manufacturing processes
AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED Specifications
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width=480 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Focal length</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>200 mm</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Maximum aperture</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>f/2.0</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Minimum aperture</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>f/22</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Lens construction</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>13 elements in 9 groups (3x ED glass lens elements, 1x Super ED glass element), 1x meniscus protective glass lens</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>icture angle 135 format</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>12°20'</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Nikon DX Format</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>8°</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Minimum focus range</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>1.9m (74.8 in./ 6.2 ft.)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Max. reproduction ratio</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>1/8.1 (0.12)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Attachment size</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>52mm (drop in filters)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Dimensions approx.</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>124 x 203mm (4.9 x 8.0 in.)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Weight approx.</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>2.9kg (6.4 lb.) </TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Included accessories</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>Slide-in filter holder (with 52mm NC), Front cap (non-interchangeable), Rear Cap (LF-1), Strap (LN-1), Hood (HK-31), Semi soft case (CL-L1)</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Optional accessories</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>Attachment-type polarized filter (C-PL3L), Teleconverter TC-14E II, TC-17E II, TC-20E II</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>Availability*</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>July 2004 onwards</TD></TR><TR><TD class=tdlabelsimpsm width=126>rice Approx</TD><TD class=tdcontentsm width=343>4500 Euro</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Unique new teleconverter for Nikkor SLR photographic lenses
AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=6 width=480 align=center border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tdcontentsm></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Magnifies focal length by 1.7 times, just 1.5 exposure adjustment
Amsterdam, The Netherlands. May 28th 2004: 07:00 CET: Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of a brand new photographic accessory, the AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II - the first teleconverter to offer a 1.7x lens focal length magnification, but with exposure compensation kept to just 1.5 stops. Designed exclusively for use with AF-S and AF-I Nikkor lenses, the AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II extends the Nikon teleconverter line-up to three teleconverters offering a choice of 1.4x, 1.7x, and 2.0x focal length magnification factors.
With dimensions of just 66 x 31.5mm (2.6 x 1.2 in.) and a weight of only 250g (approx.) the AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II is compact and lightweight to use. Attached to a camera body, for example, with the latest AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED lens, the combination of lens and teleconverter offers the photographer an impressive focal length of 340mm with a maximum aperture of just f/3.3. On all of Nikon's digital SLRs an approximate 135-picture angle equivalent to 510mm is possible, whilst maintaining the same maximum aperture of f/3.3.
The AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II also has the ability to communicate with the signals from most* lenses. Furthermore, it is fully compatible with Nikon's exclusive Vibration Reduction (VR), incorporates glass elements that conform to forthcoming environmental standards and is housed in a design that is consistent with the current TC-14E II and TC-20E II.
AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II Major Features
- Compatible with AF-S and AF-I lenses
- Compact size, 31.5mm thick and just 7mm thicker than the TC-14E II
- Communicates with the signals from most lenses
- Supports Nikon VR function
- Minimal exposure compensation of just 1.5 stops
- Environmentally friendly glass
- Design consistent with current TC-14E II and TC-20E II teleconverters
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