 The shallow depth of field created by the wide f/2 aperture offers a unique appearance to pictures combined with a pleasing background blur and bright viewfinder image and will find favour with photographers seeking to freeze movement with fast shutter speeds in low lighting conditions.
Vibration Reduction
When light levels get really low, VR can be activated to enable sharp available-light images of still subjects or when using flash. The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED is the fifth Nikkor lens to incorporate Nikon's renowned Vibration Reduction system. The system comprises of a suspended lens element that is positioned according to data from gyroscopic sensors and that compensates for accidental vertical or horizontal movement during slow shutter exposures. The Nikon VR system can also detect deliberate movement - such as panning - automatically. Exposures with three or more stops slower shutter speed compared to a lens without VR can be achieved depending on shooting conditions and the technique of individual photographers.
This VR performance can be applied in a choice of two modes to suit shooting conditions. Normal mode is ideal for common shooting conditions, including panning or when using a tripod, whilst Active mode is designed to compensate for specific shake caused when shooting at slow shutter speeds from moving platforms such as cars or aircraft.
New teleconverter for Magnified flexibility
Shorter and narrower than it's manual focus predecessor (the Nikkor 200 f/2 IF-ED), the new lens is also 14mm shorter than the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED. These compact dimensions deliver real benefits when used in combination with Nikon teleconverters like the TC-14EII and TC-20E II.
A brand new TC-17EII 1.7x teleconverter is also introduced (sold separately) to enhance the range of focal length options to factors of 1.4x, 2.0x and now, 1.7x respectively.
The use of such teleconverters with a wide aperture lens is an ideal way of adding extra focal length versatility without the expense and weight of additional lenses. Indeed, just by carrying the AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED and the aforementioned three teleconverters, photographers can gain access to a range of focal lengths that would normally require four different lenses.
Super ED glass
The new lens also features a brand new development in optical glass manufacture, a Super ED glass element.
As its name suggests, Super ED glass offers increased contrast and reduced levels of aberrations over current ED glass, so important when shooting at wide apertures. The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2.G IF-ED incorporates a total of four ED elements, the most currently available in a Nikkor SLR lens.
Speaking about this important new SLR lens development Robert Cristina, Marketing Executive, SLR Systems, Nikon Europe said: "The new AF-S VR 200mm f/2 lens offers a unique combination of exceptionally sharp results with a bright viewfinder image and attractive background blurring (bokeh) for added impact. VR enables exposures in lighting conditions beyond the limits of previous lenses, with the risk of hand-shake kept to a minimum". He added; "The f/2 aperture also comes into it's own when adding teleconverters to bring substantial weight benefits for the busy traveling photographer. The new TC-17E teleconverter magnifies focal lengths by 1.7x but with just a 1.5 stop exposure adjustment and yet still maintains full Auto focus and VR functions".
AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED Major Features
* Super ED and ED lens elements for a low refractive index and reduced dispersion
* Dual Mode Vibration Reduction
- Normal mode for general situations, panning and using a tripod
- Active mode for shooting from a moving platform (cars, aeroplanes)
* SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet, high-speed auto-focus
* Exclusive M/A option for instant manual focus override during AF
* AF Switch enables easy selection of settings:
- AF-L allows a desired focal length to be preset
- AF-ON allows fine manual manipulation
- Focus Preset reverts the lens to the preset focal length
* Meniscus protective glass
* Rubber mount gasket, tough magnesium construction
* Focuses down to just 1.9m
* Eco-Glass: environmentally friendly glass manufacturing processes |
Nikon Europe announces the introduction of a revolutionary new SLR photographic lens, the first f/2 aperture lens to feature Vibration Reduction (VR) technology (as of June 2004). The AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED heralds an exciting breakthrough in photographic performance to extend shooting opportunities beyond the limits of currently available photographic lenses. The unique combination of an f/2 maximum aperture combined with Vibration Reduction enables new photographic opportunities in light conditions previously impossible to achieve without resorting to grainy high-speed film or noise-prone digital ISO sensitivity settings. The introduction of today's AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II is a perfect accessory to use with this new lens.
