Ian Robson: December 2009

Thursday, December 24, 2009

And for Christmas I would like...

Nikon Introduces the AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G ED VR II

Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto lens, the AF-S VR NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED. The new telephoto lens features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it an ideal choice for serious sports, action and wildlife photographers.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: "The new lens’s comparatively light weight and compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for hand held super telephoto photography, particularly when used with a teleconverter. The new VRII system allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower, making this a practical solution for the news and wildlife photographer".
The evolution of the AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G ED VR II NIKKOR lens reflects a commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Sharper action images The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G ED VR II features second generation built-in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved when using the camera for hand-held shooting. In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting. Weighing in at 2,900g this is a lens that ticks every box for those who are serious about action photography..

Built for any environment This super telephoto lens is designed with the photographer in mind and has the same excellent optical system as its predecessor. Those who need extreme speed and quiet to capture wildlife, can rely on the autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure you won’t disrupt the action. To top off the extensive features, this lens is also sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture, allowing photographers to keep shooting whatever the conditions. Finally, the lens construction features eleven elements in eight groups, including three ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat.

On sale from: 29th January 2010

Specifications Focal length: 300mm
Max/min aperture: Min f/22 Max f/2.8
Lens construction: 11 elements in 8 groups
Picture angle: 8◦10'
No. diaphragm blades: 9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance: 2.3m/7.5ft. (AF); 2.2m/7.2ft. (MF)
Filter/attachment size: 52mm
Diameter x length: Approx. 124 x 267.5 mm/ 4.9 x 10.5 in.
Weight: 2,900g

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

NASA Orders D3s DSLRs and Interchangeable Lenses from Nikon

Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) is pleased to announce that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has placed an order for eleven D3S digital SLR cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses to be used for photographic documentation.

The D3S digital SLR cameras and AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses ordered by NASA will be carried on the Space Shuttle and used to photograph activities at the International Space Station (ISS) in the future.

No special modifications will be made to these products. They will be the same products available to end-users, confirming the incredible versatility of the D3S. This equipment will be used along with the Nikon D2XS digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR lenses, and Nikon Speedlights already in use at the International Space Station.

Nikon has spent many years contributing to NASA's study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras as well as of NIKKOR lenses that make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies, and of which production has recently reached fifty million units. To date, NASA has captured more than 700,000 images using Nikon equipment carried into space. Space, however, is not the only extreme environment in which Nikon equipment is used. Nikon also provides official observation equipment used in exploring the Antarctic.