Nikon has updated their professional 300mm f/2.8 lens and the TC-20E 2x teleconverter. The new AF-S DX Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens uses the latest version of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction optical image stabilization system and has expanded auto focus controls. Nikon claims the new VR II image stabilization system can get sharp photos at shutter speeds as much as four stops slower than normal. Along with the previous M (manual) and M/A (manual priority) focus modes, the new 300mm f/2.8G VR II lens also has a new A/M focus mode, which offers, “fast, secure switching from automatic and manual focus.”
The 300mm f/2.8 lens is one of the most important and coveted lenses among serious sports and wildlife photographers. So it’s no surprise that Nikon users are excited about the updated Nikkor. With the new VR II system and new focus mode it should increase the ratio of sharp photos as well as offer more focusing flexibility. I might have missed something, but looking closely at the specs of the new 300mm VR II lens, it appears to be optically identical to the previous version. Not being a hardcore Nikon shooter, I don’t have any experience with the old 300mm f/2.8 so I can’t say whether updated optics would really be an improvement. But it’s always nice when the glass is improved in a new version of an existing lens. Maybe someone who owns the current 300mm f/2.8 VR Nikkor can weigh in on this.
The new AF-S DX Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens should be available in January of 2010. The suggested retail price is $5,899.95. Nikon is also introducing a new teleconverter, the Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III. That will also be available in January with an MSRP of $499.95.
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens & AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III Press Release >>
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