A new zoom lens is coming from Nikon: it’s AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR. It’s designed for Nikon full-frame cameras, and video shooters will especially find it attractive because of the fast and quiet AF performance. This is the first FX Nikkor lens with a stepping motor, which makes the AF fast, smooth and quiet. Additionally, it’s equipped with VR function that provides a level of compensation equivalent to a 4.5-stop increase in shutter speed, which is an improvement over their current 70-300 f/4-5.6 lens. Nikon has released a sample video filmed with this lens, along with some more details and specs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUZoimzYvjs The new Nikkor 70-300mm is lighter and otherwise improved over its predecessor. As mentioned above, the VR system provides up to 4.5 stops of VR stabilization, while the previous model offered 2.5. The AF is quiet due to the stepping motor, which is especially useful for video shooting. With this lens, you can get closer, because the minimum focus distance is 3.94 ft. (1.2 meters). Finally, the lens combines the fast burst speed of Nikon DSLR cameras and the Electronic Diaphragm. This provides smooth exposure transitions during video shooting, but also helps maintain consistent exposure during high-speed stills shooting. The lens features 18 elements in 14 groups and a 9-blade aperture. Even though it’s made for FX format, you can, of course, use it on crop bodies as well. In this case, the equivalent range will be 105-450mm. Take a look at the full specs: Focal Length Range 70 -300 mm Maximum Aperture f/ 4.5-5.6 Format FX/35mm VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization Yes Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length) 3.2 in. (80.5 mm) x 5.7 in. (146 mm) Distance from camera lens mount flangeBased on CIPA Guidelines Approx. Weight 24 oz. (680 g) Based on CIPA Guidelines Mount Type Nikon F-BayonetBuilt-in CPU Focal Length Range 70 – 300 mm Zoom Ratio 4.3 x Maximum Aperture f/ 4.5-5.6 Minimum Aperture f/ 32-40 Format FX/35mm Maximum Angle of View (DX-format) 22°50′ Minimum Angle of View (DX-format) 5°20′ Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) 34°20′ Minimum Angle of View (FX-format) 8°10′ Maximum Reproduction Ratio 0.25 x Lens Elements 18 Lens Groups 14 Compatible Format(s) FX / DX VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization Yes Diaphragm Blades 9 ED Glass Elements 1 Super Integrated Coating Yes Autofocus Yes Autofocus controlled by stepping motor; separate focus ring for manual focus AF-P (Pulse Motor) Yes Internal Focusing Yes Minimum Focus Distance 3.94 ft. (1.2 m) From focal plane at all zoom positions Focus Mode Auto/Manual E-type Yes Filter Size 67 mm Accepts Filter Type Screw-on Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length) 3.2 in. (80.5 mm) x 5.7 in. (146 mm) Distance from camera lens mount flangeBased on CIPA Guidelines Approx. Weight 24 oz. (680 g) Based on CIPA Guidelines The new Nikkor 70-300mm will be available for preorders soon, and the suggested retail price is $699.95. There is no information yet on the exact availability date, but stay tuned, as we’ll update the post as soon as we know more about it.
