I’m sure all Nikon enthusiasts are thrilled about this announcement.
If you’re not into super-zooms you might find the other two full-frame lenses interesting (Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G ED and 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR). However, here’s what Nikon has to say about the 200-500mm. Oh, and the price tag? Well it’s a nice £1,179.99 / €1,599.
Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR, a super-telephoto zoom lens compatible with Nikon FX-format digital SLR cameras.
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a 2.5x super-telephoto zoom lens that supports the 200-500 mm*1 range of focal lengths with a maximum aperture of f/5.6. Adoption of ED glass elements achieves superior optical performance with which chromatic aberration is suppressed.
In addition, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) function that exhibits the highest level of camera shake compensation available with a NIKKOR lens—equivalent to a 4.5-stop*2 increase in shutter speed. It is also equipped with a SPORT VR mode, which enables effective photography of athletes and other subjects that move quickly and unpredictably. What’s more, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is equipped with an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism that enables stable exposure control with high-speed continuous shooting for comfortable hand-held shooting that captures the decisive moment as a wild bird flaps its wings, or of an airplane in flight.
This super-telephoto zoom lens brings distant subjects closer and makes them stand out from backgrounds with the shallow depth of field and large bokeh (pleasing blur characteristics) common to this type of lens. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a super-telephoto zoom lens that allows anyone, from those new to super-telephoto photography to experienced photo enthusiasts, to easily enjoy sharp, blur-free rendering throughout the entire zoom range.
- *1When used with a DX-format digital SLR camera, the effective angles of view are equivalent to those of a lens with focal lengths of 300-750 mm in 35mm [135] format.
- *2When a digital SLR camera equipped with a full-size image sensor is used. Measured with the zoom lens at the maximum telephoto position in NORMAL VR mode in accordance with CIPA standards.
Source: Nikon
That looks like an epic lens, wonder if Canon will follow suit (they seem to always be followers, I am a canon photographer btw)
Canon recentky introduced their updated 100-400, which sells for $2100. It would be the closest competitor to this, aimed at the exact same users. A direct comparison will certainly be entertained soon.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100-400mm-f-4.5-5.6-L-IS-II-USM-Lens.aspx