Nikon 200-500mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens patent discovered in Japan

Nikon has filed for a patent describing an FX-format 200-500mm f/3.5-5.6 lens that may be released for full frame cameras in the near future.

Nikon has been actively developing new lenses for its FX cameras and the first results may be seen in the not so distant future. The Japan-based company has just patented a 200-500mm lens, which is especially designed for its full frame cameras.

Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S SWM SIC ED IF VR II super telephoto zoom lens might soon be joined by a new FX-format lens that will up the zoom range to 500mm. The Japanese company has filed for a Nikkor 200-500mm f/3.5-5.6 lens patent, while the product is rumored to be announced soon.

Nikon files patent for FX-format Nikkor 200-500mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens in Japan

A patent filing has been recently discovered by sources in Japan. It has been revealed that the Japanese company filed for the new lens patent on November 4, 2011. However, the patent has just been published, following the natural order of things.

The new patent, published on May 20, 2013, describes a Nikon 200-500mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens aimed at FX cameras, such as the D800.

Nikon 200-500mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens patent consists of two different designs

Unfortunately, the patent description is not revealing too many details, other than Nikon developing multiple versions of the optic.

The upcoming Nikkor lens is said to provide a focal length between 200 and 480mm, thanks to a 2.40x zoom ratio. The aperture will range between 3.6 and 5.6, while the lens itself will be made out of 14 elements split into 11 groups. Another thing worth mentioning is the addition of an ED glass element.

The second lens calculation describes a 199.99-480mm lens with f/4.1-5.6 aperture range and a different design. This version consists of 15 elements divided in 11 groups. The similarity consists of the single ED glass element, though it is clear that Nikon is currently testing multiple models.

Nikon is already selling two zooms around the 400mm mark for FX DSLRs

The lens could become available at some point into the future, since other patents are related to this one, while Nikon is trying to expand its zoom lens offerings for FX DSLRs.

For the time being, the Japanese manufacturer is offering a 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II lens, which is available at Amazon for $6,749, along with an 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR optic, which can be purchased at the same retailer for $2,696.95, for full frame cameras that go near the 400mm mark.

This one could go up to 500mm, which will be a nice feature for wildlife photographers. However, the price will play a major role in the sales numbers, so it is preferred to wait until the company reveals this product.