Nikon announced AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm and 800mm ED VR lenses

Nikon marked the 80th anniversary of the Nikkor brand with the launch of two new lenses. The first Nikkor camera lens was introduced on the market back in 1933 under the name of Aero-Nikkor, a lens aimed at aerial photographers.

Today, Nikon expanded its camera lens lineup with the new AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens and the AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED wide-angle lens, just like the rumor mill suggested about 10 days ago.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED wide-angle lens

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f3.5-4.5G ED wide-angle lens. Credits: Nikon USA

This does not come as a surprise as the company was expected to replace the older AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED wide-angle lens. Announced as a “versatile and affordable” FX-format zoom lens, the new gear will provide great performance when shooting most types of photography, including architecture, interior, landscape, group, and portrait.

Shooting quietly is one of its main advantages, thanks to the Silent Wave Motor technology that provides very silent and very fast autofocusing. Maximum wide angle view stands at 100 degrees, while maximum aperture can be set at f/3.5. It is compatible with both FX and DX formats, as well as 35mm film.

Nikon claims a 28-centimeter minimum focus distance and a 77mm filter size. The new wide-angle lens is made of 12 elements divided into eight groups, three aspherical elements, and two ED glass elements, taking the total weight to only 385 grams / 13.6 ounces.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR super-telephoto lens. Credits: Nikon USA.

This new accessory has become the longest lens in the entire Nikkor lineup. It includes a 1.25x teleconverter, a magnesium-allow barrel, and a construction that makes it resistant to moisture and dust. The company designed this new telephoto lens for news, wildlife, and sports photographers.

It is dubbed as a “marvel of optical design” that comes packed with two ED elements that deliver improved optical performance. A Nano Crystal coating has been added in the lens, in order to prevent ghosting and flaring in the pictures.

Other features included in the package are vibration reduction with image stabilization technology, f/5.6-32 aperture range, autofocus with AF-S Silent Wave Motor, and an electronic diaphragm. The latter will be especially useful when shooting in high-speed burst mode, as it maintains consistent exposure levels.

As stated above, the AF-S teleconverter TC800-1.25E ED will be supplied by Nikon for free. It provides a maximum focal length of one thousand millimeters and is the first teleconverter ever to come equipped with an ED element.

Nikon’s new Nikkor lenses release date and price

The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED wide-angle lens release date has been scheduled for March 2013, while the bigger super-telephoto lens has been set for an April 2013 launch date. The former will cost $749.85, while the latter will be available for 17,899.95.