14 DAY TRIAL // As part of the PMA08 releases, Nikon is also throwing in three new lenses, thus responding to the photographers' complaints regarding the somewhat limited lineup compared to Canon's.
Let's start off with the zoom model and leave the more pro-like goodies for last. An interesting alternative to the popular AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f3.5-4.5 G IF-ED is the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, whose improvements are pretty obvious. First of all, you get a wide focal range with 16 at the short end and 85mm at the long end. Of course, since it's a DX lens, the 16-85mm has a picture angle equivalent to that of a 24-127.5mm lens mounted on a full frame 35mm camera. Secondly, this new piece of glass comes with the acclaimed Vibration Reduction II system that allows for slower than recommended shutter speeds (up to four stops, as Nikon claims) to be used.
They both share the SWM (silent wave motor), IF (internal focusing) and ED (extra low dispersion) features, but the 16-85mm model's maximum aperture is f/5.6 compared to the 18-70mm's f/4.5. This is, of course, a consequence of the longer tele end.
Optically speaking, the construction includes two ED glass elements, three aspherical units and the Nikon's Super Integrated Coating. Their purpose is to reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations and to minimize lens flare and ghosting.
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning in March 2008 at an estimated selling price of $649.
Second on the list is the improved version of the AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8, the new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED. In this case, "improved" stands for a substantial addition of proprietary lens technologies. First of all, the new version has an silent wave motor to drive the elements. This feature has a double impact: D40, D40x and D60 users will now be able to achieve AF and those who have different Nikon and FujiFilm DSLRs will enjoy a substantially improved performance. The internal focusing will further improve AF speed and also ease the use of polarizing filters.
Moreover, the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED brings exotic glass and Nano Crystal Coat to the macro lens table, two major improvements over the previous model.
Speaking of exotic glass, the lens uses one ED element to minimize chromatic aberration and two aspherical pieces to control spherical aberration and coma.
In terms of magnification, there's the same level of performance as in the case of the previous model, namely a 1:1 ratio. This performance is only achieved at the minimum focusing distance of 0.185m (.6 ft.), which actually translates into a working distance of around 9 centimeters.
The AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens is scheduled to become available from Nikon authorized dealers beginning in March 2008 at an estimated selling price of $549.95. Not a bad deal for macro lovers.
Last but not least, there's the new PC-E NIKKOR 24MM F/3.5D ED, aimed at pros and extremely advanced amateurs. This perspective control lens is equipped with a tilt/shift mechanism that enables the manipulation of perspective, distortion and focus.
Here's what the press release has to say about the usefulness of the PC-E NIKKOR 24MM F/3.5D ED: "The same features that make this lens excellent for architectural photography also provide nature and landscape photographers with an essential means to better control perspective, allowing them to capture nature's beauty more accurately and naturally. Additionally, the 24mm PC lens enables professional product photographers to sight just the right shooting angles on reflective objects without capturing their own reflection in the process."
Compared to the older PC lenses from Nikon, this ones has an electromagnetic diaphragm that automatically controls aperture with the latest Nikon D-SLR cameras (that's what "E" stands for). Moreover, there are three 3 ED elements and 3 aspherical pieces to control chromatic and spherical aberrations. Additionally, the Nano Crystal Coat helps to virtually eliminate any remaining instances of ghosting and flare.
The NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED is scheduled to become available through Nikon authorized dealers in the U.S. in spring 2008 for an estimated selling price of $1929. It's pricey, but to some pros it's priceless.
The new PC-E lens comes with even more good news. Nikon is developing two more PC models that are scheduled to become available through Nikon authorized dealers during the summer of 2008.
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