Nikon reveals new FX format lens

Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR
Nikon's new 70-200mm lens has a constant maximum aperture of f/4 and a 5-stop VR system

Nikon has introduced a new high performance Nikkor lens, a 70-200mm telephoto zoom.

Specifically designed for events, travel, wildlife and sport, the lens has a constant maximum aperture of f/4 throughout its zoom range.

The lens is the first optic to be equipped with Nikon's next-generation Vibration Reduction system which allows for up to 5-stop compensation. This enables photographers to shoot at shutter speeds five stops slower than would otherwise be possible when handholding the camera. Nikon says that this is a significant upgrade to greatly minimise the effects of camera shake, and improving low-light shooting capabilities.

Three VR modes are available on the lens. Normal can be used for everyday shooting. Active is to minimise the high-frequency camera shake experienced when shooting from a moving vehicle. Finally, Tripod Detection mode is also included.

Lens modes

Both Normal and Active VR modes offer a stable viewfinder image, which is designed to make focus-point acquisition and framing more comfortable and precise.

Tripod Detection mode reduces vibration due to shutter release when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

The lens has 20 elements in 14 groups and also includes Nikon's Nano Crystal Coating which helps to reduce flare and ghosting.

A dedicated tripod collar ring is also available as an optional extra to help improve tripod balance and allow for a quick and smooth transition between vertical and horizontal orientation when shooting in either portrait or landscape format.

The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/4G ED VR price will be £1,172.99/US$1,869/AU$1,821 with a release date of 29th November 2012.

Amy Davies

Amy has been writing about cameras, photography and associated tech since 2009. Amy was once part of the photography testing team for Future Publishing working across TechRadar, Digital Camera, PhotoPlus, N Photo and Photography Week. For her photography, she has won awards and has been exhibited. She often partakes in unusual projects - including one intense year where she used a different camera every single day. Amy is currently the Features Editor at Amateur Photographer magazine, and in her increasingly little spare time works across a number of high-profile publications including Wired, Stuff, Digital Camera World, Expert Reviews, and just a little off-tangent, PetsRadar.