Photocommission.com

Nikon have just announced an updated version of their 80-400mm 5x telephoto zoom lens with Super ED glass and Nano Crystal Coat. It also has a revision of their VR (II, not the latest III) technology and a different lens design from its predecessor in further reducing CA. Whilst I can’t confirm this on Nikon’s website, others have reported the new lens to have weather sealing…?

Lens construction:

20 elements in 12 groups (including 4 ED glass and 1 Super ED glass elements, and Nano Crystal Coat)

vs the original‘s

17 elements in 11 groups (3 ED glass elements)

Due it’s IF motor it will now AF on all the consumer Nikon DSLR’s as well as the Pro-Sumer and Pro FX models.
DX D40, D60, D70, D80, D90, D2x, D2xx, D3xxx, D5xxx, D7xxx, D300, D300s

The reach on DX is an effective 120-600mm from f/4.5 to f/5.6 on DX. An ideal reach with an additional stated 4 stops of VR effectiveness.
FX D700, D3, D3s, D3x, D600, D700, D800, D4.

On today’s High ISO Low Noise sensors and the stated improvements of Super ED coated lens I’m keen to see the results. Even on FX it should be a useful all round lens for those who do not have the $5000+ for a prime.

03/2013: AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR2

06/2001: AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR1

To quote Nikon:

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens is a telephoto zoom lens that is compatible with both FX and DX-sized image sensors. This lens features an extensive zoom range that encompasses both portrait lengths and long-reaching telephoto lengths to suit working with a variety of subjects.

The lens construction integrates one super ED (extra-low dispersion) and four ED glass elements to help minimize chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range and also contribute to higher image sharpness, clarity, and color fidelity. A Nano Crystal Coat is also applied to individual lens elements to help reduce surface reflections and prevent lens flare and ghosting for greater overall contrast and light transmission. Built-in Vibration Reduction image stabilization also lends itself to producing sharper imagery by compensating for the effects of camera shake up to the equivalent of four shutter speed steps. Additionally, a dedicated VR setting for tripods is available for producing the sharpest imagery possible without countering the effects of the image stabilization system.

The MTF graphs look very promising & I trust real world use on today’s 16, 24 and 36MP DSLR’s provide exceptional results.