Nikon unveils new AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm telephoto lens

Nikon has revealed the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, a refreshed telephoto zoom lens, which comes packed with one of the fastest autofocus systems on the market.

Nikon is a fan of telephoto zoom lenses. The company felt that it was necessary to release a new version of its 80-400mm lens, about 10 years after its predecessor.

The AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR telephoto zoom lens has been unveiled by Nikon and it will become available in the near future with a 4-stop image stabilization technology.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens provides four-stop image stabilization.

One of the fastest AF systems in its class

The AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens is aimed at Nikon FX cameras. However, the optic is also supported by DX cameras, offering a 35mm equivalent of 120-600mm.

The latest Nikkor lens provides 5x optical zoom and improved optical performance, when compared to the previous generation. The Japan-based manufacturer claims that the “super-telephoto” optic features one of the fastest in-class autofocus systems.

Its broad range allows photographers to capture amazing images of the wildlife, but it is great for landscapes, sports, or airplane photography, too.

New lens with a new optical design

Nikon announced that the lens is based on a new optical design which consists of four ED elements and one Super ED element. A Nano Crystal Coating allows it to prevent ghosting and flare effects.

Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor makes the autofocus system very quiet, while the Vibration Reduction technology provides 4-stop image stabilization support.

The company claims that it designed the new 80-400mm lens to take advantage of the characteristics of high-megapixel Nikon cameras, including the D600, D800, and D800E.

Moreover, the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR offers three focus modes, such as AF priority, manual priority, and manual.

Nikon added that the lens can be used along with a 1.4x teleconverter to support autofocus at a maximum aperture of f/8.

Nikon to ship the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm this spring

The new super-telephoto lens measures 3.76-inch in diameter and 7.99-inch in length. The Nikkor 80-40mm lens weighs 3.46lbs and will become available only in Black.

Nikon has scheduled the AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR’s release date for April 2013, with a price tag of $2,699.95.

It is worth noting that it will become available sooner in Europe, with March 19 as the expected shipping date and £2,449.99 as the MSRP.