On May 31st, 2017 Nikon announced three new wide-angle lenses, which the company says will deliver “brilliant image quality and maximum versatility whether shooting vast landscapes, architecture, interiors, events and many other wide-angle applications.”
The AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
The new ultra-wide, lightweight zoom for DX-format cameras (pictured above) will likely find its way into quite a few DX-shooter’s camera bags with a suggested retail price just over $300. For an ultra-wide zoom, the new 10-20mm looks to be very compact and portable.
Nikon says the new 10-20mm lens features the equivalent of 3.5 stops of Vibration Reduction (VR) performance, which helps photographers capture sharp images handheld in low light. The lens also utilizes Nikon’s Pulse Motor technology for fast and quiet AF operation. Video shooters know how important quiet AF is when recording. The 10-20mm lens features three aspherical elements, which improve image quality and reduce distortion, even at the widest focal length.
The lens has a close minimum focusing distance of only 8.6 inches (0.22 meters) making it easier to capture small objects.
AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED
The new 8-15mm fisheye (pictured above) is Nikon’s first fisheye zoom. Nikon says he new lens will give photographers and filmmakers an FX-format lens “with the look and feel of a circular fisheye and the versatility of a full-frame fisheye, all in one lens.”
The 8-15mm fisheye provides a circular 180-degree vertical/horizontal angle of view on full frame cameras, and zooms to a non-circular fisheye view (180-degree diagonal angle of view) on the long end of the focal range. The lens can also be used on DX-format cameras as well, albeit with a crop factor.
As a Nikon Gold Ring Series lens, it is constructed of lightweight magnesium alloy, and employs internal focusing (IF) to retain its compact size, even while focusing. It’s also Nikon’s latest lens to use an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure during high speed shooting, or smooth exposure control while capturing video.
The lens contains three ED elements to reduce chromatic aberration and two aspherical lens elements to minimize coma. Additionally, the front lens element is coated with Nikon’s non-stick Fluorine coat to help resist dirt, fingerprints and smudges, while Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat helps reduce ghost and flare.
AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.4E ED
The new 28mm (pictured above) is Nikon’s fastest lens in that focal length with a maximum aperture of f/1.4. It also has nine blade rounded diaphragm, which in combination with a fast aperture provides “shallow depth of field with gorgeous bokeh and stellar low light performance, making it a great choice for shooting low light landscapes, interiors and events.”
The lens body is composed of lightweight magnesium alloy, and features dust and water drop resistant sealing to withstand the elements, combined with a fluorine coating to resist dirt and smudges. The lens contains 14 elements in 11 groups, with three aspherical elements which Nikon claims to “virtually eliminate coma, aberration and distortion.” Two ED glass elements help minimize chromatic aberration. The lens also uses Nikon’s Nano Crystal coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare.
Price and Availability
The Nikon AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED will be available immediately for a suggested retail price (SRP)* of $1249.95. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR and AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.4E ED will be available in late June for a suggested retail price (SRP)*, $309.95 and $1999.95, respectively. For more information on these NIKKOR lenses as well as the latest Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
